By Jonathan Madsen
The few charter schools in Utah celebrated National Charter Schools Week with a visit from several government figures within one of their own halls.
Charter schools such as Center City School in Salt Lake City are public schools but have distinct differences from other district-based public schools. The primary difference is that these schools don”t have district boundaries. They are publicly funded schools with specific charters.
On Thursday, the Center City School welcomed Bill Hansen, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education as well as Governor Michael O. Leavitt, State Superintendent Steven O. Laing and State Senator Howard A. Stephenson. Representatives from most of the other 11 charter schools as well as some students also attended.
Secretary Hansen noted that only 39 states in the nation support charter schools. “Alex Haley said, ”find the good and praise it.” I think that”s what we”re doing here today,” he said.
The assembly before about 50 people began with Center City School students performing the popular song “Graduation (Friends Forever)” in sign language. It concluded with young singers enrolled in the John Hancock School, a new school that doesn”t begin class until August.
This is only the second year for the Center City School, which is one of the first in the state. Center City”s charter presently caters to junior high students in general education.
Other Utah charter schools are more specific in their purpose. Jean Massieu School in Riverton has a heavy focus on American Sign Language.
“I think Utah wanted to see how well it worked elsewhere before they tried it here,” said Mary Andrews, language arts teacher at Center City School.
Because charter schools acknowledge no district boundaries, some students come from the East Bench, Syracuse, Bountiful and Tooele to attend the Center City School located near downtown.
“Anyone can come, but it”s up to the kids to get here,” Andrews said.
Most students, such as Center City student Pat Gardner, really like the concept.
“Here you can be more creative, learn more and be more in depth,” he said. The 13-year-old Gardner from the Avenues in Salt Lake attended a normal district school two years ago.
The school itself is actually three renovated buildings: an office, a dance studio and a daycare center.
Students have one complaint. “It”s just too small here. We need a bigger place,” said Roger Tanaka, a 13-year-old Center City student.
