James Crisfield, schools superintendent in Millburn, said he was frustrated that two charter applicants wanted to start Mandarin Chinese immersion elementary schools in Maplewood and Livingston that would draw from his district. His schools consistently rank among the best in the state, and he worries about losing resources."I don't understand why this sort of arrangement is being so vigorously pursued in Trenton because it adds more costs to the system and doesn't help us get more efficient," he said, adding that he understood the push for options in underperforming districts.

The Record -  Charter school in Hackensack among 58 bids

Saturday, April 2, 2011

BY LESLIE BRODY

The Record

STAFF WRITER

Applicants hope to start one new charter school in Hackensack, one in the city of Passaic and two in Paterson, a state official said Friday.

They were among a record 58 applicants in the latest round of those seeking state approval. The Christie administration is pushing to expand quality charters, but faces opposition from critics who argue they drain resources and top students from regular public schools.

James Giokas of Washington Township is making his third bid to open Spartan Academy in Hackensack after two denials. He said the state wanted more detailed budget projections. He envisions a K-3 school that will teach Greek and extra math.

In Passaic County, applicants want to start the Passaic Dual Language Charter, Paterson Urban Music and Movement Charter and Great Falls Academy for Performing Arts.

Most applicants want to open in urban areas. Some plan to focus on business, science or even fashion. Four would immerse students in Chinese or Hebrew. Some critics have expressed concern about the growing group of "boutique" charters that cater to families' desires for specialized learning.

Supporters say charters are havens of energy, hope and innovation, especially in poor cities with failing schools. Lynne Strickland, who represents mostly suburbs as executive director of the Garden State Coalition of Schools, said she was hearing more of her members complain that charters placed in high-achieving districts amounted to an "extra tax." Charters are financed by local taxpayers but are independently operated.

She said families in troubled districts may need alternatives to traditional public schools, but successful districts could serve students better without the loss of funds to charters. Tension over their growth "has been exacerbated by cutbacks in state aid," she added. "I hear more and more from my members they would prefer not to have them."

James Crisfield, schools superintendent in Millburn, said he was frustrated that two charter applicants wanted to start Mandarin Chinese immersion elementary schools in Maplewood and Livingston that would draw from his district. His schools consistently rank among the best in the state, and he worries about losing resources.

"I don't understand why this sort of arrangement is being so vigorously pursued in Trenton because it adds more costs to the system and doesn't help us get more efficient," he said, adding that he understood the push for options in underperforming districts.

The last round of applications came in October, when 50 applicants sought approval, and almost half were accepted for future openings. Currently, 73 charters are operating statewide.

E-mail: brody@northjersey.com