Elgin’s school district is poised to get its first-ever charter school — an elementary school featuring hands-on, “expeditionary” learning.

In 2014, District U-46 rejected an initial proposal for the Elgin Math and Science Academy. But Monday night, after years more planning and a shift on the school board, the charter won approval by a 6-1 vote.

“We’re offering a public education that will have the quality of a very expensive private school,” said Kerry Kelly, the school’s founding president.

District officials had recommended the school board vote against the charter, saying the school needed a stronger plan for educating special education students and English learners. The district said the charter’s finances rely too heavily on grants and borrowing.