As the start of the school year fast approaches in Wilkinsburg, a deadline to decide whether a charter school can open there this fall will come even sooner.

The H.O.P.E. Foundation submitted its second application for the all-boys' Leadership Academy for Math and Science Charter School to the Wilkinsburg School District on June 1. The school board has until Aug. 20 to respond.

The board rejected the initial charter application in February, citing a lack of funding and community support. The board also said the curriculum submitted for the school did not address teaching special education and gifted students and questioned whether an all-boys' school would violate charter law.

Andre Tucker, of the H.O.P.E. Foundation, said information on special education programs was included in his first application, and said the foundation has addressed all of the district's concerns in its recent application.

Mr. Tucker said the foundation has gathered 1,162 signatures from district residents in support of the charter and has received a $50,000 Charter School Program grant from the state Department of Education.

If the application is approved, the Leadership Academy will qualify for an additional $300,000 for its first year of operation and can apply for an additional $300,000 for its second year.

Mr. Tucker said he has requested meetings to discuss the revised application, as well as other issues regarding the district, but has not received a response.

Superintendent Archie Perrin said he has received Mr. Tucker's requests and is willing to discuss general district matters with him, but won't address the charter application. He also said the board is reviewing the details of the updated application in preparation for next month's vote.

Classes in Wilkinsburg will resume Aug. 31.

Mr. Tucker said the foundation would like the charter school to open no later than Sept. 14, if it does open this year.