The Madison School Board debated plans Monday for a new charter school that would focus on arts and technology, asking the school's supporters to return with a plan that would be cost-neutral.

By keeping the plan cost-neutral, the board would not have to increase its budget to open the new school.

The proposed Studio School is based on the Italian Reggio Emilia model for preschool education, which takes a project-based approach to learning.

"The environment is looked at as a third teacher — the design and use of space that the child is in is very important to this Reggio Emilia approach," said Sue Abpalnalp, assistant superintendent for elementary schools.

The school is intended not only to focus on the child's intellectual development but also on his or her creative development.

Studio School would not be the first charter school — which specializes in one particular area of learning — to be created in Madison. Nuestro Mundo, a charter school focusing on bilingual education in English and Spanish, was created in 2004.

"I think it's an intriguing idea that I want to see play out," Mayor Dave Cieslewicz said in an interview. "I believe very strongly in neighborhood schools — I think they're an important way of keeping city neighborhoods strong."

Cieslewicz said he hoped the school could come up with a cost-neutral plan, adding that education is an important aspect of the Madison community.

Opponents to Cieslewicz in the upcoming April election — Ray Allen and Peter Muñoz — also came out in support of the proposed charter school.

Muñoz said he would support plans for the school even if a cost-neutral budget could not be found.

"I'm not sponsoring a blank check, but if you can clearly determine that the benefits outweigh the costs, then I think it should be done," Muñoz said.

If elected, Allen would also support the addition of charter schools to Madison.

"We support charter schools because they offer additional opportunities for families, especially in the area of technology," said Semmi Pasha, spokesperson for Allen.

However, Abpalnalp said there has not been any research documenting the success rate of students who attend schools based on the Reggio Emilia model, particularly in grades beyond preschool. Currently, the school plans to serve students in kindergarten through fifth grade.

According to the Studio School's summary statement, supporters would like to open the facility this fall.