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Charter school may reopen in Eagle Point By VICKI GUARINO EAGLE POINT -- Prospects appear positive for the rebirth of the Renaissance School, the community's first charter school. But the arts-based public school program probably won't be ready for students until next fall. Organizer of the alternative program, elementary teacher Shannon Sanders, said she has found two locations for the school, one in Shady Cove, the other near Lost Creek Dam. Either site would require purchase and set-up of a modular classroom building. Because of the building needs, and the student transfers that would be necessary, starting a program at midyear would be too difficult and disruptive for the school district, Sanders said. The Renaissance School first opened in fall 1998 in an Eagle Point church. Nearly 50 students in grades 5-8 were enrolled. The format stressed visual and performing arts as a basis of curriculum. Parents and artists in the community volunteered to work with students. The charter school lost its classroom space at the end of the school year, and was unable to find new classroom space to reopen this fall. Sanders took up another teaching position in the Eagle Point district, physical education instructor at Glenn D. Hale School, and Renaissance students enrolled in other district schools. To lay the groundwork for a fall 2000 reopening, the school board on Wednesday held a public hearing on the charter. Several parents supported reopening the school. Sanders said the board asked her to work out certain details of the charter school agreement with Superintendent Bill Jones. Among the issues, said Sanders, are the opening date and staffing. Sanders and other organizers originally wanted to resume the program after Christmas break. She said some staff are prepared to start work in January, but might not be able to wait until next fall to begin working. New staffing arrangements might have to be made. The school board is expected to vote on the new charter school agreement Dec. 8. Some changes are planned for the program, Sanders noted. The school will offer instruction in French and German, and both music and orchestra programs. She said one of the siting options would give the school an opportunity to introduce natural resources and land stewardship programs. The school has been working with Spirit of the Rogue Nature Center at McGregor Park, just downstream from Lost Creek Dam. The Renaissance School might be able to locate at least temporarily within the nature center project. Students then could become involved in the park project. To help fund the charter school, organizers have applied for a $90,000 grant. The federal funds, administered by the state, are earmarked for the implementation of charter school programs. Charter schools are intended to offer innovative programs. They function under special contracts, or charters, with the parent school district, and are free of many of the daily controls on traditional public schools. Sanders said she's optimistic about the school's chances for the grant. The Renaissance School is one of 11 applicants for seven or eight grants. Without the grant, the school will have to rely on donations to begin operations. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA