MUNCIE | Ball State University has pulled its sponsorship of seven Indiana charter schools -- including two in Gary -- plagued by long-running academic woes.
Charter School of the Dunes and LEAD College Preparatory Charter School were among those that had their charters revoked by Ball State.
Knowing that its charter might not be renewed, West Gary Lighthouse Charter School chose to withdraw its application for renewal. Like the Charter School of the Dunes and LEAD College Preparatory Charter School in Gary, West Gary Lighthouse Charter School is scheduled to close June 30.
Office of Charter School Executive Director Bob Marra said in a statement Tuesday that an extensive review of 20 of the charter schools Ball State sponsors showed that the seven schools' "current success or progress isn't sufficient." The university's contract with all seven of the schools will end June 30.
Danielle Sleight, president of the board of directors for Charter School of the Dunes, said they will appeal the decision.
"We will file that appeal this week," Sleight said Tuesday. "We're appealing based on the fact that we don't feel we should be closed. I don't want to go into all of the details right now. My only statement is that we don't feel we should be closed and we're appealing that decision."
Ball State's decision is particularly difficult for Charter School of the Dunes, which has embarked on a $13 million construction project. The school board voted to construct a new school building at the intersection of U.S. 20 and Old Hobart Road. The building is expected to be complete by July.
Officials at West Gary Lighthouse Charter could not be reached for comment immediately. Marra said Ball State has been told that West Gary Lighthouse Charter will close and restructure. He said they intend to reopen with two elementary schools, a middle school and a high school.
The renewal review process allows for the schools to request reconsideration of the university's decision. Schools must request reconsideration within 10 business days. For those making such a request, a hearing will be held with the Ball State University Charter Schools Hearing Panel. The panel would submit a recommendation to the president of the university in early March. The president's decision, based on the panel's recommendation, is final.
The other schools denied contract renewals are three Fort Wayne charter schools, Imagine MASTer Academy, Timothy L. Johnson Academy and Imagine Schools on Broadway. Also, Imagine Indiana Life Sciences Academy-East in Indianapolis and Kenneth A. Christmon STEMM Leadership Academy in Richmond.
Associated Press contributed to this story.