Christie-backed Urban Hope Act gets legislative OK (dozens of new private schools)

Private companies would be allowed to build and manage up to a dozen schools in Trenton, Newark and Camden under a pilot program approved by the state Legislature last night.

The bill, known as the Urban Hope Act and backed by Gov. Chris Christie, would allow nonprofit groups to apply to the state Department of Education to build and operate a "renaissance school project."

Supporters of Trenton's inclusion in the bill said it could reinvigorate school construction that has stalled since the state Schools Development Authority trimmed its project list and canceled plans to build a new Trenton Central High School or renovate the old school. Skeptics expressed concern about the privatization of public education.

The state Senate approved the legislation with a vote of 35-3 yesterday, the last day of the lame-duck session. In the Assembly, there were 56 votes in favor, 17 against and one abstention.

http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2012/01/christie-backed_urban_hope_act.html