Two charter schools seek board’s blessing

Terry Webster

Thursday, June 8, 2000 | 11:06 a.m.

Two new charter-school applications will be reviewed by the Clark County School Board.

Organizers of Tech World Public Charter School, which will emphasize technology, and the Las Vegas Charter School of the Deaf will present their plans Friday before the board.

"I love the concept of charter schools," School Board President Mary Beth Scow said. "Both of these will serve a real need in the community."

Scow said the School Board has been very supportive of charter schools, but wants to review the applications carefully to make sure they are properly set up.

Various school division leaders in areas such as finance and curriculum have reviewed the applications and forwarded their comments to board members.

"It makes it easier for us to digest the information," Scow said.

Plans for Tech World call for an emphasis on analytical and technological skills geared toward the individual student.

The school, which will target students in grades six through 12, expects to start with about 256 students in sixth and seventh grade this fall, said Craig Kadlub, director of accountability and compliance for the school district. Additional grade levels would be added each year.

Tech World organizers are in the process of securing a building, Kadlub said.

The Las Vegas Charter School for the Deaf, on the other hand, will start on a smaller scale.

"They will be serving about 25 elementary school students," Kadlub said. "They have received permission to use a building in a church facility for classroom space."

Instruction will differ from the way Clark County schools teach deaf students, Kadlub said. Those differences are slated to be explained during Friday's meeting, set for 3 p.m. at the Education Center on Flamingo Road.

"Both schools would like to parallel our curriculum," Kadlub said.