New option for parochial schools advances
TRENTON - High-performing private and parochial schools in failing districts, including Camden, could become taxpayer-funded charter schools under a bill that won final legislative approval Monday.
The Senate voted, 25-13, for the legislation, which Gov. Christie is expected to sign.
The proposal would let parochial schools, which have long struggled financially, avoid closure by eliminating all religious symbols and classes, and adopting a secular name. Existing faculty and staff would be given preference for jobs, and current students would avoid the charter-school lottery process.
Some parishes have leased or sold their former school buildings for use as charters. But that takes time, and enrollment preference is not given to the displaced students.
Supporters of the idea, who include Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D., Gloucester) and Camden County Democratic leader George E. Norcross 3d, say the proposal provides another
