Christie’s proposed 2012-13 state budget provides $7.8 billion in school aid, an increase of $135 million and part of $213 million in overall increased financial support over the 2011-12 budget.

Christie and Cerf call on legislature to approve 3 key education bills MONDAY, 12 MARCH 2012 15:23 Democrats leery of supporting teacher tenure change BY TOM HESTER SR. NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM Gov. Chris Christie and state Education Commissioner Chris Cerf Monday called on the Democratic-controlled Legislature to approve the proposals the governor has made in what he sees as an effort to improve public education. During a visit to Bordentown Regional High School, Christie said the legislation is needed to turn around failing schools and provide the students with an education that prepares them for college or a career. The bills are: • School Children First Act (S-807/A-981): The bill would create a statewide educator evaluation system consistent with the goals of the Obama administration, ties tenure to effectiveness, ends forced placements and Last-In-First-Out (LIFO) personnel policies by using both seniority and educator effectiveness in staffing decisions, and reforms compensation systems. The changes would allow New Jersey to identify and reward the most effective teachers in a meaningful and fair way, while also better supporting those comparatively few teachers who are not effective. • Charter Reform Bill (A-980): The bill provides updates to strengthen and improve New Jersey’s charter law. The bill increases the number of charter school authorizers, permits public schools to be converted to charter schools by local boards of education as well as the state Department of Education Commissioner, and increases charter autonomy while making them more accountable. • Opportunity Scholarship Act (S-1779): The bill would provide tax credits to entities contributing to scholarships for low-income students, broadening choice and educational options for children in some of New Jersey’s worst performing schools. The Democratic-controlled Legislature is leery of supporting the School Children First Act, which includes altering tenure standards for teachers. Christie’s proposed 2012-13 state budget provides $7.8 billion in school aid, an increase of $135 million and part of $213 million in overall increased financial support over the 2011-12 budget.