Department of Education
Charter School Accountability Meeting
August 11, 2010
1:00 – 3:00 P.M.
Delaware Academy of Public Safety and Security
Attending Committee Members:
Dan Cruce, Cliff Coleman, Karen Field Rogers, Deb Hansen, Jim Hertzog, Paul Harrell, Karen Jones
Ex-officio Member:
Jorge Melendez
Mr. Cruce called the meeting to order. The purpose of the meeting was to meet with representatives from Delaware Academy of Public Safety and Security (DAPSS) to discuss the school’s modification application and to draft the preliminary report regarding the modification application. For the purpose of the record introductions were made:
Dan Cruce, Deputy Secretary/Chief of Staff, Chair of Accountability Committee
Jim Hertzog, Education Associate, Student Assessment, voting member
Paul Harrell, Director, Public/Private Partnerships, voting member
Cliff Coleman, voting member
Suzi Harris, non-voting member
Deb Hansen, Education Associate, Visual & Performing Arts, voting member
Karen Field Rogers, Associate Secretary, Finances, voting member
Karen Jones, Education Associate, Exceptional Children Resources, proxy
for Jennifer Kline
John Carwell, Education Associate, Charter Schools Office
Scott Kessel, Education Associate, Charter Schools Finance
John Hindman, Deputy Attorney General, counsel to the committee
Lisa Bishop, Special Assistant to the Secretary
Jorge Melendez, Vice-President, State Board of Education
Chuck Hughes, Head of School, DAPSS
Charlie Copeland, Chairman of the Board, DAPSS
Vincent Ascione, board member, DAPSS
Dennis O’Brien, director, DAPSS
Sandra Quintero, board member, DAPSS
Maria Matos, board member, DAPSS
Mr. Cruce said for the purposes of the preliminary report the committee’s discussion would focus on criterion 3 which relates to the school’s mission statement, goals and educational objectives, and criterion 8 which relates to economic viability.
The modification is requesting a date change to condition 18 which was originally imposed on the school’s charter when approved by the State Board of Education. Condition 18 requires the school to submit a signed lease for their facility. The school is requesting a location change for the facility to Tall Oaks Academy. Mr. Copeland said they have signed the lease but have not given the security deposit. Mr. Hindman noted the school had their opening delayed one year and as a result of that process all conditions that contained dates were extended by one year.
Criterion 3 relates to the mission statement, goals, and educational objectives. Mr. Cruce asked if the modification would adversely affect the charter school’s mission as stated in the original charter application. Mr. Hughes said originally the board intended to locate in Wilmington but there was nothing in the mission statement that indicates the school would be in Wilmington. Mr. Copeland said it was always their intent to focus their educational product in the Wilmington area but after spending two years looking for a facility they have chosen the Faith City site. He said the facility is on 11 acres which allows for sports and other outdoor activities and has parking and areas for bus drops and pickups. Mr. Copeland said it provides a stronger facility with roughly the same accessibility as if it were Wilmington.
Mr. Coleman asked if the school would be obtaining a multi-year lease. Mr. Copeland said the lease is structured in four 5 year increments. Mrs. Hansen asked if there will be provisions to bus students to the new location. Mr. Copeland said one of the problems with the previous site was the bus pick up and drop off locations on the street. He said they would not have those problems at the Tall Oaks site. Mrs. Jones asked if the partnerships that have been established with the first responder community would be affected by the new location. Mr. Copeland said it would not be affected. He said the 11 acres provides more opportunities for outdoor activities.
Mr. Cruce asked about the school’s recruitment plan. Mr. Hughes said they plan to recruit 8th graders in the City of Wilmington by contacting charter schools such as East Side Charter School and Thomas A. Edison Charter School. He said they would also participate in the high school nights at various schools throughout the city. Mr. Copeland said recruitment would be easier because of the new location.
Mr. Cruce recommended that criterion 3 is met. Mr. Hertzog seconded the recommendation. A vote was taken. All ayes, none opposed.
Criterion 8 relates to economic viability. Mr. Kessel said he reviewed the budget submitted with the application. He said everything looks to be in order and noted the cost has come down with the new facility. He asked the school representatives to provide information about the facility. Mr. Copeland said the facility has a common area that can be split up into smaller subsections and a wing that has classrooms on the first and second floors. He said the school could hold approximately 350-375 students. He said it was built into the budget for year two to expand to 400 students, and for years 3 and 4 the budget includes modular units for the additional 200 students per year. Mr. Copeland said the rent stays the same but there will be added costs for the modulars in years 3 and 4. Mr. Hindman asked if the current zoning on the property would allow modulars. Mr. Copeland said they would only need a building permit. Mr. Kessel asked what the long term plan was for the facility. Mr. Copeland said in the future they might expand the facility or purchase the property. He said the objective is to operate through years 5, 6 or 7 and build cash reserves to possibly finance a construction loan. Mr. Copeland said the lease is structured so that there are 4 five year renewal options. Also, the school would have the right of first refusal and first offer.
Mr. Cruce asked for a copy of the lease. Mr. Copeland said the lease had been signed but the landlord is waiting for the security deposit before sending a signed copy back to the school.
Mrs. Harris asked about the loans listed in the application. Mr. Copeland said the $200,000 from the Longwood Foundation is a grant and the amount from the Rodel Foundation is an interest free loan. He said as soon as he receives the funds from Longwood they will present the security deposit for the lease.
Mr. Cruce recommended criterion 8 is met with a condition that the applicant must submit a signed lease within 15 days. Mr. Coleman seconded the recommendation. A vote was taken. All ayes, none opposed.
Mr. Cruce made a motion to recommend the modification be approved. A vote was taken. All ayes, none opposed.
Mr. Cruce explained the next steps of the review process.
Meeting was adjourned.
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