Innovative Education Management, a nonprofit charter school organization based in Placerville, is seeking to serve students in the shrinking Auburn Union School District and surrounding areas.
IEM President Randy Gaschler presented a petition to the district Wednesday night to open Gold Country Charter School, which would provide support for independent-study and homeschooled students in Placer County and neighboring Nevada and El Dorado counties.
Gaschler explained his organization's services are being sought by parents and trustee Chuck Heisleman, who was absent from the meeting. Heisleman could not be reached for comment today.
"A lot of parents in Placer and El Dorado counties that know what we do have been asking for years to start a school in this area," Gaschler told the board.
Trustee Shana McDonald questioned the claim.
"This is definitely a declining enrollment community and an aging community, so what you are saying concerns me," McDonald said.
The Auburn Union School District reports a loss of about 1,000 students in the past 10 years, forcing the closure this year of Alta Vista Elementary School.
The district board is expected to vote on the charter petition July 16.
Call The Bee's Lakiesha McGhee, (916) 773-7630.
