BOE President Calls Charter Schools "Bad Public Policy"

Speaking before the Board of Education during its meeting Thursday night, President Jack Lyness expressed strong feelings in opposition to the nation's burgeoning "charter school movement."

Charter schools are primary or secondary schools that are funded by government but operate independently from local boards of education in exchange for meeting academic standards stipulated by the state Commissioner of Education.  Unlike private schools, charter schools are not permitted to charge tuition, and they are considered part of the public school system.

Many parents of New Jersey school children are considering charter schools as an alternative to traditional public schools. As of January, there are 73 charter schools in New Jersey–the state is the fourth largest charter authorizer in the U.S.–and the state Department of Education website predicts there will be more than 100 by the fall. This year, more than 22,000 children in grades pre-K through 12 throughout the state are enrolled in a charter school. According to the New Jersey Charter Schools Association, 66 percent of the state's charter schools achieved adequate yearly progress in 2008-09 compared to 44 percent of their local district schools.

"I am increasingly concerned about the charter school movment and its effect on Summit," Lyness said.

He noted that the Summit Public Schools would have to pay 90 percent of the average pupil cost for each Summit child enrolled in a charter school.

"That means we would lose $1.4 million in funding with no reduction in spending," he said.

This would result in an increased burden for local taxpayers, Lyness said. Students would suffer as well, he added, because less money would be available for programs at the traditional public schools.

"It's bad public policy," he said. "Ultimately, Trenton will realize that."

The president, who will end his tenure at the May 16 board reorganization meeting, ended his charter school remarks with a suggestion to citizens.

"There is very little anyone can do," Lyness said, "except to express concern to local legislators."