The Charter Office recommended a four-year renewal for the Emerge School for Autism, and the board approved the renewal on Nov. 6.

Charter-office staff reported that the review included academic growth, financial stability, organizational compliance and student-support practices and that the school met the criteria for renewal. Several board members spoke in support of Emerge, citing improvements in data and the school’s specialized services for students with autism. Board member Martin moved approval; the motion was seconded and carried.

Board members stressed that specialized programs for students with autism provide unique, high-value services that warrant district support and monitoring under the charter accountability framework.