That could help a metropolitan district cope with Wilmington's relatively low tax base. But Doorey predicted that suburban parents will worry about school taxes rising to cover the cost of educating city students. The Rev. G. Harold Thompson, the Brandywine school board member on the committee, voted for both the metropolitan option and the charter option. A charter option Charter schools have become one of the symbols of Delaware's evolving educational system. And Wednesday night the committee voted to recommend the idea of making Wilmington a district of charter schools.
Charter schools are tuition-free, privately run public schools.
Four charter schools already operate in Wilmington, and this option would increase that number. They are unlike regular public schools in their freedom to choose curricula and set standards and schedules. Many get financial support from the private sector. Students must apply. Their acceptance depends on space and the student's needs.