Sandy Valley H.S., computer school OK'd by board

A high school in remote Sandy Valley and an elementary/middle school that stresses computer learning have become Southern Nevada's first charter schools.

The Clark County School Board on Thursday approved charter applications submitted by Sandy Valley's Keystone Academy and the Odyssey Charter School of Nevada.

"We feel like we're ground-breakers," said James Driscoll, one of Keystone's founders. "We feel like our situation is ideal for a charter school."

Dropout rates among Sandy Valley's high school students have been as high as 80 percent, partly because students have had to endure four hours on a bus every day in a commute to Las Vegas.

"We have to succeed for these students," said Dawn Haviland, who has been working on the Keystone project for about two years.

Charter schools are financed by taxpayers like public schools but are run by private organizations, not the district. The schools have some freedom to operate independently but must meet some state standards.

Charter schools have blossomed nationwide during the past decade as parents have called for more school choices. Charter schools now number about 1,100 in 34 states.

The Nevada Legislature in 1997 cleared the way for charter schools in this state. Only one had been established, however -- a high school for at-risk students in Washoe County.

The Nevada Department of Education approved the Keystone and Odyssey applications. On Thursday, the School Board gave the groups the final go-ahead.

"A collective sigh went up," said Sandy Valley constable Lon Itson. "I can't believe it's been two years."

Keystone organizers must now try to find a building that can house about 60 ninth and 10th graders and three teachers. Plans call for eventually expanding the school to 11th and 12th graders.

Organizers have vowed to erect a prefabricated building if they cannot find space in an existing building. They want to open for the beginning of the 1999-2000 school year.

Keystone leaders said they planned to closely follow the district's curriculum, although they plan more emphasis on science and the environment.

"Good luck," School Board member Lois Tarkanian said after the board voted to approve the school's application.

Leaders of the Odyssey school plan to focus students on computer-based learning. Kindergarteners through eighth graders would learn their schoolwork primarily in front of a computer at home, with the guidance of parents.

Students would meet with a teacher a minimum one hour per week. Organizers have already picked out software that leads students through thousands of lessons, connects them to the Internet for research and shows them detailed graphics.

"(Computer learning) makes the curriculum available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year," said Vee Wilson, who will be principal of the new school.

Board members voiced concerns about raising children in front of a computer with no social interaction, especially at young ages.

School organizers plan to bring students together on field trips, social events and through park and recreation programs.

"We don't envision a child sitting in front of a computer for seven hours a day," said Dave Price, Odyssey administrative adviser.

Odyssey organizers also are looking for a place to house their school. They envision at least three rooms including a computer lab where parents, students and teachers could meet.

Odyssey planners hope to have 250 students enrolled to open the school for the coming school year.

Organizers of both schools said they felt pressure as Southern Nevada's first charter schools to launch successful operations.

"We're a little nervous," said Wilson, principal at Elizabeth Wilhelm Elementary School, a 33-year-veteran of the district.

Price, now Rundle Elementary School principal, added, "The board of education has just given us a heavy responsibility. They have entered into a trust relationship with us."

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