When the Filer School District faced budget pressures that threatened to close this vital community institution, one woman’s determination to preserve the school that had educated her family for generations sparked an innovative solution: converting the district-run Hollister Elementary School into an independent public charter school. The kindergarten through sixth grade Hollister Charter School opened as a public charter school in early September with about 65 students, thanks in large part to Julie Koyle’s persistent efforts and advocacy. Her journey eventually led her to Idaho Falls, where she discovered Alturas International Academy public charter school. Community investment takes concrete formAs Hollister Public Charter School prepared to open its doors as a standalone charter school this summer, the community’s investment in its success became tangible. In an unusual gesture of support, Filer School District gifted the school building and grounds back to the City of Hollister, which leased them to the charter school for a nominal fee.