MADISON (WKOW) -- The Madison School Board voted down Madison Prep Academy. The five to two vote against the charter school followed nearly five hours of public comment.
The President of the Urban League of Greater Madison says he will file a complaint with the federal government over race and gender discrimination.
Madison Prep's stated goal is to bridge the achievement gap for minority students. Just a half of Madison's African American seniors graduated last year, and less than 60 percent of Latino students graduated.
Board members agree this is unacceptable, but not a solution.
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MADISON (WKOW) -- The Madison Metropolitan School District's Board of Education is scheduled to vote on the proposal for the Madison Preparatory Academy on Monday night.
The meeting was moved to the auditorium at Memorial High School because school officials expect it to draw a large crowd. People interested in sharing their thoughts on the issue can sign up before the meeting begins at 6 p.m.
In the week leading up to tonight's vote, two board members have publicly supported the proposal while four have spoken out against it.
Board member Beth Moss explained in a Wisconsin State Journal article Monday that she cannot support the proposal because it is not "barrier-free" to "educate all who walk in the door." She also cited excessive administrative costs and underpaid teachers.
While it appears board member Lucy Mathiak could be outnumbered in her approval of Madison Prep, she said it is not a done deal yet.
"You never know [what will happen] until people sit down and you have to cast your votes," she said.
The Urban League of Greater Madison believes the charter school would address the academic achievement and high school and college graduation gaps between white students and their black and Latino peers.
The $23 million necessary to start the school would come from the Madison School District, private donations and student fees.
If approved, Madison Prep would open next August at the former Mount Olive Lutheran Church on Mineral Point Road. It would provide separate classrooms for boys and girls.
Lysee Mitri will have more tonight on 27 News at 10.
