IN THE MERIT PREPARATORY CHARTER

Attorney(s) appearing for the Case

Richard E. Shapiro , Princeton, argued the cause for appellant New Jersey Education Association.

Geoffrey N. Stark , Deputy Attorney General, argued the cause for respondent New Jersey Commissioner of Education ( John H. Hoffman , Acting Attorney General, attorney; Melissa H. Raksa , Assistant Attorney General, of counsel; Mr. Stark, on the brief).

Devora W. Allon , (Kirkland & Ellis LLP) of the New York bar, admitted pro hac vice, argued the cause for respondent Newark Preparatory Charter School (Lite DePalma Greenberg, LLC, Lay P. Lefkowitz (Kirkland & Ellis LLP) of the New York bar, admitted pro hac vice, and Ms. Allon, attorneys; Michael E. Patunas , Jeffrey A. Shooman , Newark, Samara L. Penn , Ms. Allon, and Mr. Lefkowitz, on the brief).

Robert P. Avolio , Lawrenceville, argued the cause for respondent Merit Preparatory Charter School of Newark (Avolio & Hanlon, P.C., attorneys; Mr. Avolio, of counsel and on the brief; Amie C. Kalac , on the brief).

Gibbons P.C., attorneys for amicus curiae New Jersey PublicSchoolOptions.org ( Lawrence S. Lustberg and Jillian T. Stein , Newark, on the brief).

Before Judges YANNOTTI, ASHRAFI and LEONE.