Pace Career Academy Public Charter School To Close

PEMBROKE, NH — The state's only school district-supported public charter school will be closing at the end of the school year.

A formal vote will be taken by SAU 53 to close the Pace Career Academy public charter school, also known as PACE, on June 7, after its board of trustees advised the closure.

Founded in 2011, it was created as an alternative pathway to graduation to assist students in designing their own academic, career, and personal growth path with individualized instruction and small educator-to-student ratios. Technologies such as robotics as well as STEM, graphic design, community service, and other opportunities were offered to students at the school along with core subjects.

The board of trustees cited a number of factors including "increasing requirements in staffing necessary to deliver the proper level of services to students and families," according to a statement. Fundraising was also a challenge and failed to meet operating shortfalls, the board said. The board said the state provided about $7,200 per student for charter schools while the remainder of the funds must be raised privately. Even with additional funds from the school district, it would not be enough to sustain the school.

"These factors made it clear that the school was not financially viable going forward," the statement said.

"The decision to close is not a reflection of the resilience, dedication or commitment of the students, families, and staff at PACE, but rather a reflection of the financial realities for charter schools in New Hampshire as a whole," said Clint Hanson, the chairman of the board of trustees.

Students who attend the school will be transitioned back into other schools with staff members assisting students and families on a case-by-case basis.

When PACE officially closes, there will only be 30 public charter schools in the state after the closure, too, of the Capital City Public Charter School in Concord in February. The closure of that school, however, was due to different financial reasons — allegations of questionable disbursements and misappropriated funds. The New Hampshire Attorney General's Office is investigating the school's finances. The school filed for bankruptcy in April.

The state is also utilizing new federal grants to assist in the creation of new public charter schools to assist at-risk students in New Hampshire.

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