We OPPOSE the opening of a Mandarin language immersion charter school in Maplewood that would siphon much-needed tax dollars AWAY from our already fiscally stressed public school systems to fund what is clearly a "Boutique" school that was overwhelmingly already REJECTED by local residents when it first applied in early 2011.

This charter school application once again--on its face--appears to discriminate based on race and socio-economic status. The towns it proposes to serve (Maplewood, South Orange and West Orange) are contiguous to Irvington, Orange, East Orange and Newark. All of these urban districts are specifically encouraged to establish charter schools under the statute. N.J.S.A. 18A:36A-3(b). All are District Factor Group A, urban, Abbott districts with high incidents of poverty and a large proportion of minority students.

However, the application does NOT include these high-poverty districts that are for some students, within two miles--or walking distance--from the proposed location of the school. N.J.S.A. 18A:39-1.

We respectfully ask Commissioner Cerf to once again REJECT the Hua Mei charter school application. Thank you.