Current Legislation - Sept. 26, 2011

PRIVATE TO PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL CONVERSION: A-2806 (Jasey, Coutinho). By a vote of 25-13, the Senate passed the bill, which would permit conversion of nonpublic schools to charter schools.  The bill previously passed the full Assembly.   As amended, the bill would limit conversion only to “high performing” private schools in districts designated as “in need of improvement” under NCLB.  Upon conversion, the school must prohibit religious instruction, events, and activities that promote religious views, and the display of religious symbols. Furthermore, the name of the school cannot include any religious reference. The commissioner would be directed to establish a process for the review of applications.  NJEA supported the bill.  It now goes to the Governor’s desk for his approval or disapproval.