KINGSTON – After an eight-year lease was not renewed in April, New Hampshire’s longest running charter school must raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for a new facility or face closure.

“We were not renewed going into the 2015/2016 school year. In the meantime, we have a second new facility at Great Bay Community College which will allow us to grow and expand,” said school head Peter Durso. The 37,000-square-foot space on the second floor of the Stratham facility is about $250,000 more than the cost of the current facility.

Seacoast Charter School Board treasurer Marc Wood said the difference needs to be made up in fundraising and donations for the new location to work.

“We must receive $125,000 of the $250,000 by June 1 and the remaining $125,000 by September 1. If we don’t raise $125,000 by June 1, we will be forced to close the school,” he said.

The Seacoast Charter School, an arts-integrated school, has been operating for 10 years and serves 248 K-8 students. The school has leased space from the Sanborn Regional School District since 2007.

Jon LeBlanc, chairman of the Sanborn Regional District School Board, confirmed the non-renewal Monday evening.

“The building that is currently occupied by (Seacoast Charter School) has a number of health and life safety issues which will be costly to resolve. That was one of the factors that went into the decision not to pursue renewing a lease with SCS,” he said.

Wood appealed the decision to the Sanborn board May 4, but was unsuccessful. He is now focused on preparing for the move.

“I’m very hopeful, but it’s going to take a community wide effort, and some outside funding from local businesses … no stone unturned is our philosophy,” said Wood.

Kiki Bolle Evans said she hoped her fourth-grade son could continue at the charter school through eighth grade.

“It’s his first year, he’s doing so well. The sense of community is so strong at the school, it’s a great environment for learning,” she said.

Kristine Scholtz has been sending her fourth-grade son to the school for two years.

“The artistic component is huge. All students are also required to play a string instrument. My son never would have known how much he loves playing the cello had he not come to this school,” she said. “The schoolwide concerts are absolutely amazing. And they do all of this while still meeting core standards.”

Scholtz said she’s willing to do her part to keep the school going, but thinks community assistance is key. “Corporate donors who are willing to partner with the school to help keep it moving forward on an ongoing basis.”

Evans said there’s only so much families can do. “We’ve all been asked to contribute about $1,000 per student. I know a lot of families won’t be able to come up with that,” she said.

Charter schools are typically funded directly through the state – and raise supplemental funds through grants and donation drives – while district public schools are funded through a combination of state and local support.

Durso reached out to state representatives, including Rep. Kenneth Weyler, R-Kingston, to see whether there is any way to access state support, such as building aid.

“It’s too late for this year. I hope to visit with the Senate Finance Committee, because the budget is in their hands,” said Weyler.

Weyler said he’s disappointed with the decision not to renew the lease, and concerned about the road ahead. “We’re not in great hopes. I will be working with (Seacoast Charter School) to try and find other ways to save them some money,” he said.

Durso said one long-term way to support charters is House Bill 563, sponsored by Weyler, which increases per pupil funding at charter schools using state funds.

Under current law, the annual per pupil aid for public charter schools is $3,780 for kindergarten students, and $5,561 for students in grade 1-12, with the average per pupil funds in New Hampshire at $14,000. The bill aims to raise charter funds to 50 percent of the average per pupil figure, or about $7,000.

New Hampshire charter schools now receive about $5,500 per pupil from the state; 38 percent of the average amount.

The bill was scheduled to be voted on Thursday, but that vote was delayed until May 14.

“Any legislation that could either increase funding per pupil or relieve us of any taxes are definitely very great,” said Wood.

The school is operating normally through the last day of classes June 18. School officials plan to set up a donation site just for the moving costs.

“We want to put the money in some kind of trust. If the school closes, they could give it back,” he said.

Contributions can be made on the school website, www.seacoastcharterschool.org.

Tina Forbes can be reached at 594-6402, tforbes@nashuatelegraph.com or @Telegraph_TinaF.

Newsletter