Low-performing N.J. schools with reform plans are awarded $45M in federal grants
Published: Wednesday, June 16, 2010, 9:45 PM Updated: Wednesday, June 16, 2010, 9:12 PM
The halls and main Atrium of Central High School, in this 2009 file photo. Central High was among the 12 low-performing schools with a proposal for reform that was approved to receive a federal grant by the state education department today.TRENTON — The New Jersey Department of Education today awarded $45.3 million in federal grants to 12 persistently low-performing schools that have proposed bold plans, including four who said they will replace half of the school’s staff.
Schools in Camden, Newark, Jersey City, Roselle, Trenton and one of the Essex County Vocational campuses will receive the money to adopt one of four federally required models to reform and boost student achievement.
"After you have seven years of noncompliance (with federal mandates), something drastic has to happen to change the climate, change the culture of the school, change the learning, really influence teachers to do a better job within the classroom," said Joseph Martino, interim superintendent in Roselle, which received a grant. "This community is on the brink of change." Abraham Clark High School in Roselle will receive $3.8 million. It is one of four schools in the state which selected the "turnaround model." This requires them to replace the principal and rehire no more than 50 percent of the staff.
Seven of the 12 schools selected the "transformation model," which requires the district to replace ineffective principals, extend the school day, and boost teacher training, among other changes.
One school, Renaissance Academy High in Newark, will reopen as two independent schools.
"Some painful steps will be required to implement these bold reforms," said state Education Commissioner Bret Schundler in a statement. "But these schools are ready to break from the status quo."
Some 27 of New Jersey’s poorest performing schools — based on measurements such as test scores and graduation rates below 60 percent — applied for a chunk of the federal funds. The districts will use the money over three years.
"Today we are providing new hope and a fresh start for thousands of children who have been trapped in underperforming schools," said Schundler.
Newark applied for grants for 10 schools and received about $22 million for improvements at Shabazz High, Central High, Renaissance Academy High, West Kinney Alternative and Dayton Street Elementary schools.
"Some painful steps will be required to implement these bold reforms," Schundler said. "But these schools are ready to break from the status quo."
Daniel Gohl, executive officer for innovation and change in Newark Public Schools, said the district