The New Jersey Public Charter School Association (NJPCSA) held its annual gala on Thursday, April 18, at the Hyatt Regency in New Brunswick, NJ. Attending the gala were Acting Department of Education Director Kevin Dehmer and Mercer County Commissioner Samuel Frisby. Rep. Dawn Fantasia (Morris, Sussex and Warren counties) and Rep. Avi Schnall (Monmouth and Ocean counties) also attended the event. More than 250 educators, sponsors and advocates gathered to celebrate the innovative work of public charter schools, which currently serve more than 62,000 students in 85 schools in New Jersey.
The event, themed “Charters Change Lives,” followed a professional development session titled “Charter School Authorizations: Current Trends on Renewals and More,” which provided teachers, board members and public charter school advocates with insight into navigating public charter school operations. Provided latest insights. And update.
“Last night we came together to celebrate New Jersey’s public charter schools and the work they are doing to transform futures and transform lives,” said Harry Lee, NJPCSA President and CEO. “Despite serious challenges, our school is exceeding expectations and I couldn’t be prouder. “Our commitment to every student in New Jersey remains strong and we will continue to ensure that every child has access to a high-quality education, regardless of zip code, income or ability level.”
The event's keynote speaker, Mercer County Commissioner Samuel Frisby, discussed the continued performance of public charter schools and the need for continued government support.
“Public charter schools continue to provide excellent educational opportunities for students and families,” said Mercer County Commissioner Samuel Frisby. “Sustaining and expanding access to high-quality education requires continued commitment from everyone: advocates, educators, and the entire community. “Crucially, we must support these efforts with the support of elected officials at all levels of government, especially securing the facilities funding necessary to ensure these schools can effectively serve our communities.”
Earlier this month, the New Jersey Department of Education released its annual School Performance Report, revealing that public charter schools are driving student growth, accounting for half of the top 10 districts in math and showing strong performance in English. Additionally, 21 public charter schools are in the top 15% statewide. These findings highlight the important role that public charter schools play in improving the educational opportunities of Black and Latino students, especially those who significantly outperform their peers in key academic areas.
“Public charter schools are an essential part of New Jersey’s educational landscape,” said Acting Superintendent Kevin Dehmer. “We salute the hard work and dedication of the educators, students and families who participate in New Jersey’s charter schools, and the Department of Education looks forward to continuing to support high-quality charter schools in the Garden State.”
At the gala, Ketty Wilcox of Roseville Community Charter School in Newark and Maria Cruz of LEAP Academy University Charter School in Camden were named 2024 Charter Advocates of the Year. iLearn Schools has been named the 2024 Charter School of the Year Champion.
“Receiving this award deepens my appreciation for how much public charter schools have changed our lives,” said parent advocate and honoree Ketty Wilcox. “Before we came to Roseville Community Charter School, my special needs sons were not thriving. Our whole family is now thriving thanks to the support and opportunities the school provides. This is why I am so committed to this cause.”
“I have always believed deeply in the power of public charter schools because I have seen with my own eyes the incredible difference they make for families in our city,” said Maria Cruz, LEAP’s Director of Parent Engagement and honoree. “At Camden, where I have been part of this journey of change, there are so many success stories of our students. Public charter schools truly change lives, and I see it every day.”
“Our public charter schools are thriving thanks to the support and tireless work of leaders like Ketty Wilcox and Maria Cruz,” said Danielle West, school leader at Queen City Academy Charter School and NJPCSA Board Chair. “We celebrate their accomplishments, and our progress would not have been possible without their commitment to education advocacy.”
For more information about public charter schools in New Jersey, visit www.njcharters.org.