Imagine schools across Indiana are under investigation by Ball State University, the college that issued their charters, because of misconduct allegations during recent board operations.

A series earlier this month in The Journal Gazette accused the MASTer Academy board - Imagine's school on Wells Street - of not operating within the constraints of an open meeting, and most recently, having someone vote on a motion when he was not a part of the MASTer Academy board, but instead the Broadway board.

“We're investigating it right now,” said John Jacobson, Ball State teachers' college dean who oversees the Office of Charter Schools. “As an authorizer, we are just overseeing (that they are in) compliance.”

All four Indiana schools listed on Imagine's Web site - two in Fort Wayne at 2000 N. Wells St. and 2320 Broadway and two in Indianapolis - are being investigated.

He added that depending on the investigation's outcome, Imagine's charters could be nullified, meaning the schools would have to close. But, Jacobson said even if the investigation reveals misconduct, it may not mean the loss of a charter. He explained that it may just mean coming into compliance with the proper way that a board should operate, which could be taught through training. Imagine already has training planned for January.

“If they're overstepping their boundaries in the MASTer Academy then they could be overstepping their boundaries at other schools,” Jacobson said. Depending on a school's charter, each has its own board. The MASTer Academy and the Broadway school have separate boards. Imagine's newest local school, the Bridge Academy, which hopes to open in the former Village Woods Middle School, also has its own board.

When asked about the Ball State investigation, MASTer Academy board president Don Willis, who Wednesday discounted many of The Journal Gazette's accusations, said the board members “don't care” if Ball State is investigating.

“I will talk to them (Ball State) and see what they want,” Willis added.

Charter schools operate as independent public schools, but are not as limited by state curriculum requirements and are held more accountable academically. Nationwide, the Imagine Schools corporation operates 74 schools, but local school boards are the controlling agents. Schools must abide by Ball State's standards, such as high academics, to retain their charters.

The MASTer Academy board met Wednesday night to address the points raised by The Journal Gazette and to fix one concern. In the process, however, the board caused another accusation.

Last year, the board failed to ratify an agreement that would let two Texas-based groups - possibly soon-to-be Imagine schools - use Fort Wayne's nonprofit status. A consent form had been sent to all board members to sign to agree to this proposal - which is permitted by the school's bylaws - and then it must be ratified at a board meeting.

Guy Platter, regional director of Imagine Schools, said the board made a “procedural mistake” in not ratifying the agreement last year and the issue was fixed Wednesday - but with the addition of a vote from a person no longer on the MASTer Academy board.

Gil Perry, who is now on the Imagine Schools on Broadway board, voted on the proposal Wednesday night, which was presented shortly before the start of the Broadway meeting. Willis said the vote did not affect the needed quorum and added that they will “rectify that at the next go-around.”

Jacobson said the recent articles have made Ball State concerned, but he could not say at this point if Imagine has done anything wrong.

Jacobson said concerns were also raised about a leaked internal memo written by Imagine CEO Dennis Bakke, who founded Imagine Schools in 2004, that accused boards across the country of overstepping their bounds.

Platter, who said the letter should not have been written, added it was taken out of context and that Bakke, who made a large personal investment into the schools, was “frustrated that boards were taking advantage of his money.”

Jacobson said the investigation should be completed by the end of the year, but the decision ultimately falls to Ball State President Jo Ann M. Gora.