• Alpine councilman explains his work with the school.

The Wyoming State Charter Authorizing Board will review two applications for charter schools this week, one in Alpine and the other in Cody.

The governing body on charters will meet Thursday, Oct 24.

The Alpine school has received pushback in the community because the application included the American Preparatory Academy, a conservative school based in Utah.

There have also been concerns about the town council involvement.

During the public comment of an Oct. 15 town council session, councilman Jeremy Larsen was asked to step down from any board work associated with the school.

In response Larsen released the following statement and clarification regarding the charter school’s board.

“The only board I am on is an informal Charter School Inaugural Board. Our desire is to bring a public school to the Town of Alpine. I will not be on any other boards relating to the charter school if Alpine receives a charter.

“I do not know who will be on those boards, but mine and other inaugural board members desire is to have public representation on each.

“Alpine residents have worked for over thirty years to bring a public school to our community.

“My role with the proposed charter school is to represent the majority of Alpine residents (77 percent in favor from our Town polling) who want to see a public charter school in Alpine.

Lincoln County School District #2 and Alpine Town Council understand the need and know our only current option for Alpine having a public school is a charter school.

That is why both have written Letters of Support to the State Charter Board.

Families in the Alpine community deserve the option to educate their kids locally and my role is to do what I can to help that come true.”