STEP Academy is an embattled St. Paul charter school that's still fighting to stay open.
It has a growing operating budget deficit and two board members resigned at its school board meeting on Monday, and it was confirmed Wednesday that the superintendent has since as well.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Department of Education says 10 other charter schools have already closed or merged this year. The number doesn't surprise charter school supporter turned critic University of Minnesota law professor Myron Orfield.
"This is nothing new, this happens all the time," said Orfield.
State data also shows 124 charter schools have closed since the first one opened 32 years ago.
"The charter school industry is a billion-dollar industry and kids get hurt in the mix," said Orfield.
He blames little accountability and big promises to often immigrant families that make up much of the school populations. Orfield says that's directly related to poverty, lower attendance and fewer college-bound kids. He released his first round of research on charter schools in 2008 called "Failed Promises: Assessing Charter Schools in the Twin Cities."
"Charters are engines of racial segregation and deeply embedded in their business plans," said Orfield. "They say, we’re going to create you a separate school and you’ll be safe and we’ll take care of you, it will be about your culture and everyone will go to college, but it’s a lie."
A so-called authorizer does oversee every charter school. For example, Innovative Quality Schools is the authorizer for STEP Academy. They are usually a non-profit that the state also ranks and evaluates.
The authorizer and the charter school then enter into a contract. The schools are also subject to same legal requirements as traditional public schools like teacher licensing and financial reporting, according to MN Association of Charter Schools Executive Director Joey Cienian.
"One size doesn't really fit all, so you have kids that just have different needs and families who are looking for different things," said Cienian.
Cienian says 68,000 students attend a Minnesota charter school and admits that a closure can also be a sign of success.
"Closures can provide an opportunity for kids to find a better school so they're not stuck in a school that isn't moving forward," said Cienian. "They can also be really impactful and traumatic for students, families and communities, particularly if they’re sudden or unexpected."
Charter school enrollment has grown, particularly during the pandemic. National data shows it increasing 9% in the last four years. Cienian points to its language and arts-focused programs, and devoted teachers as reasons why they can be so popular.
"I can't say enough about how hard-working and dedicated and compassionate these folks are," said Cienian.
He also says the industry is improving its accountability and helped pass new laws during the last legislative session that require enhanced training for administrators, annual performance assessments, stronger conflict of interest protections and market studies to show evidence there's a demand for a program before it can expand or open.