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Duquesne debates Propel possibilities
McKeesport Daily News - Wednesday, July 19, 2006
July 19, 2006 — Supporters and opponents of a proposed charter school in Duquesne took advantage of an opportunity to voice their opinions.
Officials from Propel Schools presented their case Monday night before Duquesne City School District's state-operated Board of Control. The non-profit charter school submitted it's application to the BOC earlier this year for a kindergarten through 12th-grade school to be placed within Duquesne City School District.
If approved by the BOC, the school would open in August 2007.
Founder and Executive Director Jeremy Resnick thanked the BOC for the chance to explain what Propel has to offer the Duquesne community.
"We believe the people here have a choice," Resnick said. "We don't want to be the only game in town though."
Resnick said Propel schools, with branches in McKeesport, Homestead and Turtle Creek for students in kindergarten through eighth grade, offer a complete experience in math, reading, language arts, history, culture and other educational aspects.
The proposed school would be Propel's first high school. Resnick said Propel originally tabbed the Duquesne Educational Center to house their students.
"Now it appears you will be open for business next year," he said. "We had to make a contingency plan."
Resnick said the former Holy Trinity Catholic School, located at 128 S. Third St., will be leased by Propel.
"We've got a lot of support from the community," he said. "We received 224 signatures on a petition requesting this happen." Propel Chief Academic Officer Dr. Carol Wooten said the school's ability to create internships and shadowing experience at local colleges and trade schools sets it apart from other public secondary educational entities.
Educational advocate and faculty member Dr. Tony Mitchell noted that the school's cultural arts program is another plus.
Propel Homestead principal George Fitch attended Monday's proceedings and insisted Propel doesn't want to take over the city's school district.
"You have to know who you are teaching," he said. "We know our parents and our parents know us. That's the kind of relationship we have." Fitch said Propel has no political agenda in Duquesne.
"We want to come and educate the children," he said.
Currently, 113 children living in Duquesne City School District attend Propel facilities in Homestead and McKeesport.
Parent Dalena Reid-Dama graduated from Duquesne High School. She said she is a proud alumnus but realizes her children deserve a better educational climate.
"It is truly like a family down there," she said of Propel Homestead. "They accept you as one of their own." Reid-Dama, a child development specialist for Urban League of Pittsburgh/Duquesne Family Support, said her three children have received a top-notch education at Propel.
"Propel has truly been a blessing," she said.
Duquesne resident Daniela Bullock recently sent her 9-year-old son Vittorio to Propel McKeesport. She said her boy's academic progress is outstanding.
"He made straight A's and one B," she said. "One of his teachers even was over for a Fourth of July cookout. They are genuine people." Duquesne School Director Cheryl Nemerovsky said she believes Propel can be an asset to the community, but she tempered enthusiasm by citing potential budgetary issues related to the charter school.
She noted, "224 signatures does not impress me. Plus every student that goes to Propel is taken from the budget at the public school." Nemerovsky said she's concerned about the special education programs at Propel.
The Rev. Samuel Chambers said he isn't sure about Propel's vision for Duquesne.
"I guess we'll have to close all the public school districts in the state," he said. "With a public school, you have a voice and a choice with your vote. With a private school, you do not. If they don't like you, you get out." The reverend said he believes Duquesne's public school district has better days ahead.
"We have a problem and we are here to fix it," he said.
Parent Marcel Smith, a Duquesne resident, takes his children to Propel Homestead. He said he welcomes the charter school to his community.
"It's still America," he said. "It's a country of choices. By no stretch is Propel perfect. Don't be afraid of having choices. Propel is not the devil." BOC Chairman Shawn Farr said the board has 45 days to vote on whether to accept Propel's application.
Propel Manager of External Relations Bob Crytzer said if accepted, the school would house students in kindergarten through 12th grade by 2011.
"We will start small in 2007 and add grades in as time goes on," he explained.
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