Poll: Do Charter Schools Have a Place in Suburban School Districts?
Cast your vote and share your thoughts below.
Earlier this month, the state Department of Education rejected a large number of charter schools proposed for successful suburban school districts, approving only four of 55 applications statewide. However, in 2011 there have been 27 charter school approvals, the largest number approved in any one year since the charter law was passed in New Jersey, according to the state Department of Education.
“Charter schools serve a critical need in New Jersey not only by providing high-quality options for students where they otherwise do not exist, but also by serving as laboratories of innovation,” acting Department of Education Commissioner Chris Cerf said.
Gov. Chris Christie has called on legislators to pass reforms to the New Jersey charter law in order to strengthen and expand high-quality charter schools in New Jersey. Included in the reforms would be a measure allowing districts to convert failing public schools into charters.
Charter schools proposed in several wealthy suburban districts came under fire because they sought to open in high-performing school districts. Christie and Cerf have at various times conceded that charter schools may not be needed in districts that are “humming along.”
In South Brunswick, the debate over a proposed Mandarin-immersion charter school appoved by the DOE in 2010 continues to rage on as arguments over the merits of a zoning application has led many to question why a district like South Brunswick needs an alternative to the public school system.
Proponents of the charter school movement have said charters provide parents with increased choices that will better prepare their children to close the global achievement gap between American students and the rest of the world.
But ongoing recession fears and tight public resources have left everyone struggling for money, as opposition to charters have stated that the schools siphon off much need resources for public school districts during a tough economic climate. School districts generally pay charters 90 percent of the district’s per-pupil costs.
With the next hearing for the Princeton International Academy Charter School (PIACS) scheduled for November, we want to hear your opinion. Do you think charter schools have a place in suburban districts that are performing well, or do you think charters better serve students in failing urban school districts?
Wendy
12:14 pm on Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Do you think charter schools have a place in suburban districts that are performing well? NO.
Robert F. Galgano
12:55 pm on Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Charter $chool$ are a $cam. Another way for Wall St. hedge fund managers to destroy what remains of our public sector and our common good.
Robert Housel
1:10 pm on Tuesday, October 11, 2011
the teachers are spoiled and lazy, they want everything and do not expect to have to give anything back
kathryn
1:53 pm on Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Spoiled and lazy...yep, that's me. As a matter of fact, today, instead of being in an 85 degree classroom with 25 six and seven year olds who are all sweating and miserable due to the heat, but still trying their best to stay focused....I'm going to take the 2.3 million dollar bonus I was just given, cut out early, fly my private jet down to the Keys and spend some much needed "me" time on my yacht. Hey, why not, my comment is just as realistic as the one Robert just made.
:)
7:21 pm on Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Charter schools are the response to a traditional public school system that does not meet the needs of some students, their parents and teachers. Charter schools offer students additional options for their education, gets parents involved and can add a positive element to the fabric of a community. The public expects and deserves for all public schools to offer excellent education. Charter schools just add choice. If you are pro-choice, you should support the fact that some members of your community choose Charter schools.