The Alabama Public Charter School Commission is reviewing the renewal application of the controversial Homewood school, Magic City Acceptance Academy, which was established primarily to support LGBTQ+ students and their allies. However, their application is still not available to the public.
The hearing, which was announced last month, is scheduled for October 15 in Montgomery.
State law requires schools to submit their applications by October 1.
1819 News has inquired several times about the status of the renewal application.
According to Logan Searcy, the Alabama Public Charter School Commission executive director, "Currently, the staff and Commission are reviewing the renewal applications. When it is appropriate, the renewal applications will be released to the public on the Commission's website."
It is unclear how the school will align its initial mission and vision with state and federal laws and guidance. The initial language approved in 2020 read, "The Magic City Acceptance Academy (MCAA) facilitates a community in which all learners are empowered to embrace education, achieve individual success, and take ownership of their future in a safe, LGBTQaffirming learning environment."
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."
SEE: Five things to know about Magic City Acceptance Academy as lawmakers review funding
Last year, several lawmakers threatened to withhold state funding after the school was found to be openly defying the ban on DEI concepts. However, 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.
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