Politickernj.com - Charter school referendum bill passes Assembly (GSCS note: At this time, there is no local vote companion bill in the Senate)
Politickernj.com - Charter school referendum bill passes Assembly
By Ray Smith | March 15th, 2012 - 4:44pm
TRENTON – The Assembly approved a bill this afternoon to enable voters to determine whether or not a charter school should be set up in a particular district by way of a public referendum.
The bill (A1877), sponsored by Assemblyman Patrick J. Diegnan Jr. (D-18), South Plainfield, passed by a 45-27 vote, with four abstentions.
Charter schools are funded in part by the local school tax levy.
The bill also states that the commissioner may not approve the expansion of the number of grades at a charter school district unless the voters approve it.
The New Jersey Association of School Administrators and the Supervisors Association supported the bill when it was heard in committee, while opponents say the bill could compromise the growth of charter schools in areas where public schools are falling below standards.