Charter high school proponents issue survey

An exploratory group interested in bringing a charter high school to Sussex County wants to know what area residents think about the concept.

The group sent a survey to parents whose children attend Sussex Academy of Arts & Sciences asking if they would support Sussex Preparatory Academy – a proposed charter high school that would serve as an expansion to the existing middle school academy.

Based on reactions from Academy students and parents, results have been positive, said Brian White, co-chairman of the Sussex Preparatory Academy exploratory group.

"We're looking for feedback from the Sussex community," White said.

The survey can be accessed online at www.makemineamodelschool.org. Participants are asked their opinions on class size, school size, advanced placement classes, sports and extra-curricular activities. White said the survey will remain open until Friday, Nov. 25. Results will be tabulated and turned over to the consulting group handling the school's Department of Education application.

Sussex Preparatory Academy would offer a choice for local students while providing existing Sussex Academy of Arts & Sciences a continued path for their education, White said.

White said a fundraising committee raised money to pay a consultant for the feasibility study and to develop and submit an application to the Department of Education.

He said he was confidant the group would be able to raise private funds needed to build a new high school if the Department of Education approves the application.

"We're not going to move forward on a project if it's not financially viable," he said.

The application for Sussex Preparatory Academy must be submitted to the Department of Education by Dec. 30 in order to be considered for approval by the State Board of Education by early 2012. If approved, Sussex Preparatory Academy would be open for enrollment in the 2013-14 school year.

Sussex Academy of Arts & Sciences is the only charter school in Sussex County. The school has 329 students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades. Enrollment for the 2012-13 school year is currently open and will close Jan. 6, 2012.

By way of comparison, Cape Henlopen School District's Beacon Middle School has 472 students, while Mariner Middle School has 439 students, based on 2010 enrollment figures.

What is a charter school?

Charter schools were first established in 1995 with the passage of the Charter School Law. The state granted authority to establish independent public schools to offer choices for parents of public school students and improve academic performance. The schools are exempt from most laws and regulations governing other public schools.

Charter schools are run by a board of directors who make decisions regarding school administration and operation.

Local and state money normally allocated for a student in his home school district follows the student to the charter school.

However, charter schools do not receive construction money or funds for their facilities from the local, county, state or federal government. Property taxes cannot be raised to support construction or pay for charter school facilities. Construction money must be raised by private means.