TYLER (KYTX) - Tyler ISD parent Rusty Walker wants more choices in education to put kids ahead of the curve.
"I think we ought to explore various alternatives in the hopes that we'll improve education for everyone." he says.
Kim Tunnell with Tyler ISD says the school board is looking into a charter school concept for high school students. An "early college high school" provides students with not only their high school diploma, but their associates degree, by the time they graduate.
"I think we're always looking for opportunities for our students to provide them with the availability of higher education courses." she says.
But this would mean some give and take. One concern is that students would miss out on the full high school experience. Things like football, band and other extra-curricular activities would not be offered. The charter school would be strictly academic.
"My son's private Christian school didn't have all the sports, but he was able to do extra-curricular activities in other areas." says Walker.
Tunnell says the district would need to take advantage of a $600,000 startup grant through the state to pay for the school. The terms of the grant require the board to make a decision by January 1.
Tunnel says Tyler ISD still needs to find out how much it would cost to operate a locally-owned charter school. They also have plans to discuss a partnership with an area college.
