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WILMINGTON – From a closed public school, to a possible charter, back to a public school with some changes.

That's the story of the former D.C. Virgo Middle School in New Hanover County.

Tuesday night the school board approved plans to re-open the school next year.

It will still be a public school but some direction will come from an advisory board made up of community members and area non-profits.

"They are in contact with the community, they have support of the community they will help us get the community involved so the advisory board will play an import role in this operation," said School Board Chairman Don Hayes.

The school was shut down last year due to a shrinking student body and low test scores.
The need for an advisory board came when the district applied for Charter school status.

But the state review committee denied their application last December.

Superintendent Dr. Tim Markley said their partnership with trusted community organizations will help this school succeed.

"I want to tap into that relationship, build on some of that trust and give these parents something that is truly unique for their students and then they'll trust us and bring their kids to school," said Markley. 

For the first year, only sixth-grade students will attend.

Students will wear uniforms and be given iPads.

"It's important to show to the students here that we are committed to them being 21st Century students and this is one way we can do that," said Markley.

Instead of assigning a principal and teachers to the school, officials are asking for applications from people who are interested in working there. Those accepted will be offered a hiring bonus and bonuses based on academic performance.

"We don't want to just assign people there, we want teachers who want to be there, to teach in that type of environment and be part of this process," said Hayes.

A process that school officials said may diminish the need for Charter school status.

Markley said funding this school will cost a little more but because it's a Title One School, state and local funds are available.

School officials say the board will interview candidates for the advisory board in two weeks.