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April 23, 2024‘Charters Change Lives’ Celebrates Excellence in New Jersey’s Public Charter Schools
The New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association (NJPCSA) hosted its annual gala on Thursday, April 18th, at the Hyatt Regency in New Brunswick, NJ. The gala featured Acting Commissioner of Education Kevin Dehmer and Mercer County Commissioner Samuel Frisby. Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia (Morris, Sussex and Warren Counties) and Assemblyman Avi Schnall (Monmouth and Ocean Counties) also attended the event. Over 250 educators, supporters, and advocates gathered to celebrate the transformative work of public charter schools, which currently serve over 62,000 students across 85 schools in New Jersey.
The event, themed ‘Charters Change Lives,’ followed a professional development session titled ‘Charter School Authorization: Current Trends on Renewal and More’ which provided teachers, board members, and public charter school supporters with the latest insights for navigating public charter school operations and renewals.
“Last night we came together to celebrate New Jersey’s public charter schools and the work they are doing to reshape futures and change lives,” stated Harry Lee, President and CEO of NJPCSA. “Even in the face of significant challenges, our schools are exceeding expectations and we couldn’t be more proud. Our commitment to all of New Jersey’s students remains strong and we will continue to ensure that every child has access to a high-quality education regardless of zip code, income, or ability level.”
The event’s keynote speaker, Mercer County Commissioner Samuel Frisby, discussed the ongoing achievements of public charter schools and the need for sustained governmental support.
“Public charter schools consistently deliver excellent educational opportunities to students and families,” stated Samuel Frisby, Mercer County Commissioner. “To maintain and expand access to high-quality education, we need sustained commitment from everyone – supporters, educators, and entire communities. Crucially, we must back these efforts with support from elected officials at every level of government, particularly in securing the necessary facilities funding that enables these schools to effectively serve our communities.”
Earlier this month, the New Jersey Department of Education published its annual School Performance Report, revealing that public charter schools are leading the way in student growth, comprising half of the top ten districts in mathematics and showing strong performance in English language arts. Additionally, 21 public charter schools are ranked in the top 15% statewide. These findings highlight the crucial role that public charter schools play in enhancing educational opportunities, particularly for Black and Latino students who are significantly outperforming their peers in key academic areas.
“Public charter schools are an integral part of the educational landscape in New Jersey,” said Acting Commissioner of Education Kevin Dehmer. “We salute the hard work and dedication of educators, students, and families involved in New Jersey’s charter schools and the Department of Education looks forward to continuing to support high quality charter schools in the Garden State.”
During the gala, Ketty Wilcox of Roseville Community Charter School in Newark, and Maria Cruz of LEAP Academy University Charter School in Camden, were honored as the 2024 Charter Advocates of the Year. iLearn Schools was celebrated as the 2024 Charter School Champion of the Year.
“Receiving this award deepens my gratitude for how much public charter schools have transformed our lives,” shared parent advocate and award winner Ketty Wilcox. “Before we came to Roseville Community Charter School, my sons, who have special needs, were simply not thriving. Now, thanks to the support and opportunities the school provides, my entire family is flourishing. This is why I’m so committed to this cause.”
“I’ve always believed deeply in the power of public charter schools because I’ve seen with my own eyes the incredible difference they make for families in our city,” shared LEAP’s Director of Parent Engagement and award winner Maria Cruz. “In Camden, where I’ve been part of this transformative journey, the success stories of our students speak volumes. Public charter schools truly change lives, and I’m a witness to that every day.”
“Our public charter schools thrive because of the advocacy and tireless efforts of leaders like Ketty Wilcox and Maria Cruz,” stated Danielle West, School Leader of Queen City Academy Charter School and NJPCSA Board President. “We celebrate their accomplishments, and our progress would not be possible without their commitment to educational advocacy.”
For more information about New Jersey’s public charter schools, please visit www.njcharters.org.
4 Comments
More inspiring words from Harry Lee, the Bob Menendez of the Charter School sector! There is no doubt that Charter Schools hold value and should be pursued, but Mr. Lee, you need to step down and the sooner the better.
It’s encouraging that you’re showing yourself, Commissioner Dehmer. Just remember that the bulk of the hard work invested in NJ’s Charter Schools comes directly from an office in your building at 100 Riverview. Grandstanding among certain groups is common because it’s easy. Sincerity and humility are the unsung catalysts of achievement, and that achievement is taking place right in your building, right under your nose. It’s that achievement that counts, Commissioner Dehmer, not the garnish.
While I applaud the success of the charters as demonstrated in the data that is presented, I will be truly impressed when they are required to enroll all students as required by public schools.
Let’s remember we are not comparing apples to apples.
And if a student who is enrolled cannot be served in the charter, back to the home school they go who welcome them and do their best to meet the needs of every child.
We must remember the reason the Charter School movement started over 30 years ago. Too many schools in New Jersey were not meeting the needs of their students. Students were – and continue to be – locked in failing school systems with no way out. Green was the only color that mattered, because if you had the financial means to move to a better district, that was the key to unlock the door to a better education. A good neighborhood Charter School created opportunity.
The Charter School debate has been going on for decades, similar to the Hatfield and McCoy feud.
The million dollar question that has continued to challenge the system right up to present day is – “How can we meet the needs of each student, regardless of the zip code in which they reside?” If we had an answer, than we could fairly have an apples to apples analogy.