Minutes - Council Work Session - 05/22/2007

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Councilmember Elvig left the worksession. Mr. DeBruyn stated he went to the School Board during PACT Charter School's first year in their new building and suggested consideration of a second charter school in the City of Ramsey. When PACT Charter School moved from the City of Anoka the school had been in existence for nine years and had approximately 600 students on their waiting list. They assumed that when the school moved to a new building they would somewhat deplete that list, but the list continues to grow. They now have 1,750 kids on the waiting list. This shows the tremendous need and desire for a school like PACT Charter School, particularly in the City of Ramsey, and the number of applicants from the City of Ramsey is increasing. He indicated the location they are discussing for the school is right next to Central Park. Mr. DeBruyn provided a presentation about the possibility of developing and building another chart~r school in the City of Ramsey. Mayor Gamec stated PACT Charter School has been an asset; people enjoy it and feel the youth are getting a good education. PACT has been part of the community, and Father Paul with the Catholic Church has been very happy with the cooperation. He asked about the planned size of the building and number of students. Mr. DeBruyn stated PACT likes the concept they have right now. The projection is for grades K through 8 to start with, adding 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades in the future, with 540 students. This is identical to the way PACT Charter started out. He explained it is tough to start a high school and draw new kids into a brand new program. Mayor Gamec inquired about the school's working relationship with the church. Mr. DeBruyn replied the School Board and the church have not had in-depth conversations; Jerry Bauer, the landowner, has been part of the conversations. Councilmember Look inquired what grades are included on the waiting list. Mr. DeBruyn replied every grade level has between 70 and 100 on the waiting list; 11th and 12th grades are not generally as large of a waiting list. Councilmember Look asked if the waiting list is still at 20% of Ramsey residents. Mr. DeBruyn replied the 20% is an estimate. From what he has seen and how this has been increasing over the years he has no doubt the percentage is higher. Councilmember Look asked if PACT is the only kindergarten option in the City. Mr. DeBruyn replied yes, Anoka/Hennepin off of Ferry Street is the next closest. Councilmember Dehen inquired about the draw to impress upon people to be part of the PACT schools. City Council Work Session / May 22, 2007 Page 2 of9