'Genesis broke its promises': Tensions rise during public hearing about future of Kansas City charter school
Genesis Charter School is fighting to stay open
Genesis Charter School is fighting to stay open
Genesis Charter School is fighting to stay open
Genesis Charter School is fighting to stay open after the Missouri Charter Public School Commission announced its plans to close the school at the end of the year.
A public hearing was held Monday night at the Kansas City Bluford Public Library.
The meeting, which was packed with parents and patrons, was requested by Genesis School. Over 100 people crammed into the meeting.
Robbyn Wahby, the executive director of the Missouri Charter Public School Commission, said the school has underperformed.
"Genesis broke its promises to perform," she said. "Their test scores have not met this promise, the promise that they made in their charter for at least 15 years."
Only 13 percent of Genesis students K-8 read English at a grade level.
The meeting got heated several times, but there was enough order to continue.
The school's attorney says the commission hasn't followed the correct procedures to revoke the charter.
"Genesis is performing better than the other schools where these children will end up if Genesis is not available to them," said Chuck Hatfield, the attorney for Genesis.
A decision from the commission is expected at its next meeting on Feb. 15.
If the commission revokes the charter from Genesis, the school can appeal to the Missouri State Board of Education and then to the circuit court.