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1 <br />Janice Gundlach <br />From:Kelly Harrington <kelly.harrington@providenceacademy.org> <br />Sent:Monday, March 27, 2017 11:30 AM <br />To:Janice Gundlach; lzeidner@unitedseminary.edu <br />Cc:nate harrington <br />Subject:Special Use Permit - proposed charter school <br />Ms. Gundlach and Mr. Zeidner, <br /> <br />We write with serious concerns regarding the proposed charter school use of the United Theological Seminary <br />building in New Brighton. We live just a block to the north of the site in a very quiet, family oriented <br />neighborhood. We moved here almost four years ago because of the quiet location, with low traffic and large <br />yard for our three children to play in. We are involved in our community in many ways and have three school- <br />aged children who attend three different local schools. <br /> <br />We are quite shocked to learn a K-8 school is being proposed on the seminary campus. With so many schools <br />nearby, was a feasibility study conducted to ensure the success of yet another charter school in this area? Or is <br />this charter school already in existence? If so, what is the charter school? Who is the charter issued to, and can <br />our district sustain yet another school? <br /> <br />We have read the literature you have sent us, and I still question the outside use of the facility. You propose a <br />K-8 school will not use the outdoors much. As a principal of a school, I have to strongly disagree. It would be <br />a travesty to not allow young children outside for recess during the day, multiple times. In fact, any educator <br />can tell you of educational research pointing to the extreme benefits of recreation during the school day. You <br />also indicated there would be no activities outside of the school day. How do you plan to accomplish this? No <br />before or after school care? No conferences, events, gatherings, summer camp/school opportunities, etc.? That <br />does not contribute to a healthy school community. Where will all the staff and parent volunteers park? Surely, <br />you have accounted for all the moving parts in an elementary school. <br /> <br />We would like to see a full school calendar, a real traffic study, exact enrollment numbers, and a valid <br />comparison to other local schools. (Your enrollment numbers for Bel Air Elementary are incorrect - by over <br />100.) It would also be very beneficial for the public to know what the seminary plans to do when/if this charter <br />school plans to grow. Research suggest property values have a direct correlation with school success and <br />reputation. This can adversely affect local areas as well. Obviously, this will not be a neighborhood school, so <br />with families that do not have a vested interest in our neighborhood community, how can you guarantee this <br />school will not adversely affect our neighborhood? <br /> <br />As a long-time educator and a long-time realtor, we feel this decision needs to be considered by the whole <br />community and the City of New Brighton and the United Theological Seminary owe the community due <br />diligence in disseminating ALL pertinent information concerning our neighborhood and school district. We do <br />not agree that the seminary leasing the building to a charter school will have "...very little impact on the <br />neighborhood." Please share the metrics you have to validate that statement. We look forward to much more <br />detailed plans and specific information for the community to consider. <br /> <br />Sincerely, <br /> <br />Nate and Kelly Harrington <br />