Last October, the Alabama Charter School Commission, led by Republican appointees, renewed the Magic City Acceptance Academy's (MCAA) charter for five years. Despite the school's declining enrollment, low scores and questionable record of complying with the state's ban on DEI, the school now seeks the same commission's approval at its May 4 meeting for a long-planned expansion.
During their renewal presentation, representatives from the school surprised commissioners when they announced that, upon renewal, construction would begin, potentially as soon as the next day, on an unapproved expansion of their facilities.
Charter school staff then interjected, "New facilities do have to come before the Commission," to which the school representatives said in unison, "Yeah."
Following additional questions and answers, the issue came up again, with the school stressing that they were ready to begin the work.
"You will need to come before the Commission about it," the commission staff said.
"We will, we will. I promise. We will not do anything until then. Uh, so, uh, I think we've been so focused on this that, uh, but yes, uh, we will, uh, we will do that. See you next month."
Now, five months later, they are finally doing so.
SEE: Magic City Acceptance Academy sought expansion without State authorization
The expansion has been long planned for MCAA. The school has already participated in two city zoning meetings and received approval from the City of Homewood on Oct. 9, 2023. At no point in the city's process did the school say that the rezoning would be contingent on the commission's approval.
The plan, as presented to the Homewood City Council, included a covered crosswalk and a bridge leading to the second floor of the building next door to the current school, which the school plans to expand. The school would occupy the second and third floors of the building, with the first floor being general commercial rental space.
Dr. Karen Musgrove, the school's CEO, spoke about the plan, noting that the school had 347 students at the time of her presentation. According to the most recent school board minutes, the school currently has approximately 285 students. It was noted as one of the worst in the state for enrollment declines for this school year.
Musgrove told the city council that, with the expansion, the school's goal was to enroll "550-600 kids."
She also noted that the school may add fifth grade, and that the new space would allow it to add a band room, a theatre, a mental health space for family and individual counseling, as well as tele-therapy.
The Commission allows time for public comment during its meetings. Anyone wishing to speak must notify the executive director, Logan Searcy, at [email protected] at least seven days in advance of the meeting. Comments must be limited to items on the meeting's agenda and to three minutes. Speakers are expected to display proper decorum at all times.
1819 News requested a copy of the application from the Charter School Commission. The commission's lawyer responded that he is processing the request.
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