In New Jersey, new administration giving 'pause' to charter schools

Kindergartners spun around in hula hoops and chased each other across a gym floor at Camden’s Pride Charter School this week, a joyful explosion of energy as recess began.

Most of them likely will stay with the charter network until they graduate from high school, predicts Superintendent Joe Conway. Demand has grown at his Camden’s Promise network, which enrolls 2,000 students, up from 100 sixth graders in 1998.

But Conway and other charter operators are concerned about what their future holds under the Gov. Murphy administration.

During his campaign, Murphy called for a “time out” on charter expansion — something about which his predecessor, Chris Christie, was bullish. Murphy has expressed reservations about how the schools, which are privately run but funded with tax dollars, are approved and operated. His transition team has recommended a “pause” on new approvals.

Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/education/in-n-j-new-administration-giving-pause-to-charter-schools-20180205.html