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Judge denies bid to block Gloucester school

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A superior court judge has denied a bid by parents to block the Gloucester Community Arts Charter School from opening this fall.

Judge Richard Welch said, however, there was evidence that state education officials "blatantly ignored and violated state law when granting the GCA charter for political reasons."

Welch faulted Education Commissioner Mitchell Chester for backing the project over the objections of his Charter School Office.

Welch said there was "strong factual showing" that the Commissioner, despite his affidavit to the contrary, did not perform an independent evaluation but instead "caved to political pressure."

Chester said Tuesday that the decision was made "on the basis of its merits, not on a political calculus."

A lawyer for the parents told the Gloucester Daily Times they will continue the case.

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