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- calendar_today October 8, 2026
New Enrollment Numbers Raise Concerns for Ben Gamla Charter School
Ahead of an anticipated decision from the Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board, a group opposing taxpayer funding for religious charter schools is urging the rejection of the Ben Gamla Jewish Charter School application. Their push comes after new information surfaced about lower-than-expected enrollment projections for the school's first year.
Email Reveals Lower Initial Enrollment for Online Jewish School
The controversy centers around an email sent from Ben Gamla's founder to Rabbi Daniel Kaimman, an opponent of the school's case. In the message, the founder stated, "Our aspirational enrollment goal for the first year is intentionally modest: 10 students." This figure stands in stark contrast to earlier budget projections, which were based on enrolling 425 students in the initial year, according to the Americans United for Separation of Church and State (AU).
The email emphasized the school's priority to establish a solid educational foundation as an online Jewish high school serving Oklahoma students in its first year, with a goal of substantial future growth.
Legal and Financial Ramifications for Oklahoma Charter Schools
Alex Luchenitser, attorney for AU, noted the disparity between Ben Gamla’s recent projection and its earlier application. "When Ben Gamla submitted its application, they provided a bunch of financial and budget projections. But those were based on 425 students," he said. He also pointed out, "A charter school can’t successfully function if the demand for it is that low and it doesn’t meet the legal criteria." Luchenitser stressed the operational needs for such a school, including the hiring of a principal, administrative staff, teachers for all required subjects, and services for students with disabilities.
Charter school funding in Oklahoma is determined on a per-student basis, raising further questions about the sustainability of opening with such a small student body.
Background: Ben Gamla's Legal Journey in Oklahoma
Ben Gamla, a Florida-based institution, received approval from Oklahoma courts to move forward with their application as early as September 2027. However, their application is still pending a final decision by the Statewide Charter School Board. Recently, a federal court ruled that Oklahoma could not exclude the National Ben Gamla Jewish Charter School Foundation, Inc. from the state's charter program, challenging previous rules that barred religious applicants from participating while allowing privately operated charter schools.
This legal shift means that Ben Gamla technically has the green light to apply, but actual approval depends on the state board's forthcoming decision.
Upcoming Decision by the Statewide Charter School Board
The next step in Ben Gamla's charter school application process will be determined when the Statewide Charter School Board meets on Monday, October 12. The board could approve, deny, or defer action on the application. An attorney involved in the case commented, "The Statewide Charter School Board will consider the order of the court and may make their decision on Monday. I can’t speak to what their decision could be."
Ongoing Debate Over Religious Charter Schools and Taxpayer Funding
The debate over Ben Gamla is part of a broader dispute about the role of religious charter schools in publicly funded education. Opponents argue that, in addition to legal complications and funding concerns, the low projected charter school enrollment underscores a potential lack of demand. Supporters of the application emphasize the importance of providing additional educational opportunities through new models, such as an online Jewish school.
The outcome of the Statewide Charter School Board's meeting could set precedents for future religious charter schools in Oklahoma and beyond, as legal challenges and policy changes continue to evolve in the area of publicly funded education.
Source: kfor.com.
