Excel Charter Academy receives new seven-year contract

Excel Charter Academy in Grand Rapids has been reauthorized for seven more years - receiving the longest contract available. The K-8 academy is one of Grand Valley's first charter schools, opening in 1995. Excel serves 650 students: 40 percent are minorities, 30 percent are economically disadvantaged and 11 percent are recipients of special education services.

The Grand Valley Board of Trustees approved the new contract at its February board meeting. It takes effect July 1.

Charter School Director Ed Richardson said reauthorization is determined after four areas of review. They include finances, governance, student achievement and a site review. "Excel did extremely well in all four areas," said Richardson. "We are very proud of the school's accomplishments. In comparison to surrounding school districts, the student test scores were outstanding."

William Knoester has been principal at Excel since it opened and, in 2004, was named "Administrator of the Year" by the Michigan Association of Public School Academies. Excel is managed by National Heritage Academies.