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Tuesday, January 25, 2011

NJ Spotlight | Local Boards vs. Charter Schools

NJ Spotlight | Local Boards vs. Charter Schools

Local Boards vs. Charter Schools
Communities -- especially suburban communities -- are looking to have some say over charter schools in their districts

How much say should local school districts and communities have over charter schools within their borders?

With tensions reaching a boil over charter schools in New Jersey -- especially ones in the suburbs -- several proposals are being floated from both sides of the political aisle that would provide communities with some additional say over the semi-autonomous schools.

In a nearly four-hour hearing on charter schools before the Assembly education committee, leading Democrats yesterday said they would support putting new charter schools to a vote by local referendum, much like the local school budget or a school construction project.

“I do believe a local referendum should be required,” said state Assemblyman Patrick Diegnan (D-