Imagine Mableton Fights For Its Charter Renewal

Before the last Cobb Schools Board of Education meeting on June 23, the parents, students and supporters of Imagine International Academy of Mableton gathered to rally for their school.

Then, they headed to the meeting all clad in blue "I Choose Imagine Mableton" t-shirts and several voiced their support during the public comment period.

The charter for IIAM is up for renewal, and Cobb Schools Superintendent Fred Sanderson has already recommended rejection of the charter petition. However, the board members have granted the school a 30-day delay in consideration of the charter renewal.

They will decide the school's fate at their next school board meeting on July 28.

Many people, including BOE member David Morgan believe the school has had many financial and achievement challenges in its five-year history.

However, IIAM Assistant Principal James Owmby said those challenges are just "growing pains." He said the school now has stability and a clear direction.

In his most recent email to parents, IIAM Principal Dr. Marcus Barber stated, "In closing I quote, 'To whom much is given much is required.'  In the 2010-2011, we were given a Private School Atmosphere at a Public School price.  The 2011-2012  school year will require us to be more involved than in the past in order for us to continually improve."

Mason Jones, 6-year-old IIAM student, will not entertain the thought that his school may close.

When asked where he will go if it did, he responded, "I won't. I'll be going to that school."

Amy and Kevin Cargile's son, Joshua, is a student at IIAM. They say that if the school's charter is not renewed, they will move.

Moving, Mrs. Cargile said, "is not something we want to do because we don't have a problem with where we live other than the schools in our area are not performing the way we'd like for them to."

On Thursday, the school held a special called meeting to approve the school's calendar and budget for the upcoming school year.