The Maine Charter School Commission is currently soliciting proposals for new public charter schools that would begin serving students in the fall of 2015.
In a request for proposals (RFP) published Wednesday, the Commission seeks detailed applications from capable school developers who are committed to educating their students well in a successful, sustainable, high quality charter school.
A copy of the RFP and supporting documents can be obtained at www.maine.gov/csc/ or by contacting the Commission via email at mcsc@maine.gov, by mail at 182 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0182 or by phone at 207-624-6729. Additionally, an informational meeting will be held on June 18 in Augusta for potential applicants to learn more about the RFP and process.
An entity that intends to submit an application in response to an RFP must file a Letter of Intent with the Commission by June 25. Completed applications will be due by 5 p.m. on August 25.
In 2011, Governor Paul R. LePage signed legislation making Maine the 41st state to allow charter schools and establishing the seven-member Commission as an authorizer of up to 10 public charter schools through June 30, 2022. Local school boards can additionally authorize public charter schools.
Currently, there are five charter schools serving more than 400 Maine students including Cornville Regional Charter School, the Maine Academy of Natural Sciences in Hinckley, Baxter Academy for Technology and Science in Portland, Fiddlehead School of Arts and Science in Gray and Harpswell Coastal Academy. A sixth, Maine Connections Academy, is set to open this fall and will be Maine’s first virtual public charter school.