Frank DeVito. Item File Photo
By Thomas Grillo
LYNN — A proposed second charter school for the city failed its bid to win a $10 million prize in one of the nation’s biggest high school redesign competitions.
The planned Equity Lab Charter School by Frank DeVito of Waltham-based Education Development Center’s National Center on Scaling Up Effective Schools was a finalist in the XQ Super School Project challenge. The charity supported by Laurene Powell Jobs, the widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs provided 10 teams with a collective $100 million Wednesday to create new high schools or transform existing ones. The cash would have guaranteed that KIPP Academy, the city’s only charter school, would face competition.
“I’m a sore loser,” said DeVito with a laugh. “To me there’s no moral victory here, but the good news is the finalists are eligible for some XQ funding and we expect to get the details soon.”
The grades 5 through 12 Equity Lab came close. They were one of 50 finalists from more than 700 applications nationwide. Originally, XQ planned to name five winners, but at the last minute 10 winners were funded. Only one Massachusetts proposal received the award, Powerhouse Studios in Somerville.
Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy and the City Council oppose the opening of a new charter school, saying it drains much needed money from the Lynn Public Schools.
“Thank goodness,” said City Councilor-at-Large Brian LaPierre, who also serves as a political organizer for the American Federation of Teachers. “When will Mr. DeVito learn that the kids of Lynn are being very well educated in our public schools? I would not buy a used car from him if it were the last one on the Lynnway.”
In response, DeVito acknowledged that he has made enemies. He said the goal is to offer a school that provides services not offered in the public schools, such as an extended day.
“From my perspective, it’s not that Lynn schools are horrible and I will show them the way, rather we can offer something different,” he said. “I know Brian is a good guy and he cares.”
Despite the loss, DeVito has said he would still open the school next year if the state approves it, with or without the winning cash. But the loss poses a new challenge.
If the proposal for a new school is approved by the state next year, they will provide him with $800 per student to lease or purchase space. He anticipates 160 students for a total of $128,000. In addition, the new school would receive $2.1 million from Lynn Public Schools or $13,223 per student who switches schools.
DeVito said he would still have to raise about $250,000 for the school to launch. He is applying to foundations to make up the difference.
He has already received more than 300 inquiries from families who want to send their child to the school, DeVito said.
Thomas Grillo can be reached at [email protected].
