No Go for Mandarin Charter Schools

After months of protests, contentious meetings and accusations of conflicts of interest, the state Department of Education on Friday proposed for Livingston, approving only four of 55 applications statewide.

It was a decision with statewide implications, making mention in the The New York Times and other major newspapers. Livingston Patch has been following the story since the schools filed their paperwork with the NJ Charter School office. The decision on Friday was welcome relief to a long and heated debate that pitted neighbor against neighbor on this hot-button education issue.

According to The New York Times, the state charter office set a high bar  “to ensure that each school we approve offers a great education for students.” The proposed Mandarin schools for Livingston had not met it, according to Justin Barra, a spokesman for the Education Department. “We had four that really stood out,” he said.

The Mandarin , Hua Mei and Hanyu International, drew heated debate in Livingston from residents and school leaders who said the so-called “boutique charters” would drain dwindling educational funds into unnecessary programs. Proponents countered that language immersion education would better prepare pupils for the increasing demands of a global marketplace and that it would not be as big a drain as districts claimed because the district would not have to educate those children.

Most charter schools are centered in the state’s urban areas. On Friday, for example, three of the four selected are in NJ cities: Beloved Community Charter School in Jersey City,  Knowledge A to Z Charter School in Camden, and Trenton Scholars Charter School. The fourth, Regis Academy Charter School in Cherry Hill will teach curriculum known as MicroSociety. According to NJ.com, students will select a form of government and run businesses while learning English, math and science lessons.  

Schools that didn’t make the cut in this round, will have an opportunity to re-apply. Acting Education Commission Chris Cerf expects another large applicant pool.

“This is yet another reason why we need to let the voters decide when and where they want to see charter schools developed in their community," said Assemblywoman Mila Jasey (D-27th District). Jasey, a member of the Assembly Education Committee, is the prime sponsor of legislation (A-3852) that has passed the Assembly, which would require voter approval in order for a district to be established as a charter school district or for a charter school to expand. The measure is now awaiting consideration in the Senate.

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The well-read Livington Patch is a great place to post your news. Here are some of the special events posted last week: 

. October happenings will keep senior citizens busy.

. Livingston Mall presents the Bane family in their Haunted House.

. Sunday’s Halloween party for pets will benefit homeless animals.

. It's the season to grab the kids and go to these apple and pumpkin farms.

News stories celebrated Rosh Hashanah:

. Local rabbis say themes of repentance and renewal play a major role in the Jewish New Year

. Aish Livingston holds non-traditional services for the High Holy Days.

. Local synagogues bring creativity and innovation to education.

. Jewish Historical Society of MetroWest brings stories to life.

Rosh Hashanah lesson at Golda Och Academy brings home message of atonement.

Schools

PTA photographers show us what's happening in the schools.

. Get smart about smart phones, keep tabs on tablets.

Police/Fire

. Race honors NYC firefighter who died on 9/11.

Government

. Republicans denounce support as 'unbelievable.'

. Regency Club stop signs, work change orders round out action.

You can find all the news on top of the Livingston Patch site by clicking on the tab for News. You can browse by Arts, Government, Business, Police and Fire, School News, Sports, Announcements, Events and Local Voices -- blog posts written by Patch readers, to continue the conversations we are having in our homes with a broader audience. If you're interested in blogging, email marilyn.lehren@patch.com.

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