A split Denver school board Wednesday narrowly approved a second location for West Denver Preparatory charter school in north Denverplacing it in a building that now houses the Emerson Street alternative school.
The 4-3 approval was the final piece in a controversial package of turnaround strategies — most of which was approved by the board on Nov. 30.
The board had already approved a West Denver Prep program at Lake Middle School. But board members asked the district to investigate whether a location other than Emerson Street could be found for a second school in northwest Denver.
Some board members feared too many charters in one area could draw students away from traditional schools, specifically Skinner Middle School.
In the end, the district staff couldn’t find another spot and offered Emerson Street as the best spot until the school could be moved to a remodeled North High School.
The founder of West Denver Prep said he already has received 228 signed applications from families of fifth-graders who want to attend West Denver Prep.
The approved motion also called for “an enhanced academic program at Skinner.” Jeremy P. Meyer, The Denver Post
