Sun City residents fight new charter school

SUN CITY, AZ - Sun City residents may have been able to block the opening of a charter school in their community.

New Joy Ministries relocated its church from Youngtown to 107th and Peoria avenues and had planned to open its charter school at that location as well.

“We were flooded with e-mails and calls,” said Bill Szentmiklosi, a compliance manager for the Sun City Homeowners Association. “Who would think someone would try to open a school in an age restricted community?”

Pastor Jack Duran told ABC15 said he was told there would be no problem with the school at that location and was surprised by reaction from residents, some he said were very angry and verbally abusive to his staff at the church.

A hearing will be held on August 13 with the County’s Planning and Development Board.

Duran said he is now looking at moving the school to another location and should have plans finalized soon.

Szentmiklosi said the HOA will continue to pursue the matter with the county to block a school of any kind to open in the future.