Church's Proposed Charter School Stirs Controversy

Today's Willamette Week Online reports on an interesting dispute in North Portland, Oregon over an application by Mount Olivet Baptist Church to create a publicly supported charter school, the Academy of Character and Ethics. Portland Board of Education leaders are concerned about the proposed school's financing, the sustainability of its leadership and the originality of its proposed curriculum. A number of parents, however have different kinds of concerns-- how the church's religious beliefs will influence the school's curriculum and atmosphere. The church's leaders have been known for their active opposition to gay marriage. School backers, however, say they will integrate character lessons into the curriculum in a completely secular manner. A school board subcommittee hearing on the charter application is scheduled for today.