NJ company to take over New Haven's Roberto Clemente Leadership Academy

New Haven, Conn. (WTNH) - The Roberto Clemente Leadership Academy in New Haven is apparently not performing up to standards and about to be taken over by an out-of-state company.

New Haven Superintendent Dr. Reginald Mayo told News 8 Renaissance School Services of New Jersey will take over Clemente Leadership Academy in the Hill section of the city next year. The hope is this low performing school can turn around.

"I think it's good. It should make the school better," said a woman who identified herself as Janelle. She has a daughter at the school, and thinks this will give her daughter a better educational opportunity.

"It would be good for our kids," Sandra Jenkins said. "Any education for our kids, I'm with it for mine."

The cost of the contract with Renaissance School Services is around $430,000, hopefully paid with a state grant. The New Jersey company could overhaul everything from staffing to the length of the school day.

Some moms, including Vilmarie Torres, want even more. "It would be a good idea because the kids would be able to have more school field trips, better food," she said. "Right now, I don't like the food that's going on right now. Do you hope it will be able to be a tier two or tier one after this? Yeah it could be possible. Nothing is impossible.""

The New Haven Board of Education is expected to vote on a contract with the company at its next meeting.