LESNIAK AND JASEY INTRODUCE BILL TO ALLOW PRIVATE SCHOOLS TO CONVERT TO PUBLIC CHARTERS

TRENTON – Senator Raymond J. Lesniak and Assemblywoman Mila M. Jasey today introduced legislation which would allow private and parochial schools to convert to public charter schools, in an effort to stave off the closure epidemic facing many private schools around New Jersey, and give students, particularly in urban areas, more options for their public education.

“These private schools – mostly faith-based – are the heart and soul of many neighborhoods in our cities,” said Senator Lesniak, D-Union. “I have too often seen the pained look on the faces of children and parents when they are forced to close. Allowing them to seamlessly convert to charter schools will keep the community intact and avoid unnecessary disruption of students’ education.”

“It is clear to me that the status quo is not working for all children,” said Assemblywoman Jasey, D-Essex. “I want to explore every opportunity to provide equity and access to a world-class education for all students, no matter where they live and no matter what their circumstance.”

LEADERS ADDRESS SCHOOL CLOSURES, SUPPORT UEZ JOBS SCHOLARSHIP ACT

ELIZABETH – Today, Senator Raymond Lesniak and Assemblyman Joseph Cryan joined religious and minority leaders to address the closure of two parochial schools in Elizabeth and to support the UEZ Jobs Scholarship Act, legislation that would provide tax credits equal to the value of scholarships donated by corporations for low-income students in Urban Enterprise Zones. The legislation aims to empower parents to choose the best educational environment for their children and to allow students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to attend schools outside of their school district.

Senator Raymond Lesniak stated, “In the past 10 years, 100 Catholic schools have closed. This week, that trend hit our community with the announcement that both St. Anthony’s and Sacred Heart schools will close. We need immediate action to ensure that students in our community continue to have the opportunity to attend a private school of their choosing.