Boggs Educational Center

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Boggs Educational Center going to be a charter School?

Right now we are not sure.  We are committed to providing a free and excellent education to the children of Detroit.  Therefore, as we continue to build the Boggs Educational Center, we will seek funding partnerships that are aligned with our mission, principles, and vision and that will sustain the longevity of our school.

What is the difference between a public school, a charter school, and an independent (private) school?

Funding and management.  As part of the Boggs Educational Center’s development, we have explored different funding models.

How is a traditional public school funded?

Local school districts receive a fixed amount of dollars from the state for every student that they enroll.  This amount may vary depending on the district in which a school is located.  Schools that serve students who receive “free or reduced lunch” are also eligible for federal Title I funding.

How is a charter school funded?

A charter school, or public school academy, also receives per pupil funding from the state and is eligible to received federal Title funding. Charter schools receive the same amount of dollars per student as the intermediary district in which they are located.  For instance, if the Boggs Educational Center were to become a charter school we would receive state funding that matches the funding that the Detroit Public School receives per student.

How is an independent (private) school funded?

An independent school relies on tuition and donations for funding.  Since independent schools do not rely on state funding, they can operate outside of many of the regulations and requirements that apply to traditional public schools and public school academies.

So if charter schools and public schools both receive state and federal funds, are they really that different?

The best way to answer this question is to clearly define what it means to be a charter school.  Charter schools are nonsectarian public schools of choice that operate with freedom from many of the regulations that apply to traditional public schools.

The “charter” establishing each such school is a performance contract detailing the school’s mission, program, goals, students served, methods of assessment, and ways to measure success. The length of time for which charters are granted varies, but most are granted for 3-5 years. At the end of the term, the entity granting the charter may renew the school’s contract.

Charter schools are accountable to their sponsor to produce positive academic results and adhere to the charter contract. The basic concept of charter schools is that they exercise increased autonomy in return for this accountability. They are accountable for both academic results and fiscal practices to several groups: the sponsor that grants them, the parents who choose them, and the public that funds them. 
As public schools, charters are not allowed to charge tuition, and are funded according to enrollment.
(adapted from www.uscharterschools.org)

How will you decide on a funding model?

Deciding which funding model the Boggs Educational Center will seek, as a traditional public school, a charter school, or an independent school, will come to down to which model best expresses a partnership between funding needs and our educational goals. While we see strengths in each model, we also want to ensure that funding decisions, like any other partnership, will not compromise or drive our mission and vision.

Do you have a building or location?

We have been building a partnership with the Friends of Detroit and the Hope District, which are located on Detroit’s Eastside.

Will the Boggs Educational Center be an elementary school, middle school or high school?

Initially we will serve five- and six-year olds (kindergarten and first grade).  We plan on adding an incoming group of five-year olds each year.  We will provide educational experiences for students from kindergarten through high school.

When will the Boggs Educational Center open?

We have not currently locked a target date to open the Boggs Educational Center.  While we are extremely excited to open, we are also committed to creating a sustainable educational center that delivers our mission and fulfills our vision.  There are several logistical steps required to open a school that we have begun to research and pursue. We want to make certain that the Boggs Educational Center is sustainable and well planned.  Building our organizational capacity is prioritized over an expedient launch.   That said, we hope to be operating by the 2011/2012 school year!!

How can I get involved in the development of the Boggs Educational Center?

We get excited when other people are excited about the Boggs Educational Center.   A school is the property of a community, and we want you to contact us with your questions and suggestions.

www.projecteducation.wordpress.com

Projecteducation313@gmail.com

How can I make a donation? And will my donation be tax deductible?

The easiest way to make a donation is to use the Pay Pal feature on our website.  This donation will go to our fiduciary sponsor (the Boggs Center).  Please make sure that you indicate that you would like your donation to go to the Boggs Educational Center “for school development.” After you make a donation, you will receive a letter of gratitude that includes tax i.d. number so that you can write off your donation.

How will my donation be used?

We are currently using donations to cover logistical expenses (printing and design costs), professional development (travel expenses for visiting schools and to attend workshops and conferences), and program development.  While donations will not go directly to school programming until we open, your donations will be used directly for building our institution to ensure our success.  As we get closer to opening, funds will be used to provide stipends for staff to take on full-time fiscal management, operations, and curriculum planning functions.