1 State of Delaware

11 STATE OF DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 2 and STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION 3 4 5 In re: Public hearing on the application for a new charter for First State Math and 6 Science Academy7 8 The Townsend Building 9 401 Federal Street - 2nd Floor Dover, Delaware 10 Thursday, April 29, 2010 11 3:54 p.m.12 13 BEFORE:14 MICHAEL W. STETTER, D.Ed. SCOTT KESSEL 15 JUDI COFFIELD16 JOHN B. HINDMAN, ESQ17 18 19 20 21 22 WILCOX & FETZER 23 1330 King Street - Wilmington, Delaware 19801 (302) 655-0477 24 www.wilfet.comWilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 21 DR. STETTER: Good afternoon. I2 declare this public hearing to be open.3 My name is Dr. Michael Stetter. I'm4 the director of curriculum, instruction and5 professional development. And I've been6 appointed by the Secretary of Education to7 conduct this public hearing.8 The First State Math and Science9 Academy has filed a new charter school10 application. As is required by law, the matter11 was referred to the Charter Accountability12 Committee for investigation and report.13 This joint public hearing is being14 held by the Department of Education and the15 State Board of Education to give the applicant an16 opportunity to respond to the final report of the17 Accountability Committee, which recommended that18 the applicant's application be denied, and also19 to receive public comments.20 I would like the record to reflect21 that the notice of the time, date and place of22 today's public hearing was published in23 The News Journal and The Delaware State News on24 April 9, 2010.Wilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 31 In addition, notice was posted at the2 Charter School Accountability Committee's3 official place of business, on the Department of4 Education's official website and on the state5 public meeting calendar on the state's official6 website on March 29th, 2010.7 Further, the First State Math and8 Science Academy was personally notified of the9 time, date and place of today's public hearing by10 letter dated March 19, 2010.11 A court reporter is present so that a12 record of this hearing can be made. It will be13 necessary for each speaker to clearly identify14 his or herself before beginning to speak so the15 court reporter will be able to note who you are.16 The record of this hearing will be17 provided to the Secretary of Education and18 members of the State Board of Education together19 with any written or electronic comments received20 at or before this hearing.21 We'll proceed in the following22 manner: First, we'll hear from any23 representatives of the charter school who wish to24 comment on the committee's final report. Then weWilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 41 will take comments from anyone else who desires2 to speak.3 There are sign-up sheets at the back4 of the room and here with me. If you desire to5 speak, please sign up now. I'll now pause for a6 minute to permit anyone who so desires to sign up7 to speak.8 First, however, could I have a show9 of hands of all those who desire to make comments10 so that I can determine whether it may be11 necessary to impose time limits on those12 comments? Show of hands.13 I intend to try to be as liberal with14 time and reasonable in accepting comments.15 However, I do reserve the right to limit comment16 if it is purely repetitive or cumulative.17 At this point, I'll accept comments18 from any representatives of the school. You're19 welcome to join us at the table.20 MR. KARADUMAN: We have copies. We21 prepared...22 MR. HINDMAN: I'd like the record to23 reflect that a gentleman has just come to the24 table and handed out a document. Could youWilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 51 identify yourself, sir?2 MR. KARADUMAN: Ben Karaduman.3 MR. HINDMAN: And could you spell4 your name for the court reporter?5 MR. KARADUMAN: B-E-N. And the last6 name is Karaduman, K-A-R-A-D-U-M-A-N.7 MR. HINDMAN: This document that8 you've handed us, do you desire to have this9 document made a part of the public record in this10 hearing?11 MR. KARADUMAN: Yes, sir.12 MR. HINDMAN: I'm going to hand this13 document to the court reporter then and ask that14 it be marked Exhibit 1.15 (Exhibit No. 1 was marked for16 identification.)17 MR. KANDIL: My name is Fatih Kandil.18 F-A-T-I-H first name. Last name K-A-N-D-I-L.19 I'm the principal at Chesapeake Science Point20 Public Charter School in Hanover, Maryland. And21 at the same time, I'm a member of the board here22 for the First State Math and Science Academy in23 Delaware.24 I would like to talk about the modelWilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 61 that we've been practicing for the last five2 years, which is the expected replica for the3 Delaware school here.4 Chesapeake Science Point Public5 Charter School was established in 2005. And in6 the five years, it has accomplished local, state,7 national and international accomplishments in8 terms of math, science and technology.9 According to yesterday's10 announcement, Chesapeake Science Point Public11 Charter School is announced to be the best12 charter school of the year among all 45 currently13 existing charter schools.14 So I believe this is a great15 opportunity for us in Delaware to bring an16 already experienced, already practiced and17 already successful model, and maybe reverse the18 denial which possibly was based on some technical19 details.20 Please don't get me wrong, I'm not21 saying that those are not important details. But22 what I'm trying to explain is based on a23 currently existing practiced model, I believe the24 technical details that are identified can beWilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 71 fixed and the same successful program can be2 implemented for the children of Delaware if it is3 approved.4 Before we actually came to this5 meeting, we were able to review the preliminary6 report minutes -- the report. We were able to7 review the final report. And, also, we were able8 to review some of the approved charter schools in9 the past in Delaware and some of the denied10 charter schools in the past.11 Compared to our findings with the12 past practices here, we believe that the13 identified deficiencies can easily be met by our14 group, as we did with the results of the15 preliminary report.16 Therefore, our expectation was, in17 the worst case scenario, to at least receive a18 conditional approval and then move on from there.19 Because in the final report that we received, we20 noticed that some of the items included in the21 final report was not even indicated as a, you22 know, concern by the experts to be modified or to23 be corrected.24 So we did not even have anWilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 81 opportunity to address some of the issues because2 we were never exposed to such concerns, since we3 received them only in the final report.4 Therefore, we believe we need to5 receive additional time to address the concerns6 which were not included in the preliminary report7 and only included in the final report so that it8 will be a fair opportunity for us to present the9 full picture of our program.10 I kindly request that the11 recommendation would be modified from denial to12 at least a conditional approval to give the13 school, the program the opportunity to address14 the additional concerns brought up in the final15 report but not in the preliminary one.16 Mr. Karaduman has actually went over17 some of the details of such concerns. And I18 would like to ask him to continue to address19 those concerns.20 MR. KARADUMAN: My name is21 Ben Karaduman, K-A-R-A-D-U-M-A-N. And I am the22 consultant to the group.23 We met early September 2009 with our24 group in the charter school office. We hadWilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 91 Dr. Webster, Mr. Kessel and also Deb Hansen from2 the curriculum department to kind of go over3 everything. And we explained what we had in4 mind. And we got kind of the feedbacks from5 them. And we started to work back then.6 And it was our understanding that,7 you know, I think the definition of scope and8 sequence, you know, what is going to be done, you9 know. And I was so happy when I heard from10 Ms. Hansen, you know, after we got the approval11 that we had one full year to work on the12 curriculum, you know, to make the alignments and13 to create the curriculum maps and detail for our14 teachers that can be hired in the future.15 Then we just put the, you know,16 basically the order and the content for each, you17 know, the subject matter and submitted our18 application.19 When we got the clarifying answers,20 you know, we -- and then it was, you know, our21 misunderstanding or we didn't understand right22 way. We thought that that template is going to23 be completed in phase two with working with the24 department and then making more detail.Wilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 101 And it was brought to our attention2 that we have to do the template, you know, during3 phase one in the application. And I ask -- you4 know, it's very small amount of time. It's going5 to be time -- you know, we will not have enough6 time. Then we were told that we can submit the7 core subjects, you know, the math, science,8 social studies and the English/language arts.9 And then, you know, we work very hard10 and, I don't know, more than 250 pages what we've11 done. We basically went over the teachers in the12 current school in Maryland. Because since we are13 replicating, we got the annual plans. Of course,14 the standards and everything is different. We15 brought the content over there. Then we put the16 standards and the learning expectations. And17 then we just tried to come up with, you know,18 with the document as much as we can.19 And then, you know, when we got --20 I'm just going to go over criterion six and seven21 very quickly. And in the preliminary report, it22 stated that the documents were submitted for23 six through eight and then the revisions for nine24 through ten are missing. You know, it was kindWilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 111 of we did it at that time, but they were kind of2 missed in the application.3 And then it says the submitted4 revisions still fail to be a user friendly5 document that clearly shows when and how the6 Delaware math grade level expectations will be7 implemented.8 Then we were asked to make an9 appointment to meet with the math specialist in10 the department. And I contacted them. And then,11 you know, we kind of got -- I think they went on12 vacation, the person that I'm going to be13 meeting. And then before that, they were busy14 and they couldn't give us a time.15 And then when we submit the ninth and16 tenth grade and then when we make an appointment17 and discuss the issues with the department, we18 thought that, you know, we're in good shape, you19 know, because it says -- you know, it wasn't20 referring anything in detail, like the resources21 or any kinds of things, that we really didn't22 look at those.23 And then when we got the final24 report, you know, the resources, materials, youWilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 121 know, scope and sequence documents should be2 specific to certain specific curriculum3 resources, you know, we had a lot of resources.4 But, you know, we were under the impression that5 we were going to sit and work with math coalition6 in the next year and then decide which was going7 to be the best to implement our program in8 Delaware; rather than saying that, okay, we're9 using this in Maryland. Just bring that book10 over here. We really didn't look at that thing.11 And then, you know, after meeting,12 you know, our concern is just -- you know, after13 the preliminary reports, submitted ninth and14 tenth grade, you know, the scope and sequence and15 then work with the department, make the document16 a little bit more user friendly. We really17 didn't look -- and we didn't submit anything in18 addition other than the ninth and tenth grade.19 And after meeting with Ms. Roscoe20 from the math department, you know, she explained21 to me what they were looking for. And in the22 template, it says unit and/or time. You know, it23 was basically in one month what we're going to be24 covering or we can put just one unit over thereWilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 131 what we're going to be covering. But she said2 they want the timeline. For instance, the3 quality equation, we need like three to five4 weeks. Clarification. No problem. If we knew5 that, we could have done that.6 And then, you know, we went over a7 couple other things. She said she was going to8 make it -- kind of, you know, changes in the9 template and send it over to me. And I got this10 on the 22nd. We already finished the sixth11 grade. You know, we're working on it. It's not12 a big deal. Everything is there. We just have13 to organize it, you know.14 And, you know, then, as I said, we15 thought that we were okay and that we don't need16 to do much work on that. But it is now on the17 table that we have to do a lot of work, which we18 don't have problem. We can still do that. But19 we need some more time.20 And then the guidelines, when you21 look at the guidelines in the application and the22 template, it wasn't sufficient when you look at23 the final report.24 And the science and social studies,Wilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 141 when we were asked, we submitted those. After2 the clarifying questions, we submitted all those.3 And then the preliminary report stated that we4 submitted those and that they were okay.5 And then during the clarifying6 answer, it was just asked how we're going to be7 innovative in social studies. And we just put8 over there technology integrated education is9 going to be used to make it innovative. And then10 it is noted over there.11 And then I wasn't in the meeting, but12 in the April 8 meeting, there was a written13 statement from Dr. Stetter stating that nothing14 was submitted for science and social studies, you15 know. And then that was very bad because some of16 the committee members thought that we were17 ignorant, we were irresponsible for not18 submitting everything.19 That was kind of bad and that it20 might be -- you know, in our opinion, it may have21 been a factor on the committee members to make22 the decision not -- it could have been, for23 instance, conditional on that.24 And then after the 6th, it was veryWilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 151 hard to listen at those committee meetings2 because you can't speak even a little bit, you3 know, because we were just sitting over there.4 You know, we submitted. It was kind of5 difficult.6 But after the meeting, our friends --7 you know, I think Dr. Webster, they talked to8 Dr. Webster. And then Mr. Cruz approached us and9 said, oh, it was a misunderstanding. Okay. Then10 we will meet one more time.11 And then there was another meeting12 held on the 19th. But we don't see any reference13 to that meeting on the report as well.14 And then when we look at the science15 curriculum, you know...16 And then the other interesting thing17 that came to our attention on the report,18 February 19th, curriculum documents were19 received. And then that was it in the report20 that we were submitting. But when we got the21 final report, there is additional clarifying22 questions over there. We never saw them before.23 They were not in the preliminary report. So I24 highlighted them in here so you can easily seeWilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 161 it.2 And it is the same thing in social3 studies. It says, "The curriculum documents were4 received. Technology integrated education will5 be utilized to engage students in social studies.6 Amended scope and sequence is for grades six7 through eight," which does not tell anything that8 we need to be doing more work, you know, on9 social studies.10 But when we got the final report11 stating that social studies, you know, the12 curriculum, you know, submitted but it is not13 approved, it was kind of shocking for us.14 Basically we don't know where these15 additional clarifying, you know, the questions16 came from. How are we going to respond, I mean,17 if we don't know them, you know.18 And then in the preliminary report,19 it was saying that -- you know, we assume since20 it is not saying anything against the curriculum,21 we are under the impression that it was approved.22 But why in the final report is it saying not23 approved? You know, there might be a couple24 reasons over there. But those reasons they didWilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 171 not -- we didn't see them before. They were not2 brought to our attention.3 And for physical education and world4 languages, you know, they were the last portion5 of the documents that we submitted. And, you6 know, we already revised the PE documents, you7 know, which is not a big deal. And then we're8 working on the world languages. And those are9 the concerns that the committee raised. But we10 believe that we can fix them easily.11 And for special education, you know,12 if the committee remembers, in the preliminary13 report, preliminary report meeting, you know, it14 was -- I don't remember the lady's name. She15 said -- you know, she raised a couple concerns16 stating the responsibility on the special17 education coordinator. And then there's not18 enough involvement or training from the regular19 education teachers.20 Then later on, she looked at it. She21 saw the professional involvement and stuff over22 there. And then she kind of gave different23 recommendation. And the committee was tied on24 that.Wilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 181 But in the final report, it came as a2 continuum placement of the at-risk students. But3 when we go back and look at the clarifying4 answers, you know, we put over there the options5 for the students. It says that these options6 fall within the IDEA's continuum of placements,7 which include hospitals, home placement, special8 education day classes, neighborhood schools and9 other settings. Those are exactly -- I put also10 the law. On the second page, you know, exactly11 the copy and paste from the law.12 But the final report says that there13 is no -- you know, we're not referring to the law14 how we're going to be, you know, providing the15 placement of those students. I think it is in16 there. It might be an oversight or -- there's a17 lot of different documents. And we believe that18 it's in there, too. And it is clearly stated19 that it's right there.20 And then on the other hand, one place21 in the report said that, you know, if we are not22 able to meet the needs of the student, we're23 going to tell the parents the student cannot24 attend. I think that's also a misunderstandingWilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 191 from our report.2 What we said over there, if we are3 unable to find a solution and we say it seems to4 be like impossible to meet the kid's needs, we're5 going to consult and communicate with parents and6 local school district officials and the state7 just to find the right solution and the right,8 you know, alternative placement for the students9 to give them services.10 You know, charter schools -- usually11 the district and the state, they have more12 resources, as far as -- not money-wise, but the13 expertise and personnel-wise. It's always good14 to consult with them as well. I also wanted to15 clarify on that.16 And the staffing of alternate17 placement, you know, since we don't have a case18 on hand, what kind of disability do they have or19 what are we doing, homebound or hospital or20 whatever, it's unclear for us how we're going to21 identify.22 The only thing that we just -- I23 would consult with Mr. Kessel. And basically we24 took the percentage of the students in terms ofWilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 201 the rate in those districts and we basically2 budgeted on those numbers that we're going to3 have that many special education staff and we're4 going to try to give services.5 And it's our hope considering all6 those clarifications and the comments that the7 secretary is going to give us a chance to fix8 those corrections and at least, like Mr. Kandil9 said, condition approval and go forward.10 Thank you so much.11 DR. STETTER: Thank you.12 MR. KANDIL: Can I make one comment?13 DR. STETTER: Please identify14 yourself.15 MR. KANDIL: Sure thing.16 Fatih Kandil. Again, F-A-T-I-H K-A-N-D-I-L.17 This might be some unusual practice,18 maybe never done before, I'm not sure, but I19 would like to offer an invitation to all the20 committee members, the secretary and also the21 board members, if they would be interested, to22 come to Chesapeake Science Point Public Charter23 School and observe -- if they're interested in24 getting into the classrooms, observe what isWilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 211 going on, you know, on site with more hands-on2 experience, rather than just the documents, that3 would be -- that has been something practiced by4 the Baltimore City School's officials. And they5 just approved a sister school for Baltimore City6 based on their observations and application, of7 course. And some other jurisdictions are8 interested in coming and visiting the school as9 well.10 So I would like to offer that.11 Whatever date and time works for them, we'll be12 happy to host them.13 DR. STETTER: Thank you.14 MR. KANDIL: Thank you so much.15 DR. STETTER: At this point, I will16 accept comments from anyone else who desires to17 speak. Please remember to identify yourself18 before you begin your comments. We'll take those19 folks who have signed up.20 John Tekmen.21 MR. TEKMEN: Good afternoon, ladies22 and gentlemen. Thank you for giving us the23 opportunity to speak here. My name is24 John Tekmen. I live in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.Wilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 221 I'm here representing myself, my wife and my two2 children, who are ages 14 and 12.3 I'm here in support of this charter4 school. I found -- when I was asked to tour the5 school and researched it a little bit, I looked6 at their school in Hanover, Maryland. And from7 going from year one to year five and their8 placement of their children and their scores, I9 found it to be a very impressive model.10 You all have a very difficult task in11 making decisions dealing with, you know, a lot of12 children and their lives and their future is at13 stake.14 I've been on a couple of school15 boards. And if I was in your position and in a16 situation like this, I would have rejected -- I17 would reject the application.18 However, they're not a brand new19 school. They have a working model and a20 well-performing model. And I feel that that21 experience and that expertise being transferred22 over here, they will be successful in what23 they're trying to accomplish.24 Right now, my family is in aWilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 231 difficult situation where we're trying to search2 and look and see where we're going to place our3 children. Currently they attend a small private4 school in Georgetown, Delaware, Jefferson School,5 a very good school. We pride ourselves in being6 a small school, but a big family.7 They're doing very well. My older8 boy is graduating and he's going to be moving9 into high school. And we live in a small area.10 We live in a tight area. And there aren't that11 many options for us to choose from. This gives12 us an opportunity, another alternative that I13 think will be a very good, viable alternative, as14 far as location and distance in driving. Well,15 we drive many, many, you know, minutes, hours to16 take our children to their school already.17 I'm in favor of this school. I think18 you should grant -- I don't know the specifics.19 I mean, the gentleman here explained generally20 the mistakes or errors that have been made. And21 they may be technical errors; they may be serious22 errors. But, again, I go back to if they were23 first time coming to you asking for approval, you24 would be well within your right to deny them.Wilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 241 But having that working model and that experience2 should hopefully weigh in on your decision.3 Thank you for your time.4 DR. STETTER: Thank you.5 Mr. Tim Mutter.6 MR. MUTTER: Good afternoon. My name7 is Tim Mutter.8 I believe the school will not let any9 child fail because they don't monitor students10 after it's too late; they monitor them from day11 one. They go on to utilize state-of-the-art12 software which facilitates parents to follow the13 progress, assignments and scores of the students.14 In case students are still failing, they offer15 extracurricular programs to remedy the problem.16 I found it very impressive.17 DR. STETTER: Thank you.18 Mr. Ozgur Ozgurk. I don't know if19 I'm pronouncing it correctly.20 MR. OZGURK: Ozgur Ozgurk. O-Z-G-U-R21 first name. Last name is O-Z-G-U-R-K.22 I'm a resident of Delaware. I'm23 married. I have two kids. And my oldest son24 likes the math and science. And this group ofWilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 251 people, we have nice comments. They're doing2 very well in Maryland. So we like to have one in3 Delaware so we can send our kids.4 Thank you.5 DR. STETTER: Thank you.6 Ms. Lisa Celik.7 MS. CELIK: Celik, C-E-L-I-K.8 Much like Mr. Tekmen, I have children9 that are products of Delaware schools. My two10 oldest went through Sussex Academy. Very, very11 pleased with that product. They came out of12 eighth grade just -- I couldn't have asked for13 more. And then we had to decide what we're going14 to do in 9th grade and we really struggled.15 My oldest son graduates in two weeks16 from Millsaps College in Mississippi. He'll be17 going into med school. But he spent his first18 two years almost not wanting to go into medicine19 because the science was so difficult for him at20 this college.21 When he was in honor science at Cape,22 he was doing what he was doing in 8th grade at23 Sussex Academy. And I just see the need for kids24 that really have that desire and parents thatWilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 261 really have that need to see their kids succeed2 to have that benefit of a high school math and3 science. And when we're down in the Eastern4 Shore or down in Sussex County, there's not that5 many options that we feel.6 Rachel is now -- my daughter -- she7 went through the academy and she's at Delaware.8 She struggled as well. She felt like she lost a9 few years in high school. And she had to get10 some tutoring and things in math.11 And looking at some other schools in12 New Jersey, other -- I have not been to the13 school in Hanover, Maryland. But knowing the14 model and how it works, to just give our children15 the option, those that really thrive in that16 area, I think is something that's hard to deny.17 I don't know the politics or the18 language of why things were, you know, put aside19 to begin with. But coming to you as a parent, if20 we have more options in the form of charter21 schools, that can only produce better graduates22 and then go on to, you know, represent our state23 well.24 So I just ask that the board members,Wilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 271 whoever reads the notes, whoever reads the2 comments, just also go beyond what's the written3 word, but see -- you know, think again of the4 children and what our options are and how we can5 best serve them.6 DR. STETTER: Thank you.7 MS. CELIK: Thank you.8 DR. STETTER: Is there anyone else9 who desires to speak on behalf of this10 application?11 If not, I want to thank all of you12 for participating today. The secretary will13 consider your comments in deciding what14 recommendation to propose for the consent of the15 state board.16 This hearing is now closed.17 (Transcription ended at 4:23 p.m.)18 19 - - - - -20 21 22 23 24 Wilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 281 State of Delaware ) ) 2 County of New Castle )3 4 5 C E R T I F I C A T E6 I, Patricia L. Shelton, Notary Public, do7 hereby certify that the foregoing record, pages 28 to 27 inclusive, is a true and accurate9 transcript of my stenographic notes taken on10 Thursday, April 29, 2010, in the above-captioned11 matter.12 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my13 hand and seal this 3rd day of May, 2010, at14 Wilmington.15 16 17 18 Patricia L. Shelton 19 20 21 22 23 24 Wilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 Wilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 1 STATE OF DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 2 and STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION 3 4 5 In re: Public hearing on the application for a new charter for Gateway Lab School 6 7 8 The Townsend Building 401 Federal Street - 2nd Floor 9 Dover, Delaware10 Thursday, April 29, 2010 3:45 p.m. 11 12 BEFORE: 13 MICHAEL W. STETTER, D.Ed. 14 SCOTT KESSEL JUDI COFFIELD 15 JOHN B. HINDMAN, ESQ 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 WILCOX & FETZER 23 1330 King Street - Wilmington, Delaware 19801 (302) 655-0477 24 www.wilfet.comWilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 21 DR. STETTER: Good afternoon. I2 declare this public hearing to be open.3 My name is Dr. Michael Stetter. I am4 the director of curriculum, instruction and5 professional development. I have been appointed6 by the Secretary of Education to conduct this7 public hearing.8 The Gateway Lab School has filed a9 new charter school application. As is required10 by law, the matter was referred to the11 Charter Accountability Committee for12 investigation and report.13 This joint public hearing is being14 held by the Department of Education and the15 State Board of Education to give the applicant an16 opportunity to respond to the final report of the17 Accountability Committee, which recommended that18 the applicant's application be approved, and also19 to receive public comments.20 I would like the record to reflect21 that the notice of the time, date and place of22 today's public hearing was published in23 The News Journal and The Delaware State News on24 April 9, 2010.Wilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 31 In addition, notice was posted at the2 Charter School Accountability Committee's3 official place of business, on the Department of4 Education's official website and on the state5 public meeting calendar on the state's official6 website on March 29th, 2010.7 Further, the Gateway Lab School was8 personally notified of the time, date and place9 of today's public hearing by letter dated10 March 19th, 2010.11 A court reporter is present so that a12 record of this hearing can be made. It will be13 necessary for each speaker to clearly identify14 his or herself before beginning to speak so that15 the court reporter will be able to note who you16 are.17 A record of this hearing will be18 provided to the Secretary of Education and the19 members of the State Board of Education together20 with any written or electronic comments received21 at or before this meeting.22 We will proceed in the following23 manner: First, we will hear from any24 representatives of the charter school who wish toWilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 41 comment on the committee's final report. Then2 we'll take comments from anyone else who desires3 to speak.4 There are sign-up sheets in the back5 of the room. If you desire to speak, please sign6 up now. I'll pause for a minute to permit anyone7 who so desires to sign up to speak. First,8 however, could I have a show of hands of all9 those who desire to make any comments so I can10 determine whether it may be necessary to impose a11 time limit on comments?12 I intend to try to be as liberal with13 time and reasonable in accepting comments.14 However, I do reserve the right to limit comment15 if it is purely repetitive or cumulative.16 At this point, I'll accept comments17 from any representatives of the school.18 MS. DRAPER: Good afternoon. My name19 is Pamela, P-A-M-E-L-A, Draper, D-R-A-P-E-R. I'm20 a parent and business owner. And I serve as the21 chair of the Gateway Lab School board.22 On behalf of the board, I would like23 to thank Dr. Lowrey and the Board of Education24 for their consideration of the Charter SchoolWilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 51 Accountability Committee's recommendation that2 Gateway Lab School be approved.3 I would also like to thank the4 Charter School Accountability Committee for the5 time and work that they put in to reviewing our6 application. The feedback they provided us on7 our application has been very helpful.8 Despite some of the fine-tuning that9 needs to be done, I believe from their comments10 during the review process that they believe, as11 we do, that the GLS model is dynamic and will12 give struggling students the tools they need to13 achieve success.14 In January 2007, I approached15 Dr. Lowrey and former secretary Valerie Woodruff16 at a restaurant in Newark. I introduced myself17 and spoke to them briefly about the struggles my18 two sons, one with ADHD and one with learning19 disabilities, were having in the classroom.20 I told them that I had learned of the21 Lab School of Washington and their success22 teaching children with LD and ADHD using the arts23 in experiential learning.24 I had corresponded with Sally Smith,Wilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 61 the founder and director of LSW for several2 months and was scheduled to visit the school3 later that month. Although Lab School is a4 private school, I believe that their model could5 be adapted to a charter school setting.6 I was truly inspired by what I saw7 when I visited the Lab School. I sat in on8 classes and I met with administrators and9 parents. I met several parents whose children10 had graduated from the Lab School 10 to 15 years11 earlier who were still actively involved with12 volunteering and fund-raising for the school.13 That said a lot.14 These parents were eternally grateful15 for the education that their children had16 received and the accomplishments that they had17 went on to achieve as adults.18 Our board has maintained a19 relationship with the Lab School over the last20 three years touring the Baltimore Lab and meeting21 with administrators from the academy in Manayunk22 in Philadelphia, which is a private school that23 adopted the Lab School's principles with24 tremendous success since opening in 2006.Wilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 71 Needless to say, we are looking2 forward to seeing Gateway Lab School come to3 fruition. After more than three years of work, I4 would personally like to thank the outstanding5 board members that I have had the privilege to6 work with. They continue to believe in our7 mission even after the setback we experienced in8 applying for a charter in 2008. They all have9 been unwavering in their support.10 I would especially like to thank11 Dr. Jodi Forestieri, who wrote our curriculum,12 and Mr. Sherlock Hack, who's in charge of working13 on the budget projections.14 I just came from attending a15 transition conference with my youngest son,16 Jared, at the Dover Sheraton that was held today.17 And the keynote speaker there was18 Jonathan Mooney, who is an author and a special19 ed advocate who has dyslexia. And he didn't read20 until he was 12 years old. He went on to21 graduate with honors from Brown University with a22 degree in English.23 He spoke of the need for students24 with learning differences to not just beWilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 81 remediated, but to be empowered to use their2 abilities to propel them to success in education3 and in their future careers.4 It is the goal and mission of5 Gateway Lab School under the accountability of6 the Department of Education to provide an7 environment where our students will be empowered8 to reach their full potential.9 Thank you.10 DR. STETTER: Thank you.11 MR. HACK: Good evening. My name is12 Sherlock Hack, treasurer of Gateway Lab School.13 S-H-E-R-L-O-C-K H-A-C-K.14 I presently serve as the treasurer on15 the board presently. And I'd like to thank the16 committee for getting us this far, as far as17 joining the application process.18 I remember three years ago when Pam19 first introduced the school to me. I've already20 had experiences with kids with learning21 disabilities. I don't have any kids, but I do22 come across a lot of parents with kids that have23 learning disabilities.24 And she first introduced theWilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 91 Lab School and said she wanted to have this2 public school modeled after the Lab School and3 the way they actually teach the kids. I told her4 I'd take a look at it.5 I did look at it. We did like it.6 She then put together a board, which I think has7 worked diligently for the last three years to get8 the school to where it is right now.9 Again, I'd like to thank the10 committee for bringing us this far. I do believe11 the school will serve the Delaware community in a12 very positive way. I believe it is history in13 the making. And I do look forward to working14 with the Board of Education in Delaware and15 further with the committee, the Charter Committee16 of Delaware.17 Thank you.18 DR. STETTER: Thank you.19 At this point, I will accept comments20 from anyone else who desires to speak pertaining21 to the Gateway Lab School. Please remember to22 identify yourself before you begin your comments.23 If not, I want to thank you all for24 participating today. The secretary will considerWilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 101 your comments in deciding what recommendation to2 propose for the consent of the state board.3 This hearing is now closed.4 (Transcription ended at 3:53 p.m.)5 6 - - - - -7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Wilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 111 State of Delaware ) ) 2 County of New Castle )3 4 5 C E R T I F I C A T E6 I, Patricia L. Shelton, Notary Public, do7 hereby certify that the foregoing record, pages 28 to 10 inclusive, is a true and accurate9 transcript of my stenographic notes taken on10 Thursday, April 29, 2010, in the above-captioned11 matter.12 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my13 hand and seal this 3rd day of May, 2010, at14 Wilmington.15 16 17 18 Patricia L. Shelton 19 20 21 22 23 24 Wilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 Wilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 1 STATE OF DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 2 and STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION 3 4 5 In re: Public hearing on the application for a new charter for Rosalie Obara City 6 Charter School7 8 The Townsend Building 9 401 Federal Street - 2nd Floor Dover, Delaware 10 Thursday, April 29, 2010 11 4:26 p.m.12 13 BEFORE:14 MICHAEL W. STETTER, D.Ed. SCOTT KESSEL 15 JUDI COFFIELD16 JOHN B. HINDMAN, ESQ17 18 19 20 21 22 WILCOX & FETZER 23 1330 King Street - Wilmington, Delaware 19801 (302) 655-0477 24 www.wilfet.comWilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 21 DR. STETTER: Good afternoon. I2 declare this public hearing to be open.3 My name is Dr. Michael Stetter. I am4 the director of curriculum, instruction and5 professional development. And I've been6 appointed by the Secretary of Education to7 conduct this public hearing.8 The Rosalie Obara City Charter School9 has filed a new charter school application. As10 is required by law, the matter was referred to11 the Charter Accountability Committee for12 investigation and report.13 This joint public hearing is being14 held by the Department of Education and the15 State Board of Education to give the applicant an16 opportunity to respond to the final report of the17 Accountability Committee, which recommended that18 the applicant's application be denied, and also19 to receive public comments.20 I would like the record to reflect21 that the notice of the time, date and place of22 today's public hearing was published in23 The News Journal and The Delaware State News on24 April 9, 2010.Wilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 31 In addition, notice was posted at the2 Charter School Accountability Committee's3 official place of business, on the Department of4 Education's official website and on the state5 public meeting calendar on the state's official6 website on March 29, 2010.7 Further, the Rosalie Obara City8 Charter School was personally notified of the9 time, date and place of today's public hearing by10 letter dated March 19, 2010.11 MR. HINDMAN: I'm going to interrupt12 at this point because I'd like the record to13 reflect that there's no one in the room except14 the hearing officer, myself, the court reporter15 and Dr. Coffield, the policy analyst for the16 State Board of Education.17 So it would appear that no one has18 appeared today to speak on behalf of this19 application.20 (Whereupon, Mr. Kessel entered the21 proceedings.)22 MR. HINDMAN: And the DOE staff has23 advised us that there's no one who is signed up24 on any of the sign-up sheets to speak.Wilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 41 That being the case, it seems to me2 that there's nothing further to be done here this3 afternoon except to close the hearing, if that's4 agreeable to the hearing officer?5 DR. STETTER: That is agreeable.6 This hearing is now closed.7 (Proceedings concluded at 4:28 p.m.)8 9 - - - - -10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Wilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 51 State of Delaware ) ) 2 County of New Castle )3 4 5 C E R T I F I C A T E6 I, Patricia L. Shelton, Notary Public, do7 hereby certify that the foregoing record, pages 28 to 4 inclusive, is a true and accurate transcript9 of my stenographic notes taken on Thursday,10 April 29, 2010, in the above-captioned matter.11 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my12 hand and seal this 3rd day of May, 2010, at13 Wilmington.14 15 16 17 Patricia L. Shelton 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Wilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 Wilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 1 STATE OF DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 2 and STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION 3 4 5 In re: Public hearing on application to modify the charter of Academy of Dover Charter 6 School7 8 The Townsend Building 9 401 Federal Street - 2nd Floor Dover, Delaware 10 Thursday, April 29, 2010 11 3:35 p.m.12 13 BEFORE:14 MICHAEL W. STETTER, D.Ed. SCOTT KESSEL 15 JUDI COFFIELD16 JOHN B. HINDMAN, ESQ17 18 19 20 21 22 WILCOX & FETZER 23 1330 King Street - Wilmington, Delaware 19801 (302) 655-0477 24 www.wilfet.comWilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 21 DR. STETTER: Good afternoon. I2 declare this public hearing to be open.3 My name is Dr. Michael Stetter. I'm4 the director of curriculum, instruction and5 professional development. And I've been6 appointed by the Secretary of Education to7 conduct this public hearing.8 The Academy of Dover Charter School9 has filed a modification application. As is10 required by law, the matter was referred to the11 Charter's Accountability Committee for12 investigation and report.13 This joint public hearing is being14 held by the Department of Education and the State15 Board of Education to give the school an16 opportunity to respond to the final report of the17 Accountability Committee, which recommended that18 a portion of the school's modification19 application be approved and also to receive20 public comments.21 I would like the record to reflect22 that the notice of the time, date and place of23 today's public hearing was published in24 The News Journal and The Delaware State News onWilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 31 April 9th, 2010.2 In addition, notice was posted at the3 Charter School Accountability Committee's4 official place of business on the Department of5 Education's official website and on the state6 public meeting calendar on the state's official7 website on March 29th, 2010.8 Further, the Academy of Dover Charter9 School was personally notified of the time, date10 and place of today's public hearing by letter11 dated March 25th, 2010.12 A court reporter is present so that a13 record of this hearing can be made. It will be14 necessary for each speaker to clearly identify15 his or herself before beginning to speak so that16 the court reporter will be able to note who you17 are.18 The record of this hearing will be19 provided to the Secretary of Education and the20 members of the State Board of Education together21 with any written or electronic comments received22 at or before this meeting.23 We'll begin in the following manner:24 First, we will hear from any representatives ofWilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 41 the charter school who wish to comment on the2 committee's final report. Then we'll take3 comments from anyone else who desires to speak.4 There are sign-up sheets that I have here.5 Has anybody entered the room that6 cares to speak on behalf of this case? If so, I7 need you to sign in on this sheet.8 Anybody here that will be making9 comments that we don't have names for at this10 point?11 I will now pause for a minute to12 permit anyone who so desires to sign up if they13 want to speak. First, however, could I have a14 show of hands of all those who desire to make any15 comments so that I can determine whether it may16 be necessary to impose time limits of any sort?17 How many of you are prepared to make18 remarks for the record?19 I intend to try to be as liberal with20 time and reasonable in accepting comments.21 However, I do reserve the right to limit comment22 if it is purely repetitive or cumulative.23 At this point, I will accept comments24 from any representatives of the school. PleaseWilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 51 feel free to join us at the table.2 Please remember to identify yourself3 before you start your remarks.4 MS. WATSON: Good afternoon. I'm5 Clytrice Watson. I am the president of the board6 of directors of the Academy of Dover Charter7 School. My first name spelled C-L-Y-T-R-I-C-E.8 First of all, thank you for allowing9 us to have this moment. And I will be brief.10 Just to identify the board members that are here11 with me, Kimeu Boynton, vice president;12 Leida Sanchez, treasurer; Frederick Duffy, board13 member; and Noel Rodriguez, school administrator.14 On behalf of the board of directors15 of the Academy of Dover, we would like to thank16 the Department of Education for their assistance17 over the course of the past three years.18 As you already know, the Academy of19 Dover has faced many obstacles. But I am very20 proud to say that we have overcome many of those21 obstacles to become a very viable school in our22 community.23 We have worked diligently to meet the24 conditions imposed on us by DOE in 2007 with theWilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 61 exception of the enrollment, which was the2 premise for our request for the modification.3 The current board saw a need for4 several changes with the academy, including a5 change in leadership of the school. And under6 the current administrator, Mr. Rodriguez, a7 number of changes have occurred both physically8 and financially. And he also took the liberty of9 identifying problems that the board had not10 identified. And he addressed those problems with11 vigor.12 We have acted aggressively to recruit13 students to meet the current enrollment numbers.14 And this has been a problem for us for a number15 of reasons, which is the premise for us16 requesting the modification in our charter to17 reduce our enrollment numbers down to 300.18 And we are appreciative of the19 recommendation by the Accountability Committee to20 approve that portion of our charter. And I want21 to say thank you for that. But I did want to22 also mention the reason that we requested the23 number of school days be reduced was the fact24 that we ran into a lot of problems with -- what'sWilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 71 the word -- students skipping school, more2 because their parents are pulling them out.3 The school actually became a day care4 center for parents for their students in the5 summertime because we were in school two weeks6 after -- or, we are in school two weeks after7 mainstream public schools.8 So that was the premise for us9 requesting the reduction in the school days; not10 to eliminate any additional instruction time. We11 are still very diligent about making sure that12 our students receive adequate instruction. But13 it was a matter of meeting the needs of the14 public.15 So we know that that's been addressed16 with the Accountability Committee. But I did17 think it was important to mention that here again18 just to reiterate our premise for requesting that19 modification.20 So that's really all that I have to21 say. I just want to say thank you. I promised I22 would be brief. And I'm done.23 DR. STETTER: Thank you.24 Mr. Boynton, did you --Wilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 81 MR. BOYNTON: No, I didn't want to2 make any comments. Thank you.3 DR. STETTER: And, Ms. Watson, I4 believe you had signed both sheets, right?5 MS. WATSON: I did.6 DR. STETTER: All right. I wanted to7 make sure I didn't miss somebody.8 At this point, I will accept comments9 from anyone else who desires to speak. Please10 remember to identify yourself before you begin11 your comments.12 Mr. Rodriguez, do you have any?13 MR. RODRIGUEZ: No. Thank you.14 DR. STETTER: Ms. Sanchez?15 MS. SANCHEZ: No. I'm okay. Thank16 you.17 DR. STETTER: I'm not seeing anyone18 else who desires to make comments. If not, I19 want to thank you all for participating today.20 The secretary will consider your comments in21 deciding what recommendation to propose for the22 consent of the state board.23 This hearing is now closed.24 (Transcription ended at 3:43 p.m.)Wilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 91 State of Delaware ) ) 2 County of New Castle )3 4 5 C E R T I F I C A T E6 I, Patricia L. Shelton, Notary Public, do7 hereby certify that the foregoing record, pages 28 to 8 inclusive, is a true and accurate transcript9 of my stenographic notes taken on Thursday,10 April 29, 2010, in the above-captioned matter.11 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my12 hand and seal this 3rd day of May, 2010, at13 Wilmington.14 15 16 17 Patricia L. Shelton 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Wilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477 Wilcox & Fetzer, Ltd. Registered Professional Reporters (302) 655-0477

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