Public Hearing for Revision of New Roots' Charter

Mr. Ralph Rossi, Vice-President and General Counsel
SUNY Charter Schools Institute
41 State Street, Suite 700
Albany, New York 12207

Dear Mr. Rossi:

In the interest of a true democratic process, fair representation and fiscal responsibility, we, the undersigned, are petitioning SUNY Charter Schools Institute (CSI) to require a public hearing as provided by law regarding any application on the part of New Roots Charter School(NRCS) to seek a revision to its 2009 charter and charter agreement with CSI.

1. The New York Charter Schools Act of 1998 [Section 2857(1)] requires the school district of location to hold a public hearing for the issuance, revision or renewal of a charter.

2. The enrollment of New Roots Charter School consistently fell below the level required by their charter agreement on October 23, 2009, and reached a low of 79 in June 2010, and has remained in violation of their charter agreement since that date, including the 2010-2011 school year.

3. Implementation of a corrective plan in spring/summer of 2010 failed to raise the enrollment to a level consistent with the charter agreement, placing New Roots Charter School in jeopardy of probationary status.

4. There are now 17 other districts providing 62\% of students and revenue to New Roots Charter School. These districts are not the single district of location specified in the charter and charter agreement, and were not part of CSIs approval process for the issuance of the original charter. Considering their dominant representation in the NRCS cohort, these districts should be given an opportunity to comment on any revision of the NRCS charter.

We therefore urge a public hearing as required by the law in the event that an application for revision is submitted to CSI by New Roots Charter School.