After visiting Northwest Arkansas Classical Academy (NWACA) last week, today we met as an expanded exploratory committee to determine if we wanted to proceed more seriously toward establishing a classical charter school in Northeastern Oklahoma.

We shared our observations of NWACA for those unable to travel there and then discussed the Barney Charter School Initiative application process which is quite extensive. Specifically, it requires that we formalize our proceedings (a minimum number of members, official roles, agendas, minutes), incorporate as a non-profit organization, raise money, and prepare a written application answering several dozen questions about ourselves and the proposed school. While it is not for the faint of heart, it is likely a drop in the bucket compared to writing a full charter application (which we will have to do eventually if we proceed).

All in all, the committee was enthusiastic and the general sentiment was that we would cautiously move forward. We adjourned and agreed to meet again in a few weeks and continue the discussion having each done some research and soul searching.