*** NEWS STATEMENT ***
ST. LOUIS, MO (March 29, 2012) — Jason Bryant, Executive Vice President of Imagine Schools, today issued the following statement in response to the announcement of a change in charter school sponsorship:
“Today, we were informed that Missouri Baptist University will no longer accept the responsibility of sponsoring public charter schools. In mid-April, sponsorship of the three charters, which govern six campuses operated by Imagine Schools, will transition to another party.
“We are disappointed by this decision and its timing during the middle of the school year, especially considering the progress that we have been making on the school improvement plans. Next week, students will be taking the Missouri Assessment Program tests, and we certainly hope that this news will not affect the confidence of our staff, students, and families in all that they’ve worked hard this year to achieve.
“Even with this pending change, our passion and efforts remain laser-focused on doing our best for the students we serve. At present, we are celebrating with our seniors at Imagine College Prep High School as they are receiving college acceptance letters and scholarship awards. We are proud of all of our students and their successes.
While the sponsorship proceeds through a transition, we will continue our mission to provide the 3,500 Imagine St. Louis students with the best educational opportunities we can to prepare them for life-long success.”
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Imagine Schools is a national operator of 75 public charter schools in 12 states and the District of Columbia. In partnership with local governing boards, Imagine Schools educates over 3,500 students in grades K-12 on six public charter campuses in St. Louis, MO. Imagine Schools partners with parents and guardians in the education of their children by providing high quality schools that prepare students for lives of leadership, accomplishment, and exemplary character.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Lori Waters
703-740-2887