Ivy Preparatory Academy's Future Still Undecided

Ivy Preparatory Academy, the all-girls commissioned charter school located in Peachtree Corners had hoped that the Georgia Supreme Court might reverse its earlier decision that ruled against its charter. But the decision that the school's charter was unconstitutional was upheld yesterday.

In a briefly worded statement, the Georgia Supreme Court reconfirmed its position saying; "Upon consideration of the Motion for Reconsideration filed in this case, it is ordered that it be hereby denied."

The Supreme Court of Georgia denied the motion for reconsideration filed in the charter schools case (Gwinnett County School District v. Cox, S10A1773). As with the original decision, the vote was 4-to-3 to deny the motion.

Sen. Fran Millar (R-Atlanta), Chairman of the Senate Education and Youth Committee who represents a portion of Gwinnett County issued a statement shortly after the ruling was announced that the Georgia Supreme Court decided not to review its decision declaring the Charter Schools Commission unconstitutional.

“Since the Supreme Court chose not to reconsider its charter school ruling, the legislature will have to attempt to offer a 21st century solution. The voters may also reconsider whom they elect to our highest court when given a future opportunity.”

The ruling affects 16 charter schools and nearly 16,500 students. Efforts are ongoing with each of the county public schools to add the charter schools into their respective school systems.

Ivy Preparatory Academy, with some 480 students, is in discussions with the Gwinnett County Public School officials to incorporate the Peachtree Corners school in with the GCPS system.