June 13, 2010; Source: Salt Lake Tribune | Charter school in management difficulty—it has now become an all too familiar story. In Erda, Utah, the Excelsior Academy had a first year that was disappointing to many. Among other things, the school’s director left the k-8 facility mid-year and a third of the faculty have opted not to return for a second year. Many parents are actively voicing their concern to teachers and administrators. Again, hardly unusual. According to the Center for Education Reform’s 2009 Accountability Report, a mere 14 percent of the 657 charters closed down since 1992 were shut due to academics. Almost 70 percent shut down because of mismanagement or financial problems. More than 35,000 students go to 72 charter schools in Utah and none have yet been ordered closed though some have come close.—Ruth McCambridge