FORT WAYNE – The founding board of the Thurgood Marshall Leadership Academy believes its work starting a new charter school is done and hopes to bring a new 11-member governing board to handle oversight.
Ten names of potential board members will be submitted for approval by the Fort Wayne Urban League at its meeting Oct. 9.
Marshall Academy is located in the former Zion building at 2313 Hanna St. and was founded by the Fort Wayne Urban League. The K-8 charter school is managed by American Quality Schools.
Much of the founding board, including current President Will Clark will remain on the governing board although Clark said he will not continue as president. Current members include Clark, Sheila Moore, Michael Spath, Jim Burgoon, Alfred Brothers, Bettye Poignard and Fort Wayne Urban League CEO Jonathan Ray. The names of three additional members, including one parent, will be up for approval. Clark said the board hopes to bring on another parent soon.
At the founding board’s final meeting Monday, Clark warned members who will continue to serve on the governing board that oversight will not be easy, and challenged all to continue to hold the school to the high standards established by the founding board, producing high-achieving students who are contributing members of society.
Members of the governing board are scheduled to attend an all-day training session in late October, required by American Quality Schools. Clark said additional training will be required by the Indiana Charter Schools Board, which granted the school’s charter. The governing board plans to meet at 4:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month, Clark said.
