Minnesota Court Addresses Charter School’s Challenge of Authorizer’s Decision Not to Renew Contract

This 2011 Minnesota District Court order and memorandum address a Rochester, Minnesota, charter school’s challenge of a decision by its authorizer, Volunteers of America-Minnesota, not to renew its contract. The order denies Studio Academy’s request that the court temporarily block closure of the school until a hearing of its case to remain open. The memorandum compares the potential harm of allowing the school to close with requiring that it remain open. The memorandum also examines the role of state law and the contract between the school and the authorizer, as well as the implications for students and oversight of charter schools.

Volunteers of America-Minnesota received the National Association of Charter School Authorizers’ 2011 Award for Excellence in Improving Practice.