EDUCATION: THIRD CHARTER SCHOOL WANTS SOUTHEAST UNIVERSITY'S HELP

Another St. Louis charter school group wants Southeast Missouri State University to grant it a charter even though the university's Board of Regents has expressed reluctance to approve a third application this year.

The regents approved a second charter school application two weeks ago, but said it likely won't approve any more in the immediate future.

But last week, the university received an application from the Walnut Park Academy Association. The group, whose leaders include two Washington University professors, wants to open a charter school in St. Louis' Walnut Park neighborhood.

Southeast officials announced Thursday that the Board of Regents will hold a special meeting at 11 a.m. Tuesday in the University Center Ballroom to discuss the charter school proposal.

The university has 60 days to review the application, but it's unclear if the application will undergo a formal review.

Quick approval not likely

Regent Doyle Privett of Kennett said the regents had hoped not to have any more charter applications to consider at this time.

The regents want to see how things proceed with its two other chartered schools, the Lift for Life Academy and the Garden School. Lift for Life Academy, a middle school, opened this fall. The Garden School, an elementary and middle school, plans to open next fall near the Missouri Botanical Garden.

Said Privett, "We don't think we want to do any more right now."

But Privett said the regents probably would consider another charter application if it is exceptional.

The issue is scheduled for discussion Tuesday. Privett said he doesn't expect the board will take any final action at that meeting.

The school initially would serve 300 students in kindergarten through the third grade and hopes to open next fall.

The association is going to lease a former Catholic school, said Dave Camden, assistant director of the Charter School Information Center. The organization has helped neighborhood groups develop charter school applications.

Walnut Park has perks

Walnut Park Academy would emphasize home visits and adult education to help parents play a primary role in their children's education.

The Walnut Park group includes social work professor Jack Kirkland of St. Louis' Washington University and David Cronin, associate dean of administration for the private university's School of Social Work.

Camden said the Walnut Park Academy Association is interested in getting a charter from Southeast because of the way the university has handled the two previous applications.