Giving more the power to approve new charter schools in N.J.

    New Jersey’s Education Commissioner says he’s open to letting other give the green light to new charter schools.

    The state Senate’s education committee is considering expanding New Jersey’s charter school system.

    The bill would allow Rutgers to authorize and oversee charter schools in the Garden State. Right now only the state department of education has that authority. Education Commissioner Bret Schundler supports having additional universities get involved in the process.

    “We’re believers in choice and competition partly because we think there are lots of smart people out there who have their hearts in the right place and if you get more well intentioned people with intelligence working at something you get more innovation, better practices.”

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    The measure would also scrap deadlines for applying to create charter schools, allow online schools, and charters for students with behavioral disorders.

    The bill is expected to undergo several changes before it advances in the legislature.

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