Hands-on, project-based learning like shown above (from Kathy Bareis’ art class at DeLong) is the intent of the proposed ENGAGE Charter School.

As soon as Jan. 24,* the Eau Claire School Board could decide to accept or deny the contract for ENGAGE Charter School. And some officials are saying the future of the school not only hangs in the balance, but also potentially the future of the entire district.

“Communities that have edcational choices tend to be stronger communities, and one like Eau Claire with two charter schools and looking at another, it speaks to the strength and vitality of the community overall,” said Superintendent Ron Heilmann, who, along with City Manager Mike Huggins, has publicly endorsed the school. Heilmann added that failing to invest in new educational options and ideas threatens to make us a diminishing district instead of a destination district.

ENGAGE is a creative arts and culture charter school program that has been in the works for more than a year with the hope of opening in September 2011. The intent is to foster a creative, hands-on learning environment for 44 students in sixth through ninth grades (initially), adding one grade a year until it comprises sixth through twelfth and can handle up to 76 students after five years. 

“It’s a tremendous opportunity to respond to the community interest in options for students who might not have their needs met in our traditional schools, and to also help our community thrive in the arts and economic development,” said Jo Burke, founder of ENGAGE. “So we see this as a very positive step for our community and school district.”

January is a crucial time for ENGAGE, as they plan to hire staff, propose a lease for a downtown location, and (most importantly) seek contract approval from the school board. Specific details for a project-based curriculum would then follow.

Throughout this process ENGAGE has sought public input and received an enormous amount of positive feedback. But, ultimately, it comes down to the school board’s vote. There exists a certain degree of hesitation and trepidation among some, and the majority stems from the district’s ongoing budget strains.

•The ECASD board recently pushed the original decision date (Jan. 10) to  Jan. 24.

“Financially we think this year will be better than the last, but we anticipate a funding cliff coming,” school board president Carol Craig said, referring to the likelihood of stimulus funds and financial aid shrinking under the new governor. “So those are variables we have to plan for, and we want to know what (ENGAGE) will look like five years down the road. Everybody’s very excited – and the board wants to be innovative – we just want to make sure it fits into the big picture.”

Craig said they hope to hear specifics on the building, staff, and structure of the school at their upcoming meetings before they decide to fully endorse the school.

“While we recognize the historic and current budget struggles within the district, the potential to enhance our educational options for students is the wisest investment in innovation they could make, not to mention the investment in positive economic development and community relations,” Burke said of the board. “We can’t afford not to.” 

So it’s a win-win for the district and community, Burke said. Not to mention the fact that ENGAGE has attracted partnership interest/commitments from several organizations and non-profits, including the library, The State Theatre, Volume One, WHYS, the Chippewa Valley Museum, the Eau Claire Children’s Museum, and The Y. Or the fact that several families have voiced interest in enrolling.

Experts in education have repeatedly touted the benefits of fostering creativity (as opposed to current systems that can sometimes squash it), most notably as a powerful renewable resource in fueling our future workforce and the global economy. 

Regardless of what experts say, ultimately it’s up to residents. It’s their duty to give the board an idea of how the community feels so they make an informed and representative decision. To e-mail or call, go to EngageEauClaire.org or ECASD.k12.wi.us. Otherwise show up to the meetings and speak during the public input segment on Jan. 10 and 24 at 7pm in Room 137 of the District Office (500 Main St.).