NJ Gov. Chris Christie to review changes to school choice bill
STATE HOUSE BUREAU
TRENTON — The fate of a school-choice bill backed by Gov. Chris Christie was in flux after a sponsor announced significant changes in hopes of winning quick legislative approval.
The Republican governor — who has called the bill a first step that could "lead to school vouchers across the state of New Jersey" — said he will review the proposed changes. He also warned lawmakers not to "gut the purpose of the program" just to attract enough votes.
Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D-Union) said the bill now limits the pilot program to "chronically failing schools in specific municipalities" based on local legislators’ support, rather than about 200 troubled schools in more than 30 districts. He declined to say how many schools might be eligible, but said districts include Newark, Camden and Elizabeth.
"In some respects, it may work even better because there will be more scholarships available in the targeted municipalities," he sai
The new version (S1872) would also eliminate an innovation fund that would award grants to improve struggling schools. The money would have come out of a
AP FILE PHOTO
N.J. Gov. Chris Christie
Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D-Union) said the bill now limits the pilot program to "chronically failing schools in specific municipalities" based on local legislators’ support, rather than about 200 troubled schools in more than 30 districts. He declined to say how many schools might be eligible, but said districts include Newark, Camden and Elizabeth.
"In some respects, it may work even better because there will be more scholarships available in the targeted municipalities," he sai
The new version (S1872) would also eliminate an innovation fund that would award grants to improve struggling schools. The money would have come out of a