Horry County charter school to continue vision without founder

The resignation of the Academy of Hope’s chief executive officer came as a surprise to some, but his exit last week is not expected to affect the school or its mission, according to some who are affiliated with the school.

“Everything is going to stay the same,” said Marvin Keene, president of the school’s board of directors. “We still have the same vision, his vision, and we’re going to focus on the same things. We’re still strong and doing all the things that were set out in the charter.”

The Conway school, located in Cherry Hill Missionary Baptist Church on Church Street, is the third charter school to open in Horry County, starting classes last July for students in kindergarten through fourth grade. It is Horry County’s second year-round school, and offers students extended hours, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese classes and an international business focus.

Keene said the school currently has an enrollment of about 115, with more in the lower grades and one class each of third- and fourth-graders. The school will add a grade each year, up through eighth grade.

The school was founded by the Rev. Joseph Washington, who designed the school’s concept and guided it through the chartering process before becoming CEO. On Jan. 27, he announced his resignation, saying, “It’s my belief that the board and administration are no longer meeting the vision that we set forth.”

Charter schools are schools of choice established by contract between an outside group, such as parents and teachers, and the school board. The group operates the school with a certain amount of autonomy from state regulation, but because it is publicly funded, it is open to all students and is accountable to the school board for transparency, programs and goals.

When contacted by The Sun News, Washington said he was somewhat surprised at the turn of events and that working with the school had been a labor of love for him.

“After several months of talking, we just couldn’t come eye-to-eye to focusing on the mission and implementing it,” said Washington, adding he wanted to take the high ground and do what is best for the students.

“In the long run, what’s important is the success of educating the kids of the Academy of Hope,” he said.

Keene, who has three children who attend the school, said there was never any ill will between Washington and the board, and he hopes Washington will keep his ties with the school.

“I think it was just a personal decision from him, but there was never any bad blood,” Keene said. “I have a ton of respect for him, and we will always see him as a leader and a visionary.”

Parent Marcus Norfleet said he considers Washington a friend, but he was taken aback by the statement that was released.

“No one knows what exactly [Washington believes] is wrong,” Norfleet said. “His statement is one-sided.”

Norfleet said he is pleased with the instruction his daughter is receiving in the school’s kindergarten. He said she already reads on a first-grade level and orders her food in Chinese, and he has the utmost confidence in the school’s leadership.

“The school is making great strides,” Norfleet said. “The principal is very qualified … The board members are highly qualified professionals, and I believe they’re going to be effective.”