In a letter posted on the school’s website, school leaders said the layout and structure of the site “allows for incredible flexibility and affordability in renovations”, and that the land aligns with the goals of connecting students to nature. “The acquisition of this site eliminates the specter of uncertainty as to where and how our upper classes will be developed, or what limitations we might otherwise be forced to accept,” the release said.

School leaders say if the financing and purchase are successful, the renovation will begin with the goal of opening for the 2025-2026 school year.

The Star Tribune’s investigative series found that weak oversight allowed many charter schools to fail to deliver on their promise to provide better educational outcomes for their students.

The legislative session begins Jan. 14, and Maye Quade said she would support a moratorium on new charters.

Sen. Julia Coleman, a Waconia Republican, said a moratorium is not necessary, but she supports widespread efforts to prevent waste, fraud and abuse, including in education.

With the support of the Minnesota Association of Charter Schools, Coleman pushed for legislation that since last year has required prospective charter schools to complete market research before opening their doors . This change, Coleman said, was “key legislation” to slow the cycle of charter failures before or shortly after opening.