Delta School responds to questions about itsformation

Delta School founder Marilyn Bellis is looking ahead to the creation of the proposed charter school to be based in North Hanover Township. Bellis recently responded to some commonly asked questions regarding the future school.

One question, in particular, was asked regarding the state's mandate of having a certified principal in employment. Prior to this mandate, the state only required a certified principal on hand as a consultant to a charter school.

In their approved application, the Delta Charter School included a principal certified administrative director. Marilyn Bellis, one of the founders of the Delta Charter School, says, "Currently operating with lead person(s) who are not certified principals." It was recommended that charter schools have a certified principal as a consultant.

Bellis continues, "It will be better to require" certified principals as a condition of employment. When asked on the number of students, Bellis responded, "In midst of enrollment period."

Current counts are given to the North Hanover Board of Education business office. These estimates will give the Board an opportunity to plan accordingly. Bellis says she is "Pleased with the numbers. Truly demonstrates an interest in the area."

At the recent Board meeting to introduce the budget, it was discovered that the Charter School had an enrollment (at that time) of eight children in the fourth and fifth grade and four children in the sixth grade.

The last questions asked dealt with the lease letter. Bellis replied, "We're expanding options- finding ways. There are three or four possibilities."

There are two requirements of a charter school facility. It should be located in the charter school district and the facility should meet local municipal code (as in certificate of occupancy). The facility should not jeopardize the safety of the children.