Charter school enrollment has grown, but research shows they have long performed worse than traditional schools

STEP Academy is an embattled St. Paul charter school that’s still fighting to stay open.

It has a growing operating budget deficit and two board members resigned at its school board meeting on Monday, and it was confirmed Wednesday that the superintendent has since as well.

Meanwhile, the Minnesota Department of Education says 10 other charter schools have already closed or merged this year. The number doesn’t surprise charter school supporter turned critic University of Minnesota law professor Myron Orfield.