Ball State Considers 1 New School for Imagine: But It Rejected Another Application From the Charter Schools Group.

By Steve Linsenmayer, The News-Sentinel, Fort Wayne, Ind.

Sep. 12–Ball State University has rejected one of Imagine Schools’ proposed charter schools but approved a second for further consideration.

Imagine operates the MASTer Academy at 2000 N. Wells St. in Fort Wayne.

The Virginia-based company had proposed two additional elementary charter schools in Fort Wayne, said Jason Bryant, regional vice president.

The company also proposed two new schools in Indianapolis.

“To go from one school to five schools in one year, that’s quite a jump,” said Larry Gabbert, director of Ball State University’s Office of Charter Schools, explaining the university’s reluctance to approve two more local schools.

“We have close to 50 schools right now,” said Bryant, who says Imagine Schools could have handled starting up four new schools in the state.

“We have done all four at other places, like St. Louis, and three in Georgia.” He added, however, the slower pace might be a blessing in disguise. Besides, he said, Ball State suggested he immediately resubmit the other school for the 2009 academic year.

The unapproved school did not have a specific site, nor did it have a board of directors in place. That made the decision on which school plan to back easier for Ball State, said Gabbert.

The accepted plan has a school board in place and a possible site at 2320 Broadway, the empty facility formerly used by Emmaus Lutheran Church, which has moved its worship services and school to Aboite Township.

“Oh, really?” said the Rev. Al Keller, Emmaus pastor, when asked about the possible sale. “(Imagine has) expressed interest. But we haven’t met with any group formally.” Two other potential buyers also are interested in the Broadway property, he added.

Keller said he could not talk much about the potential buyers, but he did say all three were relying on “a piece of the puzzle” to fall into place before they could commit. The list price is $1.15 million.

The News-Sentinel previously reported students from new Imagine schools might feed into its MASTer Academy (once it adds grade levels through high school).

“That was not part of the document that was submitted to us,” said Gabbert.

“We can’t create a guaranteed feeder system,” Bryant said. “Every school we create is a separate corporation.”

Students from other Imagine schools could apply, but they would be in line with other interested students, according to state law.

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