Forty-four percent of voters polled favored increasing the number of charter schools

A large part of Governor Chris Christie’s long running battle for education reform is the expansion of charter schools. But as time has passed, the idea has slowly been losing steam.

James Crisfield, the superintendent of Millburn schools has called charters “boutique" schools that siphon money and students from public districts. And one of Christie’s chief allies in support of charters, State Sen. Ray Lesniak (D-Union) told NJ.com now says he would prefer a scaled-down set of ideas for charters to be used mainly at "chronically failing" urban schools.

In Washington a year ago, Christie said the voucher bill co-sponsored by Kean and Lesniak, the Educational Opportunity Scholarship Act, "will lead to school vouchers across New Jersey so choice is available to every parent."

Sen. Dick Codey (D-Essex) said that many people support their public schools and they are reacting with anger about the idea of privatization.

According to the Education Law Center data consistently shows most charter schools do not outperform the districts, and a number of charters consistently rank as underperforming schools.

They recommend encouraging innovation in charter schools, requiring a five-year evaluation plan, collaborating in districts with higher needs, listening to local input, and closing underperforming charter schools. The ELC also says that charters often enroll far fewer students with disabilities, those learning the English language, and students from low income families.

Back in April, New Jersey Newsroom reported that a Rutgers-Eagleton poll showed that New Jersey voters are split on charter schools in the state. Forty-four percent of voters polled favored increasing the number of charter schools, while 42 percent were against more additions.

According to philly.com a controversial bill was approved by the New Jersey Assembly Education Committee in May which would require voter approval of charter proposals. Charter supporters oppose this proposal, which could limit the amount of charter schools.