Virtual Learning Solutions

June 10, 2013 Via Email Jeanne L. Nowaczewski Executive Director State Charter School Commission Michael A. Bilandic Building 160 North LaSalle Street, 6th Floor Chicago, IL 60601 Email: Jeanne.Nowaczewski@Illinois.gov

Virtual Learning Solutions P.O. Box 990 St. Charles, IL 60174

VLS Board of Directors

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Ted Dabrowski, President Mike Skarr, Vice-President and Secretary Eric Kohn, Treasurer

Re: Withdrawal by Virtual Learning Solutions (VLS) of Appeals SCSC 2013-09 through SCSC 2013-26, inclusive, for Illinois Virtual Charter School @ Fox River Valley Dear Executive Director Nowaczewski, I am writing concerning the pending appeals by Virtual Learning Solutions (VLS), an Illinois not-for-profit corporation, of the denials of VLS charter school application (Application), which appeals are docketed before the Commission as docket numbers SCSC 2013-09 through SCSC 2013-26, inclusive (Appeals). As you know, Governor Quinn has signed Illinois Public Act 98-0016, (Legislation), which imposes a moratorium until April 1, 2014 (Moratorium) on the establishment of charter schools with virtual learning components in order to allow the Commission to submit a report to the general assembly on the effect of virtual-schooling. (Report) 105 ILCS 5/27A-5(b-5). In further reviewing the Legislation, VLS has determined that the Legislation makes it impossible for VLS to proceed with the Appeals because, even if the Appeals were granted, the Moratorium precludes VLS from fulfilling its expressed intention in the Application to begin operations during the 2013-14 school year. This inability to proceed as a result of the Legislation and the Moratorium requires VLS to withdraw the Appeals. As a result, VLS hereby withdraws and will not further pursue the Appeals. Therefore, please remove the Appeals from the Commissions June 11, 2013 meeting agenda and note for the Commissions record that VLS has withdrawn the Appeals. In withdrawing the Appeals, VLS recognizes that the Commissions work in preparing its upcoming Report will provide an important and necessary framework for the consideration of future charter applications that include virtual schooling components. VLS will be happy to work with the Commission to provide any information that may be helpful to the Commission as it prepares the Report. VLS deeply appreciates the Commissions time and attention to the Appeals prior to the adoption of the Legislation and the Moratorium. VLS looks forward to continuing its commitment to promoting virtual learning and innovative public school options in Illinois.