The Alabama Public Charter School Commission announced on Monday that it will review the renewal of the controversial Homewood school, Magic City Acceptance Academy, which was established primarily to support LGBTQ+ students and their allies, on October 15 in Montgomery.
An investigation by 1819 News earlier this year revealed potential violations of state law and dubious deviations from the state-approved curriculum at the school.
On February 4, Sheila Austin, chairman of the Alabama Public Charter School Commission, sent a letter to the Magic City Acceptance Academy (MCAA). In it, she described the Commission's role in ensuring state compliance and the state's remedies, including the revocation of the school's charter for noncompliance.
SEE: Alabama's LGBTQ+ Charter School openly defies DEI ban
RELATED: Magic City Acceptance Academy offers platform for drag queens, Interfaith Alliance
The school responded to the Commission's request for proof of compliance with state law with a letter outlining what appear to be largely cosmetic changes to its website, campus and procedures.
The school's renewal has not yet been posted on the Commission's website. According to Section 16-6F-8, the state statute that governs charter schools, it states, "No later than October 1, the governing board of a public charter school seeking renewal shall submit a renewal application to the charter authorizer pursuant to the renewal application guidance issued by the authorizer. The authorizer shall rule by resolution on the renewal application no later than 30 days after the filing of the renewal application."
According to their FY 2025 budget, MCAA receives $3,382,194.00 from the State of Alabama and $337,136.00 in federal funds. They are operating at a loss this year, showing a budget deficit of -$101,746.98.
Lawmakers stated that they were evaluating budget cuts to the school, but the reductions appear nominal.
RELATED: Five things to know about Magic City Acceptance Academy as lawmakers review funding
The Commission will consider renewing the charters for three charter schools in the same meeting: LEAD Academy, Breakthrough Academy, and Magic City Acceptance Academy. According to the announcement, the meeting will be held via Zoom and in person on October 15, at 10 a.m. at 2897 Eastern Blvd., Montgomery, AL 36116.
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