BlueSky Online School Returns Focus to Innovative Education After Education Commissioner Dismisses Contract Termination Action

ST. PAUL, Minn., Feb. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- BlueSky Online School, Minnesota's first fully online charter school, today announced that the Minnesota Commissioner of Education has accepted the recommendation of Minnesota's Chief Administrative Law Judge and has ordered the Department of Education (MDE) to rescind and dismiss all contract termination actions.

The school and its state-approved authorizer will now be able to return their entire focus to educating their students through the innovative online methods and specialized student support model that has enabled hundreds of BlueSky students to achieve a valid Minnesota high school diploma.

"We are elated to have this process come to an end," said School Director Dr. Donald Hainlen. "School staff, parents and students have endured more than two years of misrepresented information and inaccurate negative public statements. But now we can put our attention and efforts back where they belong—making a positive difference in the lives and futures of our kids."

In addition to the victory being beneficial for BlueSky students and their families, school officials see this as the beginning to a more supportive relationship with the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE).

"We look forward to more open communication with MDE going forward that will result in a more positive relationship," Hainlen said. "We look forward to helping the department develop a better understanding of the differences and advantages offered by online education models, because this will ultimately benefit all education professionals in the state."

With the positive end to the issue, school officials plan to immediately increase efforts to rebuild the school's reputation and explore various avenues to increase student enrollment. Online education has growing support and momentum that will continue to change the future of education across the country and the world.

About BlueSky Online School
BlueSky Online School is a leading online public charter school that offers an alternative learning option for a wide range of students throughout Minnesota. BlueSky's unique personal approach to online learning is unmatched by other Minnesota online high schools. Contact the school at 651-642-0888, or visit the school's Web site at www.blueskyschool.org.

SOURCE BlueSky Online School