NJ's First Mandarin Charter School Confirms it Won't Open This September

The leaders of the Princeton International Academy Charter School have requested a one-year planning extension from the New Jersey Department of Education.

This is the school’s second planning extension request in two years.

Rajan Rankumar signed the letter to Acting Commissioner of Education Christopher Cerf on behalf of Board Chair Bonnie Liao.

The letter, dated June 30, says the school will be unable to meet the state’s June 30 deadline to complete its documentation.

School officials are not only working towards getting a certificate of occupancy for a site at 12 Perrine Road in South Brunswick, but also updating curriculum, hiring staff, completing background checks and updating budgets and enrollment documentation.

There has been progress, including two appearances before the South Brunswick Zoning Board of Adjustment.

"Despite our progress, however, we will not be able to complete our preparation by the deadline required for the school to be open in September 2011,” the letter reads. “Therefore, we respectfully request an extension/planning year in order to complete our preparations.”

The letter notes there have also been obstacles along the way, including efforts to block the school’s opening, although it does not go into detail.

Last week two mothers, one from Princeton and one from South Brunswick, Tuesday to the state Department of Education.

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