Leaders May Disband New Charter School Organization

By Caroline Hendrie

Leaders of the fledgling National Charter Schools Alliance are considering dissolving the organization just eight months after it was formed, largely because expected foundation support for the venture failed to come through.

Organizers of the alliance conceived of it as a membership organization for state-level charter school associations and resource centers, and hoped it would emerge as the leading voice in Washington for the independently run public schools. ( "Alliance Hopes to Serve as Voice for Charter Schools," Nov. 13, 2002.)

But following the rejection by two prominent foundations of the group's proposals for sizable grants, its board of directors had to let go three paid staff members in August. That move has led to the threat of a lawsuit by the organization's former president, and board members are now weighing whether to disband the alliance altogether in the near future, according to Howard...