News articles 2013 - Gulen charter schools
last updated June 29, 2014
Dec 28, 2013 Washington Post, Washington DC
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s turmoil may stem from a former ally
Nationwide Gulen charter school chain; Truebright Science Academy, Philadelphia PA; Concept Schools/Horizon Science Academy, Chicago IL
"In the United States, he [Fethullah Gulen] has been the inspiration behind a rapidly growing network of public charter schools, including a school scheduled to open in the District in August. His movement has also built ties to local and national political leaders, lauding them with awards and sending them on trips to Turkey."
The article also mentions a civil rights lawsuit against Truebright Science Academy alleging discrimination against non-Turkish nationals. It further mentions the approval by the Illinois State Charter Commission of two schools that Concept Schools applied for, which were initially rejected by Chicago Public Schools. It is noted that Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan created the commission, and had been on a number of Gulen Movement-sponsored trips to Turkey.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s turmoil may stem from a former ally
Nationwide Gulen charter school chain; Truebright Science Academy, Philadelphia PA; Concept Schools/Horizon Science Academy, Chicago IL
"In the United States, he [Fethullah Gulen] has been the inspiration behind a rapidly growing network of public charter schools, including a school scheduled to open in the District in August. His movement has also built ties to local and national political leaders, lauding them with awards and sending them on trips to Turkey."
The article also mentions a civil rights lawsuit against Truebright Science Academy alleging discrimination against non-Turkish nationals. It further mentions the approval by the Illinois State Charter Commission of two schools that Concept Schools applied for, which were initially rejected by Chicago Public Schools. It is noted that Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan created the commission, and had been on a number of Gulen Movement-sponsored trips to Turkey.
Dec 17, 2013 US News and World Report, Washington DC (link)
Nationwide Gulen charter school chain
Turkey's Political Civil War
“It [the Gulen Movement] is one of the largest players, for example, in the American charter school market.”
Nationwide Gulen charter school chain
Turkey's Political Civil War
“It [the Gulen Movement] is one of the largest players, for example, in the American charter school market.”
Dec 13, 2013 The Advocate, Baton Rouge LA (link)
Kenilworth Science and Technology Charter School, Baton Rouge LA
"Six days before state and federal agents raided Kenilworth Science and Technology Charter School in Baton Rouge, confiscating boxes of records Wednesday, the middle school easily earned state approval to keep operating until 2019. That decision came despite the abrupt closure in 2011 of its sister school in New Orleans for a variety of problems, a subsequent investigation of Kenilworth, and evidence of inquiries by federal authorities going back to 2010, the year after the charter school opened its doors."
Kenilworth Science and Technology Charter School, Baton Rouge LA
"Six days before state and federal agents raided Kenilworth Science and Technology Charter School in Baton Rouge, confiscating boxes of records Wednesday, the middle school easily earned state approval to keep operating until 2019. That decision came despite the abrupt closure in 2011 of its sister school in New Orleans for a variety of problems, a subsequent investigation of Kenilworth, and evidence of inquiries by federal authorities going back to 2010, the year after the charter school opened its doors."
Dec 12, 2013 The Advocate, Baton Rouge LA (link)
Kenilworth Science and Technology Charter School, Baton Rouge LA
FBI descends on Kenilworth charter school
"State and federal agents descended Wednesday upon the Kenilworth Science and Technology Charter School and carted away boxes from the Baton Rouge school.
But details of their investigation remained a closely guarded secret..."
Kenilworth Science and Technology Charter School, Baton Rouge LA
FBI descends on Kenilworth charter school
"State and federal agents descended Wednesday upon the Kenilworth Science and Technology Charter School and carted away boxes from the Baton Rouge school.
But details of their investigation remained a closely guarded secret..."
Sep 23, 2013 Journal-Sentinel, Milwaukee WI (link)
Milwaukee Math and Science Academy, Milwaukee WI
Many independent charter schools miss mark on state report cards
"The two City of Milwaukee-authorized schools that received the lowest grade, 'fails to meet expectations,' were Milwaukee Math and Science Academy and Milwaukee Collegiate Academy... Zautcke said Milwaukee Math and Science has had several leadership changes."
Milwaukee Math and Science Academy, Milwaukee WI
Many independent charter schools miss mark on state report cards
"The two City of Milwaukee-authorized schools that received the lowest grade, 'fails to meet expectations,' were Milwaukee Math and Science Academy and Milwaukee Collegiate Academy... Zautcke said Milwaukee Math and Science has had several leadership changes."
Sep 5, 2013 Intelligencer Journal, Lancaster PA
(Proposed) Academy of Business and Entrepreneurship Charter School , Lancaster PA
Proposed business charter school to submit new application
A letter of intent has been submitted indicating that the Academy of Business and Entrepreneurship Charter School applicants intend to resubmit their application in November, for the 2014-15 school year. However, a spokeman for the proposed school says they have not yet decided whether they will proceed with submitting the full application. Locals say that if this happens, they intend to oppose the application again. The school board’s rejection of the application on the previous cycle cited “serious and pervasive deficiencies."
August 27, 2013 NBC - WKTV, Utica NY
Utica Academy of Science Charter School , Utica NY
Utica superintendent: 'perfect storm' of financial blows
The Utica School District is facing severe budget cuts which are necessitating layoffs of teachers and increased class sizes. At the same time, the district will have to give the Utica Academy of Science Charter School 1.8 million dollars, and in addition provide the charter school with transportation and a nurse.
August 22, 2013 Star Tribune, Minneapolis – St. Paul MN
Minnesota School of Science , Minneapolis MN
Minnesota School of Science charter school closes
Minnesota School of Science sued the district in an effort to stop the closure, but the judge sided with the district. The school had been in operation for 2 years.
August 18, 2013 Fox6 News, Milwaukee WI
(Now-closed) Wisconsin Career Academy, Milwaukee WI
College applicant told charter school diploma is worthless
A 2009 graduate of Wisconsin Career Academy found herself unable to enroll in the medical assistant program of Milwaukee Career College, because the college Registrar believed that WCA was not accredited. It turned out that the school in fact did not lose its accreditation until the 2012-13 school year, after which it shut down. However, the Milwaukee Career College registrar said “she had a hard time verifying whether the school was accredited because it changed its name and the phone numbers listed on the school’s website were disconnected, with no forwarding contact information.” This story points to a general problem that students may face if they attended or graduated from a charter school that later closed down: it may be difficult to obtain transcripts, or to prove that they have a valid diploma.
August 17, 2013 Action News, Jacksonville FL
Sweetwater Branch Academy, Gainesville FL
Gainesville charter school forced to shut down
“Sweetwater Branch Academy was forced to close its doors after receiving three consecutive failing grades from the state, according to Alachua County Public Schools.
The Board of Education granted permission for the school to remain open last year after receiving an F score.”
July 31, 2013 The Buffalo News, Buffalo NY
Buffalo Academy of Science Charter School, Buffalo NY
State audit faults Buffalo science charter school rental of YWCA
A critical audit by the State Comptroller found that the school was paying too much for rent to Apple Educational Services. “Auditors estimated the corporation’s costs for buying and renovating the building, plus interest, at $1.9 million and noted that rent during the 15-year lease would total more than $4.4 million, ‘a return on its investment of more than 200 percent.’”
There are signs pointing to this being a related-party deal.
Side note: See this page on Apple Educational Services , which contracts to many Gulen charter schools in the northeast and mid-Atlantic states.
July 11, 2013 Post Standard, Syracuse NY
Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School, Syracuse NY
Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School gets critical audit from the state
“If the school had ensured better competition among vendors, the audit says, it probably could have found better prices for some $383,390 worth of equipment and furniture it purchased.”
June 28, 2013 McKeesport Daily News, McKeesport PA
(Proposed) Young Scholars of McKeesport Charter School, McKeesport PA
McKeesport board nixes charter school
“McKeesport Area school board has denied for the second time an application for the Young Scholars of McKeesport charter school to make its way into town.”
June 21, 2013 Atlanta Journal Constitution, Atlanta GA
Fulton Science Academy High School, Fulton Sunshine Academy Elementary School , Alpharetta GA
Sixteen school apply for charter through State Charter Schools Commission
Fulton Science Academy High School and Fulton Sunshine Academy Elementary School are among 16 schools applying for a state charter. They are doing this to bypass the control of Fulton County, which closed their sister school Fulton Science Academy Middle School. (Recall that all 3 schools were jointly involved in a bond default of approximately 18 million.)
April 13, 2013 Intelligencer Journal, Lancaster PA
(Proposed) Academy of Business and Entrepreneurship Charter School, Lancaster PA
SDL spent more than $30K on charter school review
“School District of Lancaster spent more than $30,000 to review a proposed public charter school that the SDL board rejected last month… The school board rejected the charter application by an 8-0 vote, citing ‘serious and pervasive deficiencies’ in the ABECS application.”
April 12, 2013 Lincoln Square Patch, Chicago IL
(Proposed) Horizon Science Academy (Belmont?) , Chicago IL
Charter School Pulls Out of Lincoln Square Location
“A Concept Schools representative said community resistance and poor timing led officials to withdraw their request for the charter school’s location.” Chicago Public Schools had denied the charter for this school, but this was overturned by the newly-created Illinois State Charter School Commission.
April 2013 San Diego Community News Group, San Diego CA
Magnolia Science Academy San Diego, San Diego CA
Charter school withdraws bid to share Mission Bay High School campus next year
“The Magnolia Science Academy, a charter school that many local parents felt undermined the Mission Bay Cluster’s progress, withdrew its Proposition 39 application to share Mission Bay High School as a location for the 2013-14 school year.”
March 21, 2013 Nj.com, Bergen NJ
Bergen Arts and Science Charter School, Garfield NJ
Garfield schools lose out on lease, now need facility for 200 students
Garfield public schools was trying to negotiate a renewal of their lease of a Catholic church building; meanwhile Bergen Arts and Science Charter School signed a 5-year lease for the same building.
March 14, 2013 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh PA
(Proposed) Young Scholars of McKeesport Charter School, McKeesport PA
McKeesport Area School Board denies charter school application
McKeesport Area School District Board has rejected the charter application Young Scholars of McKeesport Charter School. Applicant Melih Demirkan said they plan to appeal at the state level.
Feb 21, 2013 Boston Globe, Boston MA
(proposed) Pioneer Charter School of Science I & II, Greater Boston area, MA
Turkish charter schools growing as some question cleric ties
The article notes the school’s ties to Gulen, which are flatly denied by principal Barish Icin: “In an interview at the Pioneer school, Icin denied any connection to other Turkish-led schools in the United States or to Gulen. `There is no Gulen influence in the school whatsoever,’ said Icin.”
School expenses for immigration and related-party deals are also covered: “In recent years, five Turkish-run companies have won contracts from Pioneer. Those five companies have also used the same street address in Carlstadt, N.J. They include Apple Educational, Ivy Learning (owned by Apple Educational), Technotime Business Solutions, Proacademy (owned by Technotime), and Lotus Media. In total, those vendors received $218,646 from Pioneer.”
(Proposed) Academy of Business and Entrepreneurship Charter School , Lancaster PA
Proposed business charter school to submit new application
A letter of intent has been submitted indicating that the Academy of Business and Entrepreneurship Charter School applicants intend to resubmit their application in November, for the 2014-15 school year. However, a spokeman for the proposed school says they have not yet decided whether they will proceed with submitting the full application. Locals say that if this happens, they intend to oppose the application again. The school board’s rejection of the application on the previous cycle cited “serious and pervasive deficiencies."
August 27, 2013 NBC - WKTV, Utica NY
Utica Academy of Science Charter School , Utica NY
Utica superintendent: 'perfect storm' of financial blows
The Utica School District is facing severe budget cuts which are necessitating layoffs of teachers and increased class sizes. At the same time, the district will have to give the Utica Academy of Science Charter School 1.8 million dollars, and in addition provide the charter school with transportation and a nurse.
August 22, 2013 Star Tribune, Minneapolis – St. Paul MN
Minnesota School of Science , Minneapolis MN
Minnesota School of Science charter school closes
Minnesota School of Science sued the district in an effort to stop the closure, but the judge sided with the district. The school had been in operation for 2 years.
August 18, 2013 Fox6 News, Milwaukee WI
(Now-closed) Wisconsin Career Academy, Milwaukee WI
College applicant told charter school diploma is worthless
A 2009 graduate of Wisconsin Career Academy found herself unable to enroll in the medical assistant program of Milwaukee Career College, because the college Registrar believed that WCA was not accredited. It turned out that the school in fact did not lose its accreditation until the 2012-13 school year, after which it shut down. However, the Milwaukee Career College registrar said “she had a hard time verifying whether the school was accredited because it changed its name and the phone numbers listed on the school’s website were disconnected, with no forwarding contact information.” This story points to a general problem that students may face if they attended or graduated from a charter school that later closed down: it may be difficult to obtain transcripts, or to prove that they have a valid diploma.
August 17, 2013 Action News, Jacksonville FL
Sweetwater Branch Academy, Gainesville FL
Gainesville charter school forced to shut down
“Sweetwater Branch Academy was forced to close its doors after receiving three consecutive failing grades from the state, according to Alachua County Public Schools.
The Board of Education granted permission for the school to remain open last year after receiving an F score.”
July 31, 2013 The Buffalo News, Buffalo NY
Buffalo Academy of Science Charter School, Buffalo NY
State audit faults Buffalo science charter school rental of YWCA
A critical audit by the State Comptroller found that the school was paying too much for rent to Apple Educational Services. “Auditors estimated the corporation’s costs for buying and renovating the building, plus interest, at $1.9 million and noted that rent during the 15-year lease would total more than $4.4 million, ‘a return on its investment of more than 200 percent.’”
There are signs pointing to this being a related-party deal.
Side note: See this page on Apple Educational Services , which contracts to many Gulen charter schools in the northeast and mid-Atlantic states.
July 11, 2013 Post Standard, Syracuse NY
Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School, Syracuse NY
Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School gets critical audit from the state
“If the school had ensured better competition among vendors, the audit says, it probably could have found better prices for some $383,390 worth of equipment and furniture it purchased.”
June 28, 2013 McKeesport Daily News, McKeesport PA
(Proposed) Young Scholars of McKeesport Charter School, McKeesport PA
McKeesport board nixes charter school
“McKeesport Area school board has denied for the second time an application for the Young Scholars of McKeesport charter school to make its way into town.”
June 21, 2013 Atlanta Journal Constitution, Atlanta GA
Fulton Science Academy High School, Fulton Sunshine Academy Elementary School , Alpharetta GA
Sixteen school apply for charter through State Charter Schools Commission
Fulton Science Academy High School and Fulton Sunshine Academy Elementary School are among 16 schools applying for a state charter. They are doing this to bypass the control of Fulton County, which closed their sister school Fulton Science Academy Middle School. (Recall that all 3 schools were jointly involved in a bond default of approximately 18 million.)
April 13, 2013 Intelligencer Journal, Lancaster PA
(Proposed) Academy of Business and Entrepreneurship Charter School, Lancaster PA
SDL spent more than $30K on charter school review
“School District of Lancaster spent more than $30,000 to review a proposed public charter school that the SDL board rejected last month… The school board rejected the charter application by an 8-0 vote, citing ‘serious and pervasive deficiencies’ in the ABECS application.”
April 12, 2013 Lincoln Square Patch, Chicago IL
(Proposed) Horizon Science Academy (Belmont?) , Chicago IL
Charter School Pulls Out of Lincoln Square Location
“A Concept Schools representative said community resistance and poor timing led officials to withdraw their request for the charter school’s location.” Chicago Public Schools had denied the charter for this school, but this was overturned by the newly-created Illinois State Charter School Commission.
April 2013 San Diego Community News Group, San Diego CA
Magnolia Science Academy San Diego, San Diego CA
Charter school withdraws bid to share Mission Bay High School campus next year
“The Magnolia Science Academy, a charter school that many local parents felt undermined the Mission Bay Cluster’s progress, withdrew its Proposition 39 application to share Mission Bay High School as a location for the 2013-14 school year.”
March 21, 2013 Nj.com, Bergen NJ
Bergen Arts and Science Charter School, Garfield NJ
Garfield schools lose out on lease, now need facility for 200 students
Garfield public schools was trying to negotiate a renewal of their lease of a Catholic church building; meanwhile Bergen Arts and Science Charter School signed a 5-year lease for the same building.
March 14, 2013 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh PA
(Proposed) Young Scholars of McKeesport Charter School, McKeesport PA
McKeesport Area School Board denies charter school application
McKeesport Area School District Board has rejected the charter application Young Scholars of McKeesport Charter School. Applicant Melih Demirkan said they plan to appeal at the state level.
Feb 21, 2013 Boston Globe, Boston MA
(proposed) Pioneer Charter School of Science I & II, Greater Boston area, MA
Turkish charter schools growing as some question cleric ties
The article notes the school’s ties to Gulen, which are flatly denied by principal Barish Icin: “In an interview at the Pioneer school, Icin denied any connection to other Turkish-led schools in the United States or to Gulen. `There is no Gulen influence in the school whatsoever,’ said Icin.”
School expenses for immigration and related-party deals are also covered: “In recent years, five Turkish-run companies have won contracts from Pioneer. Those five companies have also used the same street address in Carlstadt, N.J. They include Apple Educational, Ivy Learning (owned by Apple Educational), Technotime Business Solutions, Proacademy (owned by Technotime), and Lotus Media. In total, those vendors received $218,646 from Pioneer.”
Feb 17, 2013 Kennebec Journal, Augusta ME
(proposed) Queen City Academy Charter School, Bangor ME
Proposed charter school linked to Turkish imam
“A proposed charter school to be based in Bangor is tied into an informal worldwide network of religious, cultural and education institutions operated by followers of a controversial and reclusive Turkish imam, Fethullah Gulen.”
The article states that the applicants for the Queen City Academy intend to apply again.
The article contains an unfortunate but very understandable error (understandable because the names of Gulen schools can be very confusingly similar). It identifies the publicly-funded Pioneer Charter School of Science in Massachusetts as having been listed on the Gulenist CTAA (Council of Turkic American Associations) website as a member. To the best of our knowledge, Pioneer Charter School of Science has never been officially listed as a CTAA member on their website. Rather, it is the similarly named but private Pioneer Academy of Science in NJ that is listed as a CTAA member. Note, however, that there is evidence pointing to the CTAA (as the umbrella Gulenist organization for the northeast US) as having de facto control over charter schools in the northeast, including Pioneer Charter School, whether or not this is “officially” acknowledged.
At the end of the article, Maine representative Dennis Keschl, who went on a Gulen-funded Turkey trip in summer 2012, says of the Gulen Movement: “I felt them to be very open and honest.” This line is striking, given the many instances of misinformation, distortion, and outright fabrications in Gulenist statements and writings. Keschl apparently sees the Gulen Movement as a force for good, and is quoted as saying "Maybe I'm naive, but I don't think I can easily have the wool pulled over my eyes.” It is interesting to note that Keschl and his wife wrote a testimonial after their Turkey trip, which can be viewed on the website of the Gulenist Turkish Cultural Center New Hampshire (tccnh.org). In that testimonial, Keschl describes the Gulen-run Zaman newspaper as the “equivalent” of the New York Times, and states that “freedom of the press seems to be alive and well in Turkey.” Given the plethora of news articles from early 2011 to the present on the dire state of freedom of the press in Turkey, as well as Zaman newspaper’s reputation (see here, here, and here for instance) of deliberately printing misinformation and engaging in unprofessional character assassination attacks on Gulen Movement critics, it appears that the Maine representative’s Gulen-sponsored Turkey trip was a very successful propaganda effort.
(proposed) Queen City Academy Charter School, Bangor ME
Proposed charter school linked to Turkish imam
“A proposed charter school to be based in Bangor is tied into an informal worldwide network of religious, cultural and education institutions operated by followers of a controversial and reclusive Turkish imam, Fethullah Gulen.”
The article states that the applicants for the Queen City Academy intend to apply again.
The article contains an unfortunate but very understandable error (understandable because the names of Gulen schools can be very confusingly similar). It identifies the publicly-funded Pioneer Charter School of Science in Massachusetts as having been listed on the Gulenist CTAA (Council of Turkic American Associations) website as a member. To the best of our knowledge, Pioneer Charter School of Science has never been officially listed as a CTAA member on their website. Rather, it is the similarly named but private Pioneer Academy of Science in NJ that is listed as a CTAA member. Note, however, that there is evidence pointing to the CTAA (as the umbrella Gulenist organization for the northeast US) as having de facto control over charter schools in the northeast, including Pioneer Charter School, whether or not this is “officially” acknowledged.
At the end of the article, Maine representative Dennis Keschl, who went on a Gulen-funded Turkey trip in summer 2012, says of the Gulen Movement: “I felt them to be very open and honest.” This line is striking, given the many instances of misinformation, distortion, and outright fabrications in Gulenist statements and writings. Keschl apparently sees the Gulen Movement as a force for good, and is quoted as saying "Maybe I'm naive, but I don't think I can easily have the wool pulled over my eyes.” It is interesting to note that Keschl and his wife wrote a testimonial after their Turkey trip, which can be viewed on the website of the Gulenist Turkish Cultural Center New Hampshire (tccnh.org). In that testimonial, Keschl describes the Gulen-run Zaman newspaper as the “equivalent” of the New York Times, and states that “freedom of the press seems to be alive and well in Turkey.” Given the plethora of news articles from early 2011 to the present on the dire state of freedom of the press in Turkey, as well as Zaman newspaper’s reputation (see here, here, and here for instance) of deliberately printing misinformation and engaging in unprofessional character assassination attacks on Gulen Movement critics, it appears that the Maine representative’s Gulen-sponsored Turkey trip was a very successful propaganda effort.
Feb 15, 2013 Boston Globe, Boston MA
(proposed) Pioneer Charter School of Science II, Greater Boston area, MA
State education commissioner recommends 5 new charter schools, endorses expansion of 11 existing ones
The Massachusetts commissioner of elementary and secondary education has endorsed the proposed new Pioneer Charter School of Science II, to be located in the Salem area. Article: “The state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education will vote on the proposals at its monthly meeting on Feb. 26. The board almost always approves the commissioner’s recommendations.”
(proposed) Pioneer Charter School of Science II, Greater Boston area, MA
State education commissioner recommends 5 new charter schools, endorses expansion of 11 existing ones
The Massachusetts commissioner of elementary and secondary education has endorsed the proposed new Pioneer Charter School of Science II, to be located in the Salem area. Article: “The state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education will vote on the proposals at its monthly meeting on Feb. 26. The board almost always approves the commissioner’s recommendations.”
Feb 14, 2013 Syracuse Post-Standard, Syracuse NY
Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School; Syracuse NY
Syracuse charter school draws only praise at expansion hearing
“The school, which runs campuses at 4837 S. Salina St. and 1001 Park Ave., is seeking permission from the state to expand from 696 students to 975 over the next four years.”
Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School; Syracuse NY
Syracuse charter school draws only praise at expansion hearing
“The school, which runs campuses at 4837 S. Salina St. and 1001 Park Ave., is seeking permission from the state to expand from 696 students to 975 over the next four years.”
Feb 8, 2013 The Record, Bergen County NJ
Bergen Arts and Science Charter School; Garfield NJ
Garfield school security guard charged with impersonating officer, weapons possession
“Hector L. Rodriguez, a guard at the Bergen Arts and Science Charter School, was also charged with possession of a weapon without a permit to carry and possession of a weapon in an educational institution, according to a release from the Garfield Police Department.”
Bergen Arts and Science Charter School; Garfield NJ
Garfield school security guard charged with impersonating officer, weapons possession
“Hector L. Rodriguez, a guard at the Bergen Arts and Science Charter School, was also charged with possession of a weapon without a permit to carry and possession of a weapon in an educational institution, according to a release from the Garfield Police Department.”
Feb 6, 2013 News on 6, Tulsa OK
Dove Science Academy; Tulsa OK
Mold Discovery Cancels Classes At Tulsa's Dove Science Academy
“Tulsa's Dove Science Academy has canceled classes because of mold. School officials say it started from a plumbing leak, but some teachers aren't buying that. Teachers, who don't want to be identified, tipped off News On 6 to the problem and said they have been sickened by exposure to black mold.”
Dove Science Academy; Tulsa OK
Mold Discovery Cancels Classes At Tulsa's Dove Science Academy
“Tulsa's Dove Science Academy has canceled classes because of mold. School officials say it started from a plumbing leak, but some teachers aren't buying that. Teachers, who don't want to be identified, tipped off News On 6 to the problem and said they have been sickened by exposure to black mold.”
Feb 6, 2013 The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City OK
Dove Science Academy; Discovery School of Tulsa, Tulsa/Oklahoma City OK
Oklahoma legislative panel rejects charter school measure
The proposed measure targeted the use of H-1B and other visas for teachers and administrators at Gulen-affiliated charter schools in Oklahoma.
Dove Science Academy; Discovery School of Tulsa, Tulsa/Oklahoma City OK
Oklahoma legislative panel rejects charter school measure
The proposed measure targeted the use of H-1B and other visas for teachers and administrators at Gulen-affiliated charter schools in Oklahoma.
Feb 1, 2013 Intelligencer Journal, Lancaster PA
(proposed) Academy of Business & Entrepreneurship Charter School, Lancaster PA
Academy's credibility an issue (Letter to Editor)
The author of the letter notes that applicant Sait Onal’s claim that the proposed school is “not associated with anyone, with any group…” is highly questionable, given that Adam Oksuz [a.k.a. Adem Oksuz] has solicited on behalf of the school, and Oksuz was principal of a charter school in Arizona that has been tied to Fethullah Gulen.
(proposed) Academy of Business & Entrepreneurship Charter School, Lancaster PA
Academy's credibility an issue (Letter to Editor)
The author of the letter notes that applicant Sait Onal’s claim that the proposed school is “not associated with anyone, with any group…” is highly questionable, given that Adam Oksuz [a.k.a. Adem Oksuz] has solicited on behalf of the school, and Oksuz was principal of a charter school in Arizona that has been tied to Fethullah Gulen.
Jan 31, 2013 Philadelphia Tribune, Philadelphia PA
Truebright Science Academy, Philadelphia PA
Poor showing by Pa. charters in new AYP figures
A federally mandated recalculation of AYP (“Adequate Yearly Progress”) for Pennsylvania charter schools has caused the number making AYP to fall from 49% to 28%. After noting this, the article starts reading like an advertisement for Truebright Science Academy. It is noted that Truebright still made AYP under the new calculations. Truebright is described as “one of the handful of charters that have made AYP in consecutive years” which is referred to as “impressive.” What is not noted is that Truebright did not make AYP in the 2007-08 and 2010-11 school years (source: NAPCS website). The article states that “The PVAAS website also shows that Truebright’s graduation rate hovers near 100 percent, while traditional neighborhood schools are graduating students at a rate closer to 60 percent.” How this graduation rate was calculated is an excellent question, since the NAPCS website shows 59 11th graders in 2010-11 and only 8 12th graders in 2011-12. Similarly, while there were 47 11th graders in 2009-10, only 34 12th graders were enrolled in 2010-11. Moreover, the article makes no mention of Truebright’s dismal SAT scores: in 2011, verbal 370, math 375, writing 339 (source: State of Pennsylvania ), an indication that its graduates are performing way below college-ready on average.
Truebright Science Academy, Philadelphia PA
Poor showing by Pa. charters in new AYP figures
A federally mandated recalculation of AYP (“Adequate Yearly Progress”) for Pennsylvania charter schools has caused the number making AYP to fall from 49% to 28%. After noting this, the article starts reading like an advertisement for Truebright Science Academy. It is noted that Truebright still made AYP under the new calculations. Truebright is described as “one of the handful of charters that have made AYP in consecutive years” which is referred to as “impressive.” What is not noted is that Truebright did not make AYP in the 2007-08 and 2010-11 school years (source: NAPCS website). The article states that “The PVAAS website also shows that Truebright’s graduation rate hovers near 100 percent, while traditional neighborhood schools are graduating students at a rate closer to 60 percent.” How this graduation rate was calculated is an excellent question, since the NAPCS website shows 59 11th graders in 2010-11 and only 8 12th graders in 2011-12. Similarly, while there were 47 11th graders in 2009-10, only 34 12th graders were enrolled in 2010-11. Moreover, the article makes no mention of Truebright’s dismal SAT scores: in 2011, verbal 370, math 375, writing 339 (source: State of Pennsylvania ), an indication that its graduates are performing way below college-ready on average.
Jan 23, 2013 Yale Daily News, New Haven CT
(proposed) Connecticut Academy of Math and Science (CAMS) New Haven CT
State may get new charter schools
“The third proposal, for a math and science academy, is the work of Ismail Agirman and Fatih Mercan GRD ’11 and boasts an advisory board that includes Deputy Connecticut House Speaker Kevin Ryan and Yale Police Department Chief Ronnell Higgins. Tentatively titled Connecticut Academy of Math and Sciences, or CAMS, the school would serve grades seven to 12 and emphasize science and engineering skills.”
(proposed) Connecticut Academy of Math and Science (CAMS) New Haven CT
State may get new charter schools
“The third proposal, for a math and science academy, is the work of Ismail Agirman and Fatih Mercan GRD ’11 and boasts an advisory board that includes Deputy Connecticut House Speaker Kevin Ryan and Yale Police Department Chief Ronnell Higgins. Tentatively titled Connecticut Academy of Math and Sciences, or CAMS, the school would serve grades seven to 12 and emphasize science and engineering skills.”
Jan 23, 2013 Washington Post, Washington DC
(proposed) Loudoun Math & IT Academy Loudoun County VA
Proposed Loudoun charter denied application extension
“An effort by a group of Turkish immigrants to get more time to develop their application to open a charter school in Loudoun County — which would be the first there and possibly in Northern Virginia — was rejected by a 6-3 vote of the county’s school board. “
(proposed) Loudoun Math & IT Academy Loudoun County VA
Proposed Loudoun charter denied application extension
“An effort by a group of Turkish immigrants to get more time to develop their application to open a charter school in Loudoun County — which would be the first there and possibly in Northern Virginia — was rejected by a 6-3 vote of the county’s school board. “
Jan 16, 2013 Intelligencer Journal/Lancaster New Era, Lancaster PA
(proposed) Academy of Business & Entrepreneurship Charter School Lancaster PA
School District of Lancaster eyes charter school
“Opponents attacked the caliber of the school's curriculum, saying it offers nothing new and would be inappropriate for children as young as 5 years old. They also raised concerns the school may be affiliated with a network of U.S. charter schools linked in published reports to a Turkish Muslim movement….. Deslippe and other opponents mentioned published reports that have linked the proposed charter school to an investigation into Fethullah Gulen, a reclusive Turkish Muslim cleric.”
In another of a long string of denials of the Gulen connection to its charter schools, would-be founder Sait Onal is quoted as saying "We are not associated with anyone, with any group, in any part of the world but here in Lancaster.”
(proposed) Academy of Business & Entrepreneurship Charter School Lancaster PA
School District of Lancaster eyes charter school
“Opponents attacked the caliber of the school's curriculum, saying it offers nothing new and would be inappropriate for children as young as 5 years old. They also raised concerns the school may be affiliated with a network of U.S. charter schools linked in published reports to a Turkish Muslim movement….. Deslippe and other opponents mentioned published reports that have linked the proposed charter school to an investigation into Fethullah Gulen, a reclusive Turkish Muslim cleric.”
In another of a long string of denials of the Gulen connection to its charter schools, would-be founder Sait Onal is quoted as saying "We are not associated with anyone, with any group, in any part of the world but here in Lancaster.”
Jan 9, 2013 Maine Department of Education News, Augusta ME
(proposed) Queen City Academy Charter School Bangor ME
Commission takes action on five charter school applications
The charter application for Queen City Academy Charter School, proposed for the Bangor area [and modeled after Pioneer Charter School of Science in Massachusetts] has been denied by the Maine Charter School Commission. The article notes that the applicants are eligible to apply again.
(proposed) Queen City Academy Charter School Bangor ME
Commission takes action on five charter school applications
The charter application for Queen City Academy Charter School, proposed for the Bangor area [and modeled after Pioneer Charter School of Science in Massachusetts] has been denied by the Maine Charter School Commission. The article notes that the applicants are eligible to apply again.