MERIDIAN A Meridian congregation is among a dozen groups statewide that have filed applications for the first charter schools in Mississippi.

Freedom Rock Christian Fellowship Church and its parent organization, New Destiny Urban Community Development Corporation, have submitted a petition for the New Destiny Charter Academy, also referred to as "The Academy." The Academy is a two-phase project, which, in the first two years SY2014-2014 and SY2015-2016 will serve students from K-3, and beginning in SY2016-17 will begin additionally serving grades 4-5.

Lawmakers in 2013 approved an expanded law allowing charter schools public schools run by private groups that agree to meet certain standards in exchange for less regulation after a two-year fight.

According to Elder LaBaron Hedgemon, pastor of Freedom Rock, that approval granted the Meridian congregation the go-ahead to a longtime vision.

"As a congregation, we have always had a passion to try to meet the needs of children in every area, Meridian and Lauderdale County. Outside of other things we do geared to serving the community, the desire to start a school was there three years ago," Hedgemon said.

Charter schools are public schools with unique traits such as flexibility and accountability. And, like public schools, they are government funded.

But while the number of petitions submitted to establish such institutions statewide has been impressive, there has also been much opposition from educators, parents and the community.

Obviously, my stance is and always will be that I want what is best for the children of Meridian. That being said, I dont think that charter schools are the best option for Meridians children," Meridian Public School Superintendent Dr. Alvin Taylor said.

"The main reason that I feel this way is because charter schools do not have to follow the same rules and regulations that public schools have to follow. For example, their students are not required to pass state tests; they do not have graduation requirements; and all of the teachers and administrators in charter schools are not required to be licensed."

"It is the goal of the Meridian Public School District to provide the best education possible by serving all students, and I strongly believe that our District is the best option for the children of Meridian," Taylor said. "Charter schools cant exist without taking students from existing schools; therefore, costing schools in our community valuable resources and jobs. Therefore, charter schools will be detrimental to public education in our community.

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Freedom Rock CFC petitions for charter school