Statement from Newark Charter School Fund on Gov. Chris Christie’s Charter School Agenda

NEWARK, NJ – Sept. 30, 2010 – In response to Gov. Chris Christie's unveiling of his education reform agenda at the Elysian Charter School in Hoboken today, Mashea Ashton released the following statement.

“The Governor has taken a tremendous step to show his commitment to expanding the high quality growth of charter schools in New Jersey and ensuring that every child has access to a quality public school option. The demand for quality charter school has never been greater and we applaud Gov. Christie for his commitment to streamlining the process so that high-quality public charter schools can expand.”

“There are a number of high-quality charter schools in Newark that are models of success. There is no reason why these schools cannot be replicated and we look forward to working with the Christie Administration to make that a reality.”

“Our goal at the NCSF is to promote high quality public school options for all Newark students. As such, we are pleased that the governor is calling for charter schools to share underused district space. In Newark, finding affordable space for expansion of charter schools has been a real challenge to growth.”

The Newark Charter School Fund is funded and governed by national educational foundations to make grants that support the quality and sustainability of Newark’s charter schools.

For more information or to arrange an interview with Mashea Ashton, please contact Bruno Tedeschi at 908-789-0700.