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NJ Spotlight--Guadagno Comes Out Strong for Charters, School Choice
In one of her first policy statements, Republican gubernatorial candidate indicates she might push the boundaries on her boss’s charter policies
For all of her differences with her boss, Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno yesterday made clear in one of her first policy talks as a candidate for governor that charter schools and school choice are not among them.
Guadagno spoke before a group of charter advocates at the annual School Choice Summit. After remaining long-silent on many public policy issues, she made clear that she fully supported Gov. Chris Christie’s agenda to expand charter schools in New Jersey — and might even take it further if elected governor.
In an interview afterward, she voiced few reservations about charter expansion in New Jersey, even in suburban districts, and added that she would push ahead with Christie’s plans for private school vouchers as well.
http://www.njspotlight.com/stories/17/01/26/guadagno-comes-out-strong-for-charters-school-choice/
John Mooney | January 27, 2017
NJ Spotlight--Interactive Map: Where NJ’s High Property Taxes Are Highest (and Lowest)
Over the past six years, property taxes have climbed by as much as 35 percent, but some communities have seen average bills remain stable or even declined
New Jersey’s highest-in-the-nation property taxes rose again last year by more than the state cap allows, and while schools remain the biggest spenders of tax dollars, municipal governments have been driving the nearly 13 percent increase since Gov. Chris Christie took office.
http://www.njspotlight.com/stories/17/01/26/interactive-map-where-nj-s-high-property-taxes-are-highest-and-lowest/
Colleen O'Dea | January 27, 2017
Star Ledger--Christie gives advice to Trenton high schoolers as groups protest his funding plan
TRENTON -- A month after breaking ground on a new $155 million Trenton High School, Gov. Chris Christie on Thursday made good on an invitation to speak directly to the district's students.
The governor had an hour-long question-and-answer session with about a dozen Trenton Central High School students at 9th Grade Academy, one of the district's five schools.
The meeting was promoted by a local principal asking the governor at December's groundbreaking to meet some students.
"I wanted to come by and just congratulate you, and meet you," Christie said. "I'm just here to thank you ... and encourage you in what you're doing."
Matt Arco | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com| January 26, 2017 at 6:36 PM, updated January 26, 2017 at 9:04 PM
NJ 101.5--Lead found in 21 school districts’ water; what comes next is unclear
Nearly two dozen New Jersey school districts have notified the state that required water tests have identified locations with elevated levels of lead, a legislative task force was told Thursday.
Around 800 organizations – school districts, charter schools and early-learning centers – were directed last July by Gov. Chris Christie’s administration to test their water for lead. The state appropriated $10 million to reimburse them for the tests.
Department of Education officials told the Joint Legislative Task Force on Drinking Water Infrastructure that around half the districts and one-third of the charter schools have completed the testing, which is supposed to be done by mid-July, though districts can ask for an extension.
http://nj1015.com/nj-has-at-least-21-school-districts-with-elevate-lead-in-water/?trackback=tsmclip
By Michael Symons January 26, 2017 7:12 PM
