Michigan school district terminates charter to financially benefit itself

By Anne Schieber | Michigan Capitol Confidential

While enrollment in the Livonia Public Schools has been declining, a charter public school in its shadow has been growing in popularity. And now that growth could come to an abrupt halt.

Shortly before the school year ended, the district notified Hinoki International School that it was terminating its building lease and starting a carbon-copy Japanese language immersion program in the fall. The move will essentially put Hinoki out of business because the charter cannot find space on short notice in the land-locked city of Livonia. Hinoki is authorized by Livonia Public Schools and must operate within its boundaries.

The charter could find a new authorizer, which would allow it to move to another city. Two parties are interested, but not until the 2015–16 school year when it’s current charter expires.

at Michigan Capitol Confidential.