Oklahoma Jewish charter school expects only 10 students, per email to Tulsa rabbi

Ben Gamla, seeking to become the nation's first taxpayer-funded religious charter school, now expects to enroll just 10 students in its first year, according to an email its founder, former Congressman Peter Deutsch, sent to a Tulsa rabbi. That's down from an initial application projecting 335 to 495 students K-12.

Oklahoma's charter board had rejected the school over its religious curriculum, but a federal judge ruled last month that faith-based education alone isn't grounds for denial. The board could vote on the application again Monday, even as local Jewish leaders, including the rabbi who received the recruitment email, say the community never wanted the school and is actively suing to stop it.

Attorney General Gentner Drummond has separately sued, alleging the board manipulated its vote, and multiple civil liberties groups say the tiny enrollment figure proves the school lacks community support and financial viability.

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