newjerseynewsroom.com

42 applicants seeking state approval to open a school

Assemblywoman Mila Jasey (D- Essex) expressed concern Wednesday over the number of applicants—42—seeking approval from the state Department of Education to open charter schools. She noted that three weeks ago, the DOE approved four of the 55 charter schools that applied.

Jasey, an education advocate in the Legislature, said she believes the growing number of existing charter schools underscores the need for several measures she is sponsoring would address what she sees as a disconnect that currently exists between public schools and charter schools in New Jersey.

“Charter schools have an important role to play in the education of our state’s children, but more clarification and accountability are necessary,” Jasey said. “Safeguards need to be implemented to insure the lottery for admission is fair, that a school’s student make-up reflects the demographics of the community and that objective data is readily available to track continued enrollment of students throughout the school year."

Gov. Chris Christie is a strong advocate of charter schools as an alternative for students, especially in underachieving school districts.

“It is absolutely imperative that the application process be rigorous and that we review what charters are accomplishing in comparison to traditional public schools,” the Assemblywoman said. “We need to support effective charter schools, close those that are failing and promote collaboration between charters and traditional publics.”

Jasey said she questions the DOE’s assertion that it has the capacity to provide proper oversight of charter schools, and for that reason sponsored an Assembly-approved bill allowing up to three public universities to serve as authorizers.

Jasey is also a sponsor of legislation requiring local voter approval of new charter schools. The measure has passed the Assembly and is awaiting consideration in the Senate.

—TOM HESTER SR., NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM