GENTRY — It's now official! The Arkansas Board of Education granted the Gentry Public School District a conversion charter. The district received official approval by letter on Friday.
A letter from Alexandra Boyd, director of charter schools for the Arkansas Department of Education, addressed to Randy Barrett, district superintendent for Gentry Public Schools, stated:
"On November 19, 2015, the Charter Authorizing Panel met and approved the application for Gentry High School Conversion Charter. On Thursday, December 10, 2015, the State Board of Education declined to review the decision made by the Panel. Therefore, the Charter Authorizing Panel’s approval of the application is final.
"The ADE will issue a local education agency (LEA) number for Gentry High School Conversion Charter and enter the charter school into the ADE system for the 2016-2017 school year. A charter contract agreement is forthcoming and will include all waivers approved by the Charter Authorizing Panel Hearing.
"I look forward to assisting you and other members of your team as you prepare to open Gentry High School Conversion Charter for the 2016-2017 school year...."
The state's board of education minutes reflected the decision not to review the authorizing panel's recommendation and to allow the recommendation to stand.