Opinion ID: 2278866
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Patterson Park

Text: Patterson Park Public Charter School. Inc. is a non-profit Maryland corporation. On August 31, 2004, it filed an application with the city board to establish a public charter school in the southeastern part of the city. The application sought initial year funding at the per pupil rate of $7,500. On November 17, 2004, the city board conditionally approved the application, contingent on a satisfactory facility inspection, final submission of a school budget, and successful contract negotiations. As with City Neighbors, no funding commitment was made and no charter was issued. Discussions ensued between Patterson Park and city board officials, but, by the end of January, 2005, which was more than the 120 days allowed for approval or rejection, the city board had failed to identify or remove any specific conditions on approval of the application, which Patterson Park took to constitute a denial. On January 24, 2005, it noted an appeal to SBE. In its notice, Patterson Park averred that the city board had indicated that per pupil funding would be at the approximate rate of $4,200, all of which would come in the form of services. Patterson Park contended that it required a cash disbursement of $7,500 per pupil plus Federal entitlement and special education funds. As it had done with City Neighbors' petition, the city board moved to dismiss Patterson Park's appeal, claiming that the application had been granted and SBE was without jurisdiction. That motion was filed before the city board released its March 8, 2005 funding model.