Archive: Around Town

On Monday, January 27, 2014, the State University of New York’s Board of Trustees Committee on Charter Schools voted unanimously to renew New Roots Charter School’s charter for three years.

With this vote, the SUNY trustees accepted the recommendation of Charter Schools Institute staff as detailed in the renewal recommendation report, which states, “New Roots is becoming an academic success...the school is developing a strong leadership structure and is implementing an instructional program that is likely to support college and career readiness.”

“We are honored and inspired to be found deserving of charter renewal by an authorizer recognized nationally as a leader in authorizing high-quality schools that are leaders in educational innovation,” said New Roots Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Jason Hamilton.

The Charter Schools Institute, the administrative arm of the SUNY trustees charged with oversight of charter schools cited evidence that the achievement of New Roots students was related to the school’s faithful implementation of the program described in the original charter, saying, “The principal/superintendent, who is a forceful steward of the school’s mission of providing an interdisciplinary academic program with hands-on, community-based learning in the context of sustainability education, creates a rich learning environment for a diverse student population. The school instills high expectations for teacher performance and student learning.”

The Institute also cited evidence of quality organizational functioning:  “The school is an effective and viable organization. The board carries out its oversight with attention to the school mission and student achievement as well as a clear sense of its governance responsibilities. The school organization effectively supports the delivery of the educational program.”

“SUNY’s goal is to be a key engine of revitalization for New York State’s economy and to enhance the quality of life for our state’s citizens by realizing six big ideas: an Entrepreneurial Century, a Seamless Education Pipeline, a Healthier New York, an Energy-Smart New York, a Vibrant Community, and connection to the World,” said Tina Nilsen-Hodges, New Roots Principal,  Superintendent and school founder.  “Our founding team chose SUNY as our authorizer because our school’s mission is part of this larger vision of service to our great state. We are proud to be part of the Power of SUNY, and honored to have another charter term to continue this good work.”

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