Nonprofit Mississippi News CLARKSDALE — In six months, the first charter school in rural Mississippi will open its doors. However, school officials have a long list of tasks to complete. These include hiring administrators and assistants, setting up bus routes, purchasing buses, and hiring staff. Amanda Johnson, Clarksdale Collegiate’s executive director, said that they have made significant progress and are completing each item one by one. Johnson, who was previously the director of a KIPP charter high school in Arkansas, stated that Clarksdale Collegiate had identified St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, as its first, albeit temporary, home and was able close the deal Friday. Johnson says she is pleased with the fundraising efforts so far and that enrollment has been off to a good start. Clarksdale Collegiate initially proposed that 150 students in grades K-2 would be enrolled. They have received 69 applicants for students to join them. Johnson stated that the first deadline for applications was Jan. 30, and that most, if not all of the applicants were from Coahoma County. Each step is a significant milestone in the process to get ready for next fall’s school. However, Johnson doesn’t forget that not everyone in the community is as excited about Clarksdale Collegiate. Johnson explained to Mississippi Today last week that schools in the Delta are desperately needed. Clarksdale Collegiate believes that we are part the solution to providing quality education for Clarksdale’s children. It is clear that Clarksdale has a pressing need for education. She said that this is not something to debate. “When you talk with community members, parents, and even students, you will hear a common theme: (our schools) must improve. There needs to be more opportunities for students. She said that this is something she’s heard from all sides of the issue. Many in the community are concerned that the school will take resources, including educators, from existing school districts that are already in financial trouble and have been underfunded for many years. Some are against the charter, but others are open to exploring the possibilities. Ray Sykes, a Clarksdale traditional school supporter, stated that although he doesn’t like charter schools, they are now an integral part of Clarksdale and all schools should do well. “We must ensure that our traditional public schools (districts) work and our charter school operates. Are you in agreement? No. It was approved, but it passed. Guess who it is? Sykes said, “It’s our charter school.” For those looking to enroll their children at Clarksdale Collegiate it’s all about honest evaluation of their child’s needs. Shirley Johnson, who enrolled Lauren Bailey as a Clarksdale Collegiate second grader, said that if you want to kick the program because it’s costing money, that would be a bad idea. Her grandmother said that Lauren is a bright student who was recognized as a superintendent’s scholar. She also maintained an A average and won awards for her high scores on Math assessments when she was a Booker T. Washington Elementary International Studies Magnet school first grader. Shirley Johnson was confident that Booker T. Washington teachers did a “great job” teaching her granddaughter. However, she was concerned about the school’s lack of curriculum that would help advanced students. Clarksdale resident said that if children are in class and learn to add numbers, Lauren, and other students, have mastered it so they don’t get to go on.” “They are stuck because they wait on other students.” Shirley Johnson stated that she did her research on charter schools and Clarksdale Collegiate’s plans. She told her granddaughter that she owed this to her. Clarksdale Collegiate is what she said she found: more resources, flexibility in curriculum, structured learning environments, and better prepared students for college success. These are the qualities that the traditional public school system lacks. “We don’t have to follow the crowd when we make decisions for our children and ourselves. Shirley Johnson said that everyone is going to be different. If we have a legitimate reason, then we’ll be different.” Some people aren’t convinced the positives outweigh any negatives. Clarksdale Municipal Schools District Superintendent Dennis Dupree traveled to Jackson last month to address a panel on school funding, charter schools, and vouchers. He stated that the Mississippi Delta authorizer board was creating a “perfect storm” that doesn’t need to exist. “Clarksdale Collegiate was not necessary because we have never been fully funded, but once. We don’t have teachers. Where are the teachers? He said that we are a small district, and currently have 22 teachers short. “The Delta is a unique region. When there’s a teacher shortage in the entire region, now you bring in an additional school system. That’s going to even take from that population. Dupree stated to Mississippi Today that no charter school will be established in the Delta. Clarksdale Collegiate was approved by the Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board in September. It focuses on being unapologetically college-preparatory, starting with kindergarteners through second-graders. The long-term vision is for an open enrollment K-8 school in the 2028 school year. The school’s goal over the next two years is to raise $1.5million. Johnson stated that they have raised $725,000 so far through grants from foundations. Johnson stated that they have received grant money as well as funds from private donors. However, they are excited to apply for the charter program grant. The U.S. Department of Education granted a $15 million grant to the charter school authority board in October to help them with their start-up costs. This included teachers and staff hiring, as well as securing facilities and technical assistance. Clarksdale Collegiate, the only charter school in the state that is eligible for funding to cover start-up costs, has met the criteria. Johnson said that the school is not dependent on these funds but noted that it will allow them to “really feel secure” and “allow us to make the necessary changes now to ensure the school’s success.” This has been a controversial topic, particularly in this community. Many people are confused about whether charter schools are public or private. Charter schools, which are public schools without tuition fees, allow administrators and teachers more control over student instruction. They follow the same academic and accountability standards that traditional public schools. Sykes, a long-time resident, fears that teachers from the traditional public school system are applying for jobs at Clarksdale Collegiate. Sykes said that Sykes knows teachers who support charter schools and believe that charter schools are the best way to go. However, they are in public schools that are not functioning as they should. I see many supporters in the school. Is it possible that they don’t care anymore about public education. It worries me, and I know many of the teachers personally. So I look at it and say what is the difference between traditional public schools and charter schools – charter schools suddenly has the answer. Public schools have been trying to find the right answer for a long while.” Supporters of the new school stated that it is a fantastic opportunity to improve education. Clarksdale’s charter school hearing was held in August. A former teacher stated that increasing literacy time was one reason she supported this school. One resident for over 30 years said that this school could produce more skilled workers. Charter school debate: “Better” or “just different?” Sykes is concerned that students will not be selected and those who are most in need of support won’t be admitted to the charter school. Sykes said that he had seen the community rally behind local school districts, but this could not have occurred without having a conversation about charters schools. Sykes said that conversations about improving the districts in crisis – such as hiring teachers certified and funding – have not taken place. Sykes said, “I commend the person who came up with the idea for charter schools and the state of Mississippi for passing it, but I believe the greatest problem is that there’s not enough emphasis on improving our public school systems.” The charter school will not make public schools better. Getting the community buy-in and staffing – two of the issues raised during the panel discussion on Mississippi Today’s viability of charter schools – are still challenges. Clarksdale was concerned about a charter school. Before the charter school was approved by the state, school officials met with community groups, held interest meetings for the public and had one-to-one conversations with residents to get their support. She said that advertising on social media, local billboards and knocking on doors have helped to increase their presence in order to attract teachers and students. Although applications have been received for the initial round of students, no full-time staff members have yet been hired. Johnson said that final interviews are currently being held with potential candidates for the Director of Operations and teacher positions. Applications for teacher assistants positions and office manager positions will soon be posted on the website. Kayleigh Skinner