MA schools chief urges probation for charter

State Education Commissioner Mitchell Chester is recommending the board of education place a Gloucester charter school on probation.

Chester says the trustees of the Gloucester Community Arts Charter School failed to manage the school effectively by not planning for construction delays and opening three weeks late.

Chester acknowledged that the school is open, however, and said his top concern are the more than 60 students attending classes.

In a letter released Wednesday, Chester lays out about a dozen goals he said the school must try to meet. He said he will recommend further action when appropriate.

The board of education has scheduled a special meeting on Friday to consider the status of the school, which opened despite a warning from Chester.