First Ft. Smith Charter School Proposed

Future School of Ft. Smith is the name of a proposed charter school.  It would be the first for Ft. Smith and 24th in Arkansas.  According to founder Trish Flanagan, it will be tuition- free and open to the public.  An informational public meeting regarding the new school was held July 9th.  Flanangan said any student from Ft. Smith and the surrounding area that will be going into the 10th grade, will be able to sign up for the school. 

The Arkansas Department of Education should give their approval this winter, she said.  Then, recruiting of students would begin in the spring and summer of next year.  Students will be on a first-come, first-served basis.  It is expected by Flanagan to have 100-150 stu- dents for the first 10th grade class.  For every 100 students, there would be six teachers, initially, with one administrator.  The school would be at a temporary location, with the hope of locating at the U of A-Ft. Smith eventually.  They are a charter school partner.

There are two more public meetings scheduled.  Both will be held at the Elm Grove Commu- nity Center located at 1901 N. Greenwood Ave.  One will be Thursday, July 16 and the other on Tuesday, July 28, from 6-7:30 p.m.

For more stories visit us at www.kyhnradio.com