(KNSI) – A public charter school in central Minnesota slated to close at the end of the academic year is fighting back.
Athlos Academy St. Cloud is appealing the loss of its charter authorization and asking for a one-year extension. Volunteers of America informed the school last month that Athlos’ license won’t be renewed for the 2025-26 school year. VOA-MN says AASC “did not meet the required criteria for renewal due to persistent deficiencies in governance, enrollment, and financial viability.” The school was “provided multiple opportunities to address and remediate these concerns.”
In a press release, AASC says VOA-MN’s decision was based on past mismanagement and does not reflect the work made under new leadership. School administrators say that over the last year, they’ve made $1.9 million in cuts, improved student performance, relaunched Junior High, and met 13 of the 15 standards set by VOA, with only enrollment targets remaining as an area of growth. AASC has over 250 kindergarten through eighth-grade students and employs over 60 staff members.
The school is asking parents, staff, and supporters to advocate for them by contacting VOA leadership and asking them to reconsider their position, leave positive Google reviews and social media posts with the #SaveAthlosStrong #OneMoreYear, and calling on state lawmakers to intervene.
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