NEWARK, NJ – October 24, 2011 – Thirteen Newark charter schools have signed a groundbreaking agreement to ensure they are upholding the highest principles of transparency and public accountability, serving an unmet need in Newark, striving for educational excellence, and fulfilling their missions to educate all students in the most equitable manner possible.

The Newark Charter School Compact was developed by the Newark Charter School Fund, a three-year- old organization committed to increasing the number of high-quality schools in Newark by improving charter schools, expanding successful schools, and developing promising new schools. Newark currently has 18 charter schools serving about 7,600 students.

This article originally appeared in LocalTalkNews.com

When Executive Director Glen Pinder first arrived at Lady Liberty Academy Charter School in Newark last year, the school was disorderly, students were not on task in the classroom and many did not wear their uniforms, a requirement mandated by the school’s charter.

Today, the new administration is firmly in control, classroom instruction is mission oriented with the goal of improving reading and math skills and nearly all of students are in full uniform.

Now just a few months into the school year, Pinder is more confident about his faculty and believes there is a greater sense of camaraderie and professionalism.

This article originally ran in a special four-page section produced by the Newark Charter School Fund in Local Talk News.

When Executive Director Glen Pinder first arrived at Lady Liberty Academy Charter School in Newark last year, the school was disorderly, students were not on task in the classroom and many did not wear their uniforms, a requirement man- dated by the school’s charter.

Today, the new administration is firmly in control, classroom instruction is mission oriented with the goal of improving reading and math skills and nearly all of the students are in full uniform.

After nearly two years as head of the school, Pinder is more confident about his faculty and believes there is a greater sense of camaraderie and professionalism.