Assemblywoman Mila Jasey (D-Essex) on Friday expressed mixed feelings about the Christie administration’s latest announcement concerning the approval of new charter schools in New Jersey.
“I am encouraged by the measured approach taken by the Department of Education in evaluating and approving only four of the 55 charter school applications they have received. However, I’m concerned about the large number that have already been approved this year and are scheduled to open in 2012.
“With the administration already approving 27 new charter schools this year, I am also extremely concerned about the Acting Commissioner’s reference to a large applicant pool that will be reviewed during an expedited round this fall. This is yet another reason why we need to let the voters decide when and where they want to see charter schools developed in their community,” said Jasey.
Jasey, a member of the Assembly Education Committee, is the prime sponsor of legislation (A-3852) that has passed the Assembly, which would require voter approval in order for a district to be established as a charter school district or for a charter school to expand. The measure is now awaiting consideration in the Senate.