Trenton, NJ -- Fifty-six new districts will take
part in the Interdistrict Public School Choice program in the 2011-2012
school year, increasing and improving educational opportunities for
children and families, Acting Education Commissioner Chris Cerf
announced today.
The Interdistrict Public School Choice program allows students the
option of attending a public school outside their district of residence
without cost to their parents.
“The Christie Administration wants all children to have the same
hope and opportunity that comes with attending a school that fits their
needs. The Interdistrict Public School Choice program empowers parents
to make the best educational choices for their children, so they have
the best chance for a successful future,” Acting Commissioner Cerf
said.
“I also want to commend the 56 districts for participating in the
program. It’s a clear sign that districts are taking steps to make
better and more efficient use of their available space,” the Acting
Commissioner added. “Choice is good for students because it expands
opportunities, and it benefits taxpayers because districts are tapping a
new revenue source.”
In the 2011-12 school year, students will be able to choose to go to
a school outside their district of residence if the selected school is
participating in the choice program. Transportation of up to 20
miles, or funds to pay for transportation, will be provided by the
district of residence to a student going to a choice school. If the
school is outside of the 20-mile radius, transportation will be the
responsibility of the student, parents or guardians.
Currently, 15 districts are in the program. Today’s announcement
brings the total number of districts participating in the program to
71. The students benefiting from choosing their own public school will
nearly triple, from about 1,000 students now to nearly 2,900 students
in the fall.
District participation in the program is optional. The decision to
apply to participate is made by the local board of education. The
district then sends an application to the Department of Education for
processing and review.
The choice school sets the number of openings per grade level. If
there are more students requesting admission to the school than there
are available openings, the school chooses the students by lottery. Any
student currently attending New Jersey public schools is eligible to
take advantage of this program.
For Immediate Release:
Contact: Alan
Guenther, Director
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