After teaching in the Eau Claire Area School District for 25 years, Jo Burke is determined to start a local Charter school that serves grades six through 12 via the creative arts. “There has emerged a need to serve kids with different learning patterns,” she said, “and we see the creative arts as a way to do that.” The project is in the very preliminary stages. For the past several weeks Jo has been talking to teachers, parents, community members, and artists to get their thoughts on a possible school. Her group (or “movement,” as she calls it) called Engage, is essentially a dozen local educators and parents rallied around this idea and looking for more support in the community.

The group is currently going through the planning process for a grant through the Department of Public Instruction that is due in April and would make the first year of start-up for the project free. In order to do this, however, Jo will come before the school board on Dec. 7 to illustrate a need for such a school and show how it’s fiscally sustainable.

To help Joe’s efforts or show support for the project, either show up to the Dec. 7 meeting in the Board Room of the Administration Building (500 Main St.) or e-mail Jo: joellenburke@gmail.com.

You can also help by filling out a quick survey.