Bill > A2806

This bill allows high-performing nonpublic schools, defined as those ranking in the top third on standardized achievement tests, located within a "failing school district" (a district needing improvement under the No Child Left Behind Act), to convert into charter schools. The conversion process will have an expedited review by the Commissioner of Education, who may grant the application if the school meets these criteria. Upon conversion, the school must prohibit religious instruction, events, and the display of religious symbols, and its name cannot have religious references. Existing students and staff from the nonpublic school are eligible to continue at the charter school, with staff needing to obtain New Jersey certification within two years if they are not already certified. The bill also clarifies that private or parochial schools were previously ineligible for charter status, but this bill creates an exception for these specific conversions, and allows converted charter schools to remain in their existing buildings.