Controversial Hebrew-immersion charter school in Bergen County may finally open
Published: Monday, November 29, 2010, 5:47 PM Updated: Monday, November 29, 2010, 5:47 PM
WOODLAND PARK — A controversial plan to open a Hebrew-immersion charter school in Bergen County might have its best chance at state approval this year as the Christie administration looks to expand school choice throughout the state.
The application for Shalom Academy — thrice rejected by the state and opposed by local school administrators — is also buoyed by the opening this year of a similar school in East Brunswick, which already has a waiting list for the next school year.
"If it's a quality application, it's got a better shot than ever now," said Derrell Bradford, executive director of E3, a statewide school-choice advocacy group.
"In the past, charters were viewed as a nuisance and granted grudgingly," said Bradford, who is helping the state review charter applications. "Without a doubt, the governor and the current