GCSS holding public hearings on charter application

GAINESVILLE - The Gainesville City School System is applying to maintain their charter status, something Superintendent Merrianne Dyer said has been a positive thing for the system.

"We've used the flexibility for a variety of things, primarily for what's called seat time, the amount of time students spend in each instructional area," she said.

Dyer said Gainesville City Schools was approved for charter status in 2008 and is required to reapply every five years.

She said they will hold three public hearings on the system's reapplication, but she said she doesn't think the public's interest will be as strong this time around since taxpayers have become used to the idea of charter schools and no major changes are being made.

"We've made just a few changes in our application and new performance goals," said Dyer.

She said among the changes to this application will be an agreement that allows charter status to be extended to any new school that is built within the system.

The Gainesville City School System will hold public hearings on Sept. 17, Oct. 1 and Oct. 15 at 5 p.m. at the school board office on Oak Street.