Spokane Public Schools Gets Green Light as First Charter Authorizer in WA

The only district so far

Spokane Public Schools is the first district in Washington to become a charter school authorizer after the state Board of Education voted unanimously Wednesday to approve its application.

The district was the only one that submitted an application by the July 1 deadline.

Since before Initiative 1240's final tally in November, Spokane Public Schools has pushed to become a charter school authorizer. Superintendent Shelley Redinger says the district needs to be a leader or choosing the right charter school for the district will be out of its control.

Charter schools are nontraditional specialty schools operating under a contract that outlines powers, responsibilities and performance expectations. The schools will still be public, each governed by its own board, and often focus on a particular study area or learning method.