School Closure
While Education One's goal is to support every authorized school in achieving long-term success, there may be circumstances in which a charter school closes through non-renewal, revocation, or voluntary surrender of its Charter Agreement. In these situations, Education One is committed to ensuring that closure decisions are made fairly, transparently, and in the best interests of students.
In accordance with Indiana law, Education One has established clear processes for charter non-renewal, revocation, voluntary surrender, and school closure. These processes are designed to provide due process, maintain open communication with stakeholders, and ensure an orderly transition for students, families, staff, and the community.
School closure extends beyond the decision to close a school. Education One works closely with school leadership and governing boards to oversee transition planning, student record transfers, family communication, financial and operational wind-down activities, and compliance with all applicable state and federal requirements. Through this work, Education One seeks to minimize disruption to students and families while protecting the public interest and ensuring responsible stewardship of public resources.
The sections below provide an overview of the various pathways to school closure and Education One's role in supporting a smooth and orderly transition. Additional details can be found in Education One's Non-Renewal, Revocation, and School Closure Guide.
If the Education One Board of Directors determines that a school has not demonstrated sufficient performance, compliance, or organizational capacity to warrant an additional charter term, the Board may vote to non-renew the Charter Agreement.
Non-renewal decisions are based on the totality of evidence gathered throughout the charter term, including Annual Reviews, monitoring and oversight activities, stakeholder feedback, the Renewal Application, and findings from the External Review process. Schools are evaluated on their ability to fulfill the commitments outlined in their Charter Agreement and demonstrate sustained academic, financial, and organizational effectiveness.
In the event of a non-renewal decision, the charter will expire at the conclusion of the current charter term. The school will receive written notice of the Board's decision and information regarding any applicable appeal procedures. If the non-renewal decision is upheld, Education One will work closely with the school to ensure an orderly transition for students, families, staff, and stakeholders in accordance with state law and established closure protocols.
While non-renewal occurs at the conclusion of a charter term, charter revocation may occur during an active charter term when a school fails to meet the obligations outlined in its Charter Agreement or demonstrates persistent academic, financial, organizational, or compliance concerns that have not been adequately addressed.
Revocation is considered a significant accountability action and typically follows ongoing monitoring, intervention, and opportunities for corrective action. If the Education One Board determines that revocation may be warranted, the school will receive written notice outlining the reasons for the proposed action, the revocation process, and the projected closure timeline.
Schools are afforded due process and the opportunity to appeal a proposed revocation before the Education One Board makes a final determination. If revocation is upheld, Education One will work closely with the school to ensure an orderly transition for students, families, staff, and stakeholders.
A voluntary surrender occurs when a governing board elects not to pursue charter renewal or voluntarily relinquishes its Charter Agreement before the expiration of the charter term.
Unlike non-renewal or revocation, a voluntary surrender is initiated by the school's governing board. Schools pursuing voluntary surrender work collaboratively with Education One to develop and implement a closure and transition plan designed to minimize disruption for students, families, staff, and the community.
Voluntary surrender is generally reserved for schools in good standing and includes the board's agreement to waive its right to a hearing or appeal. Following notification of the decision, Education One works with the school to ensure compliance with all closure requirements, including student record transfers, family communication, financial obligations, and the orderly disposition of school assets.