MOSES LAKE — Vickey Melcher was recently appointed as a commissioner for the Washington State Charter School Commission and Melcher said she wants to change the conversation about charter schools.

“The goal is to increase graduation rates and the way to do that is to meet the educational needs of all the students,” said Melcher.

Melcher wants not only to educate the public about the benefits of charter schools but to help parents and students understand they have options when it comes to education.

“One size doesn’t fit all, especially when it comes to education,” said Melcher.

Washington Charter Schools’ website states that charter schools are public schools and are open to all students, tuition-free, publicly funded, staffed by certified teachers and held accountable to state and national standards. The website also states all Washington charter public schools are operated by non-profit, non-religious organizations.

Melcher explained that charter schools are simply another option for Washington students. She acknowledged that while public school works for many students, it doesn't work for all but every child deserves an equal opportunity to receive an education that benefits them and their needs.

Charter schools are required to meet all the same standards that regular public schools are but they are given more flexibility on how to teach those curriculums to students.

“In exchange for higher levels of accountability, charter schools have more freedom than traditional public schools to customize curriculum, take creative approaches and offer greater personal attention, giving students from all backgrounds the chance to go to a school that works for them,” the website states.

Melcher’s background includes teaching, serving as a board director for the Moses Lake School District, a Big Bend Community College Foundation Board director and Career and Technical Education General Advisory Committee member, among other things. Her education includes a BA in special education and an MA in counseling psychology.

She said she feels that her background in both the classroom and committee side of education has helped her better understand and serve students.

Melcher said that losing reelection to the Moses Lake School Board in November was devastating to her because she felt that she had put her whole heart and soul into the position.

“I did what I always thought was best for the students and I always had the students' best interest at heart,” she said.

She noted that she believes in God and that her loss in the election happened for a reason.

“And now He has opened another door because he knows how passionate I am about all students getting an education that meets their needs,” said Melcher.

Rebecca Pettingill can be reached via email at [email protected].