Pilot Program Will Allow for ‘Renaissance School Projects’
in Camden, Newark, Trenton

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by the 5th District Legislators to create a permissive, state-monitored pilot program that would provide students in three failing school districts access to new, quality public schools in their communities was signed into law today by Governor Chris Christie.

The ‘Urban Hope Act’ will provide additional educational opportunities to students attending chronically failing districts in the state’s urban areas. Specifically, the law (S-3173/A-4426) creates a pilot program designating Camden, Newark and Trenton as “renaissance districts.” In each district, nonprofit entities – upon receiving local school district approval – could apply to the state Commissioner of Education to create up to four new public school projects, called “renaissance school projects,” which would be operated and managed by the nonprofit. The projects would be constructed with private funding. Both the local school district and the state Department of Education would need to approve each such project.

“This law will offer students in urban areas quality educational opportunities, which for too long have been inaccessible to children in Camden City but provided to their peers in schools across this state,” said Senator Donald Norcross (D-Camden/Gloucester). “This gives local school districts the ability to partner with nonprofits to provide our students with the education they need to be successful in college or in their career. With this law, we will give new hope to our children for success.”

“This truly is about creating a renaissance in cities like Camden,” said Assemblyman Angel Fuentes. “It’s about providing new, quality schools to our students and giving them hope that they will have a chance to obtain a good education, to go to college and get a good-paying job.”

“Too many students in our urban areas are being deprived of the quality education they deserve. It is our responsibility as a state to provide them better educational options,” said Assemblyman Gilbert “Whip” Wilson. “New, quality institutions will help students establish a strong foundation for their futures and give them a chance to go on to college and compete in a global economy upon graduation.”

The legislation was approved in both houses of the Legislature Monday. The law takes effect immediately.