A public hearing on a proposed North Shore charter school is expected to later this week. The curriculum integrates healthy eating and nutrition. 

Sharell Joseph has high hopes a new charter school will come to Stapleton.

"There are a lot of kids that go to poor schools around here. They are not getting the education they need," said the New Brighton Resident.

Joseph says she was trying to get her son in to the Staten Island Community Charter School on St. Pauls Avenue, but then it shut down over the summer because of low performance.

"The kids have been placed in all different types of schools, places that they did not want to go outside their district. Its very unfair," she added.

Joseph has been a long-time supporter of a proposal for a "Green Charter School" here on Beach Street. It's currently being reviewed by the State Department of Education. Dr. Carole Reiss, a retired school teacher has been working on it for more than 6 years.

"There is not another school in this community that could support the needs and the families that live here the way our school can," said Reiss.

Reiss says students at the elementary school would cook their own meals. There would also be a big focus on the environment and nutrition. 

"Its taking a very small child turning him onto what is going on in his environment and making him be responsible for it," she said.

The Department of Education is expected to hold a public hearing on the proposal this Thursday. 

 At the hearing elected officials and community members are expected to testify in front of the DOE. Everything they say will become public record.

Then the comments will be forwarded to the State DOE. Officials say they'll be taken into account before a final decision is made. In the recent months Reiss has garnered support from elected officials, local residents and non-profits.

"I am support of the school because I see the after school program. I see they are under performing," said Emmanuel Wheager of the North Shore Learning Center 

"I am a Staten Islander. I grew up here. This is an area I think could use some help. It would be great to put a school here that has a small school feel," said David D'Albero, a local financial adviser. 

The hearing is scheduled for 5:30PM at McKee High School.