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Paterson school district looks to lose $206,000 in subleasing space to charter school | Paterson Times

Paterson school district looks to lose $206,000 in subleasing space to charter school

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The city’s school district intends on subleasing its leased building on State Street at 53-percent discount to the Philip’s Academy Charter School of Paterson.

The district’s lease agreement with the building’s owner is for $390,000. Its sublease agreement will give the 19,500 square feet building to the charter school for $184,000, according to the proposed agreement before the school board.

The district will absorb the difference of $206,000.

State-appointed district superintendent Donnie Evans said the district has been leasing the building for several years and no longer needs the facility for the upcoming school year.

“Unfortunately, the district has to pay the lease for one additional year even though it is not needed,” said Evans. The district’s lease agreement for the building at 47 State Street, known as the Boris Kroll Mill, ends on June 30th, 2017.

“My decision is not intended to demonstrate support or lack of support for charter schools.  It is intended to help generate funds to keep the district afloat,” said Evans.

School board president Christopher Irving said he was told the school system will either receive some revenue or no revenue at all.

“I was told that was the best deal we can get,” said Irving on Monday afternoon. “This is Dr. Evan’s decision. I found out last minute.”

School board member Jonathan Hodges postponed a vote on the sublease agreement at its meeting last week. He said he wants to have a deeper discussion on the agreement before approving it.

Hodges, who does not support charter schools, blamed the state for the financially losing agreement. He acknowledged the superintendent in the state-operated school district can move on the agreement without the board’s approval.

“I’m not too familiar with the whole transaction. I found out last week,” said board member Flavio Rivera, who serves as the chairman for the fiscal committee.

Although it seems like the district is losing $200,000 it will lose $390,000 if it does not sublease the building, said Rivera.

“I have a problem with subleasing to Philips Academy,” said board member Errol Kerr. “If Philips did not have a location to open the district would not pay that money,” he said referring to the money the district will have to pay to the charter school.

The district pays $34 million every year to charter schools. Hodges and Kerr have been vocal about the amount of money charter schools subtract from the district’s budget. When district students move to charter schools fixed costs remain with the district, argued Hodges.

“We cannot prevent them from opening,” said Rivera. He said if the district decides not to lease the space the school may be able to find space elsewhere.

“If they want it they should pay the full price,” said Kerr.

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  • MarquinhoGaucho

    Is it just me or does it make better sense to use up your lease before you move? That way you dont lose $390,000

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