Gastonia charter school with low scores edges closer to shutting down | WFAE 90.7

Gastonia’s Ridgeview Charter School faces closure after failing to meet state exam standards for five consecutive years. Despite efforts to support students facing poverty, homelessness, and academic challenges, the school’s low reading, math, and science scores have raised concerns among state officials.

The North Carolina Charter Schools Review Board voted to cease public funding for Ridgeview at the end of the current school year. School leaders, including Board Chair Colleen Samuels, are appealing to the State Board of Education for a second chance to turn things around.

Samuels and Principal Reshall Williams presented an academic turnaround plan that includes working with consultants, implementing new curricula, providing coaching for teachers, and changing assessment methods. They emphasized the impact of the pandemic on student populations and argued that the school needs more time to demonstrate improvement.

While Ridgeview claims to be financially stable and under budget, the lack of proper record-keeping has raised concerns. The Board of Education committee voted unanimously to uphold the review board’s decision to terminate the charter, pending a final vote by the full Board of Education.

Despite efforts to address academic and financial challenges, Ridgeview Charter School’s future remains uncertain as it awaits a final decision on its fate. The school’s struggle highlights the complex issues facing charter schools in meeting state standards and ensuring student success.