Christie Supports Charter Schools, Will 'Run Over' Newark Mayor To Get Them

Newark, NJ - New Jersey Governor Chris Christie reiterated his support of charter schools and said that he wouldn’t let Newark Mayor Ras Baraka stand in the way of their development during an appearance at North Star Alexander Street Elementary School on Monday.

When asked if Baraka – a vocal critic of the charter school expansion in Newark – could be a possible obstacle, Christie took a political shot at the mayor.

"I hope not," Christie said. "But if he chooses to be, we'll run him over, too.”

“I will tell you, his attitude will help to determine the progress made to determine whether this district is turned back to local rule or not,” Christie continued. “His attitude and how he approaches these things, if he continues to do it that way, it will give all of us great pause about turning over the schools back to local control.”

Christie recently announced that his administration approved three new charter schools - including two in Newark - and the expansion of 16 others.

The two new Newark schools are LEAD Academy Charter School and Achieve Community Charter School.

The following Newark charter schools were approved for expansion:

• North Star Academy Charter School
• Robert Treat Academy Charter School
• TEAM Academy Charter School
• Great Oaks Charter School
• Maria L. Varisco Rogers Charter School
• New Horizons
• University Heights Charter School

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