By Jenine Clancy, Special Writer
MONROE — On Monday, the Monroe League of Women called for all charter schools in New Jersey to share ideas with the state’s public schools in an effort to foster more progressive education.
"When legislation was passed in ’95 to open charter schools in the state, the commissioner of education promised that these schools would become more innovative by trying new things because they didn’t have to follow the same rules as public schools," Monroe League President Ruth Banks said in a statement Tuesday about the meeting.
Ms. Banks said they support the idea of charter schools only if the information is shared.
"Unfortunately no mechanism in these contracts require charter schools to share that information," Ms. Banks said. "There is nothing in the state guidelines on how to do it."
Charter schools are publicly financed and privately run. Earlier this year President Obama, in proclaiming National Charter Schools Week, said they "can provide effective approaches for the broader public education system."
Charter schools are given freedom from regulations about staffing, curriculum and scheduling, Ms. Banks said. "These schools were supposed to be great because they didn’t have to answer to 50 different people."
According to the New Jersey Department of Education’s website there are 87 charter schools operating in the state as of September 2013.
Ms. Banks said there is a consensus among league members that students may not be learning more at these schools.
Ms. Banks also said for-profit companies sometimes manage these charter schools and view it more as a business model rather than focusing on the children’s education.
"There needs to be more public input," said Ms. Banks. Also, she added that some members thought local schools board should be more involved in their neighboring charter schools.
Another topic concerning charter schools that was heavily discussed by members was virtual charter schools, which could enroll limitless student populations because students are not in a building.
"People felt this could be a very sad thing for education," Ms. Banks said. "The teachers would be online with no in-person contact. Kids need that contact, and learn while in school how a democracy works and how to respect and learn from other people."
"You lose something," Ms. Banks said. Right now, there are no virtual schools in the state of New Jersey.
The chapter’s comments are sent to the state board of education and the state’s league board. If there is a large consensus among members on an issue, a petition will be written..
