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Patterson Academy Charter School Faces Critical Deadline

 Roger Weeder  Dave Wax     Created: 8/27/2009 5:26:54 PM    Updated: 8/27/2009 5:47:57 PM
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JACKSONVILLE, FL -- A new charter school, Patterson Academy for the Arts, is being told it needs to take care of some critical housekeeping business or face being closed.

The school, which occupies the second floor of the former FBI offices in Arlington, has been given until Monday by Duval County Schools to document that various inspections have been done.

Principal DeVondalyn Patterson-Hughes says the academy on Thursday had its annual fire inspection, plus she says several other issues have been resolved.

District officials, in a letter to the academy, say they need to see documentation of various inspections and insurance coverage.

The academy currently has 67 students, with computer equipment not in place going into the second week of school.

Patterson-Hughes says 200 students would be a better number and would give the academy more stability.

"It's likely we will remain open," said the principal, when asked about what the future likely holds.

The Patterson Academy for the Arts offers a high school education where the arts -- dance, music, computer graphics -- give teenagers an option other than public schools.

Charter schools operate independently and receive tax dollars, but school districts are charged with supervising the health, safety and welfare of the students.

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