Possible OMSD charter school concerns resolved

Concerns over separation of church and state for a charter school that is being considered in the Ontario-Montclair School District has been resolved.

After the public hearing for the Life Empowerment International Charter Academy at last week's board meeting, board member David Campio said he had concerns about the executive figure in the school calling himself pastor in a public school.

However, after having a conversation with David Horn, the lead petitioner and pastor of Life Changing Ministries, Campio said the original issue is no longer an issue.

"(Horn) seems to have it covered and he's thought it through," said Campio, who is still reading the proposal.

Horn said he too takes the separation of church and state very seriously.

"There are no religious indoctrination in the charter school..." he said. "Students who do decide to come to the charter school will be there to be educated, and that comes first."

Horn said he will not conduct the daily operations of the charter school, but will serve on the board.

The goal of Life Empowerment International Charter Academy, which expects to serve 200 students from kindergarten through third grade, is to empower students in technology, the country and as entrepreneurs.

School officials say the charter school, if approved, would open the 2010-11 school year at Life Changing Ministries, 1801 E. D St., Ontario. 

The charter petition proposed to eventually serve grades K-5 with an enrollment of 320 students.

Consideration of the charter school is expected to return to the board as a future agenda item for board action.