Things have been streaming at a rapid pace for Gilroy Prep
School founders since the Gilroy Unified School District
unanimously approved their petition Nov. 18, 2010.
Things have been streaming at a rapid pace for Gilroy Prep School founders since the Gilroy Unified School District unanimously approved their petition Nov. 18, 2010.
Charter leaders Sharon Waller, Karen Humber and Kristyn Corley will hold the charter’s first official board meeting open to the public at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18 at Mama Mia’s Ristorante Italiano on 1360 B First St.
“I am really, really excited,” Humber said. “It has steamrolled from as soon as the new year turned over. The e-mails we’re getting and the contacts we’re making have been phenomenal.”
A second open meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 25 at Lizarran Tapas Restaurant on 7400 Monterey St. for the purpose of informing community members of the charter’s progress and needs.
Parents interested in pre-enrolling their children may do so at the Jan. 25 meeting. Currently there are 150 students pre-enrolled, 95 of which are kindergartners. Waller reminds their limit for kindergarten is 60, and said the charter is trying to recruit heavily for first and second grade.
“With 95 kindergartners, there will likely be a lottery,” said Waller. “As heartbreaking as a lottery is, it also provides a very clear message about how much interest there really is in the charter schools.”
Waller said she and her colleagues are looking for people to join subcommittees ranging from fundraising, continuing development of enrichment programs, arts, music, physical education and dance. There is also a need for one to two board members, preferably with legal experience.
Waller said Gilroy Prep’s location has not yet been confirmed, and may not be until March or April.
“We hope it’s the El Portal site,” she said, referring to the facility at 277 Old Gilroy St. that was once used by MACSA El Portal Leadership Academy.
Official open registration is Feb. 1 through March 31. For further information, visit gps.isoars.com.
