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 BackHOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Committee Report
| Legislation: | SJR 11 w/SA 1 |
| Sponsor: | Blevins |
| Long Title: | INSTITUTING A ONE-YEAR MORATORIUM FOR NEW CHARTER SCHOOL APPLICATIONS. |
| Committee: | EDUCATION |
| Number of Committee Members: | 15 |
| Date of Report: | 06/18/2008 |
| Committee Vote: | Favorable: | On Its Merits: | Unfavorable: |
| 0 | 9 | 0 |
Purpose of the Bill : This resolution would impose a one year moratorium on new charter school applications during the 2008-09 school year. During this time period, applications for a single-gender charter school for girls may be submitted; however only one such school may be granted charter approval. An amendment to the resolution, authored by Senator Henry exempts from the moratorium the First Responder Charter School that is planned for Wilmington. First Responder is ready to begin the one year certification process.
Committee Findings: Rep. Miro expressed concerns over the enactment of this resolution and asked that Aspira Charter School also be granted exemption from the moratorium. Rep. Hudson indicated a willingness to author an amendment exempting Serviam Academy from the moratorium as well. Representatives from Aspira, Ms. Caridad Alonso and Ms. Wanda Lopez expressed their concerns that enactment of the bill, without exemption for Aspira, would severely impede their efforts, which had progessed far in the application process already. Additionally Rep. Manolakos stated that while he was in favor of re-examining the process of granting a charter, he was very uncomfortable with the idea of a moratorium. Mr. Robert Clemens, Delaware Charter School Network (DCSN), stated that his organization was not supportive of the bill, but had taken a neutral stance on the legislation. A representatives from the DSEA, Mr. Weinberg, indicated his willingness to work with DCSN and any other concerned parties to determine a method of review acceptable for all.
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