The issue of charter schools has recently become a controversial topic in Voorhees Township. On several occasions, I have stated that I am against charter schools in Voorhees. I reiterated that position at the Township Committee meeting on Nov. 26. The other four committeemen also stated their opposition to charter schools in Voorhees.
While charter schools may be appropriate for low performing school districts, our schools provide the highest quality education to our students.
Under New Jersey’s Charter School Law, new charter schools are approved entirely by the State Commissioner of Education. Local communities have no voice in the process, even though funding for charter schools comes out of local public school budgets. The charter school recently approved in the Ashland section of Cherry Hill expects to draw students from Voorhees, requiring $727,000 to be set aside out of our local schools’ budget. This will have a direct effect on the quality of education afforded by our schools.
In June, the New Jersey Assembly passed a bill requiring local voter approval for new charter schools. The next step is passage by the State Senate.
I have spoken to our School Superintendent, Raymond Brosel, and members of our local Board of Education and assured them that the Township Committee will support their opposition to charter schools in Voorhees. The Voorhees Public Schools have joined Cherry Hill in a lawsuit appealing the recent approval of the charter school in Cherry Hill that expects to draw students from Voorhees. The Township Committee has instructed our solicitor to investigate whether the township can intervene in the lawsuit as a supportive party.
We will partner with the schools and local parent groups in their opposition to charter schools that affect Voorhees. Learn more about the issues and lend your support by visiting the Facebook page of the Voorhees Schools Parental Advocacy Group.
I encourage our residents to support the appeal of the charter school approval and to call on our state legislators to let residents have a voice in the charter school approval process.
