The Medford School Board approved the school district's first charter school Tuesday.

The Waldorf-style Madrone Trail Public Charter School was approved to open in the fall of 2007 with about 75 pupils in grades K-2.

"This is the culmination of two years of work," said Gesine Abraham, a Madrone Trail organizer and a Waldorf teacher.

Anderson said the school will serve families who now choose private or home schools over a public education. That was the intent of state legislation enabling charter schools, she said.

Board members voted 4-2 to approve the charter, with board members Peggy Penland and Robin Stroh dissenting.

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"Ninety-six to 98 percent of elementary students in our district are meeting academic standards," Penland said. "Where we seem to be failing kids is grades 7-12. I hate to see our resources directed toward kids who are doing fine where they are instead of chartering a school that would offer an alternative education for the kids who need help."

Under state law, the board was obligated to approve the charter unless it was evident the school would fail or negatively impact the overall public education system in the district, said board member Tricia Prendergast.

"I think there is a large population in our community that has become disenchanted with public schools, and this charter will bring some of them back into our district system and increase our student population," Prendergast said.

Approval of the charter is conditional contingent on organizers finding a location for the school, maintaining a 5 percent emergency fund and assessing students with the same standardized tests the district uses.

The school also may not draw down significantly on the enrollment at other district schools, particularly Ruch Elementary. The rural school has faced an uncertain future amid budget cuts and falling enrollment.

"The conditions are not insurmountable," said Daniele Anderson, a Madrone Trail organizer and parent. "We are thrilled."

The approval includes a three-year charter for the school instead of the five-year contract organizers had requested.

Organizers said a five-year charter would have given parents the comfort of knowing the school would continue through their children's elementary school years and would have increased the school's ability to obtain loans from financial institutions.

Funded through the state, charter schools operate independently through their sponsoring school district, charge no tuition and accept anyone who wants to attend as space permits without an inter-district transfer.

Elementary charter schools receive 80 percent of the state's per-student funding. The Medford district receives about $5,400 per pupil from the state.

Though not accredited by the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America, plans for the Madrone Trail school call for using Waldorf methods, including incorporating movement, music and art across its curriculum.

Organizers say they hope to expand the school to include students through the eighth grade by 2013.

Reach reporter Paris Achen by calling 541-776-4459 or pachen@mailtribune.com.