Emily Fisher Charter School

“Emily Fisher officials make case to keep school open.” The Times of Trenton (NJ), 3/24/2012

TRENTON — An attorney representing Emily Fisher Charter School has appealed the state Department of Education’s decision this month not to renew the 14-year-old school’s charter. The school is hoping to prevent the shutdown until officials can make their case for keeping Emily Fisher open.

The DOE’s decision, which effectively forces the school to shut down by this June, was based on what the department said were serious problems with uncertified teachers, very low test scores, student discipline, and general school management...

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“State orders Trenton charter school to shut down.” The Times of Trenton (NJ), 3/3/2012

TRENTON — Following a slew of internal problems including poor student performance, Emily Fisher Charter School, in operation for 13 years, has been ordered to shut down by the state Department of Education.

As part of statewide actions following audits of charter schools, the department announced plans to deny the renewal of Emily Fisher’s charter, while placing the Paul Robeson Charter School for the Humanities on probation for failure to meet stated goals and objectives...

A state investigation of Emily Fisher in November uncovered “ongoing issues, including failure to complete state mandated reports, poor student performance, a high number of behavioral incidents, low attendance rates, teacher certification issues, leadership concerns and curricular issues,” according to a letter from the department.

A similar audit of Paul Robeson also revealed problems, including “failure to complete state mandated reports, dismal student performance, leadership concerns and high staff turnover,” according to a letter from the department...