New Jersey Education
New
Jersey has the highest per-pupil expenditure after New York, spending more than
$17,000 per-pupil. In math, only 51
percent New Jersey fourth graders are proficient. Among African American students and Hispanic
students only 24 percent and 28 percent are proficient respectively. In reading, only 43 percent of students are
proficient, with 25 percent of African American students and 25 percent of
Hispanic students performing at grade level.
The Major Players
Governor Chris Christie (R)
The Republican Governor has
called for the New Jersey General Assembly to pass school choice legislation
before the current session ends in fewer than 50 days. Governor Christie not only has made the OSA
the centerpiece of his education reform package, but he’s advocating for
children every day. Last week, he spoke
at the American Federation for Children’s National Policy Summit where he told
the crowd that he’s ready for fight for this legislation. And earlier this year, he called for the
resignation of Vincent Giordano, executive director of the New Jersey
Education Association for saying life’s not fair to low-income families that
are looking to escape failing public schools.
Mayor Cory Booker (D)
This elected official not
only rescues neighbors from burning homes, but he calls for children to have
access to a great education, no matter the delivery system. Mayor Booker also keynoted the American
Federation for Children’s National Policy Summit, where he spoke about
patriotism and the need to provide more for our children. In fact, he asked how people can be against
school choice when they themselves are not willing to send their kids to
poor-performing schools. Known as
America’s mayor, we’re happy that Mayor Booker is on the side of children.
Assemblyman Troy Singleton (D)
This newly elected member of
the New Jersey Assembly not only supports the OSA, but is speaking out in
support of this legislation. Assemblyman
Singleton wrote,
“The OSA, as well as other
strategic programs that are intended to enhance the educational opportunities
of our children, is the answer. In approving the OSA, we must step outside of
our preconceived notions and work toward our common goal of providing the best
education for our children who are falling through the cracks year after year.”
Assemblyman Angel Fuentes (D)
A rising star in the General
Assembly, Assemblyman Fuentes is not only an outspoken member of the
legislature, but has a strong commitment to improving educational outcomes in
the Hispanic community. In fact,
Assemblyman Fuentes is a prime cosponsor of the OSA.
Senator Raymond Lesniak (D)
Senator Lesniak has shown his
support for New Jersey’s most disadvantaged students via outspoken support for
the Opportunity Scholarship Act. His
leadership in the Senate has helped increase bipartisan support for school
choice legislation.
