4/19/16
by News Department on 04/19/16Renewal hearings begin for Gillingham...
Day one of hearings for Gillingham Charter School, in Pottsville, began Monday. Gillingham wants its 5 year charter renewed. But district leaders have their reasons as to why they want it closed, focusing on Gillinham's Special Education Program.
The Pottsville School District has denied the renewal for several reasons, which include failing to meet legal obligations to special needs students. Officials also say that students' standardized test scores have fallen below not only the state's target, but the rest of the district's scores.
To that, attorney's for Gillingham say since the charter school has a higher percentage of disadvantaged and special needs children, the student bodies should not be compared.
The hearings are expected to last for several days.
Once the hearing officer renders his decision on whether the school's charter should be renewed, there will be a 30-day comment period.
Gillingham Charter School opened in 2011.
