It was the first time the board considered recommendations from the newly established state Charter School Board.

Last month, the board voted unanimously to recommend the state school board waive its required 10-month planning period and allow the two schools to open this fall.

The charter board has taken over responsibilities that formerly belonged to the state Board of Education.

Those include oversight of existing charters and evaluation of most charter applications.

Under the new law, the state school board retains ultimate authority to accept or reject the charter school board's decisions, but it no longer is responsible for the time-consuming evaluation process.

A year ago, the state Board of Education denied the Moab charter, largely because of concerns about the financial repercussions for Grand School District, which stands to lose students and the state funding attached to them.

Charter schools are empowered to use innovative teaching methods, but they must adhere to most of the same financial and educational standards as other public schools.

- Ronnie Lynn