By Courtney Warren
The Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board voted Oct. 26 to revoke the charter contract of SR1 College Preparatory and STEM Academy in Canton, with the school authorized to continue operating through Dec. 31.
The board’s decision followed a revocation hearing held May 14, according to an Oct. 27 news release from the Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board. The board cited the school’s performance under its charter contract and concerns about fiscal management as reasons for the decision.
According to the board, SR1 College Preparatory and STEM Academy failed to meet or make sufficient progress toward its charter performance expectations and did not meet generally accepted standards of fiscal management. The board said its decision was based on financial performance and internal control evidence, including the school’s annual financial audits.
The charter revocation was finalized Oct. 26, according to the board. Under the final order, the school may continue providing instruction through Dec. 31 to allow for a transition at the end of the fall semester. Its charter and authority to provide instruction will terminate at 11:59 p.m. that day, and the school is not scheduled to operate during the spring 2027 semester unless the board takes further lawful action or a court issues an order changing the outcome.
In a message to parents and guardians, the school’s administration said classes would continue as scheduled and that the school remained committed to providing students with a quality education.
The administration also said it was exploring available legal options and encouraged parents and guardians to share how the school has affected their students and families.
SR1 College Preparatory and STEM Academy opened in Canton in 2023, initially enrolling kindergarten and first-grade students from Canton and surrounding school districts.
The authorizer board said it will oversee the school’s closure process in accordance with applicable laws, policies and contractual requirements. The process is intended to facilitate the transition for students, families, staff members and other stakeholders.
Additional information about closure procedures and transition expectations will be communicated as the process continues, according to the board.
Information about the Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board’s closure process is available on its website at charterschoolboard.ms.gov.
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