NJDOE Commissioner Dr. Lily Laux Serves as Keynote Speaker
NEW BRUNSWICK – September 30, 2026 – Public charter school advocates, school leaders, educators and state policymakers met for the New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association’s (NJPCSA) Convening, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the Charter School Program Act and the establishment of the first public charter schools in New Jersey.
The first day of the commemorative event featured a keynote speech from New Jersey Department of Education Commissioner Dr. Lily Laux.
“Thirty years ago, New Jersey launched an effort to expand educational opportunities through public charter schools. Today, charter schools serve tens of thousands of students across our state and play an important role within New Jersey’s public education landscape, helping ensure every child has access to an excellent education, no matter where they live. This anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate that impact and reaffirm our shared responsibility to prepare students for success in school, in careers and throughout life,” said Commissioner Laux.
There are currently 84 public charter schools serving 64,000 students throughout the Garden State. Charter schools operate in 44 cities and 18 of 21 counties in New Jersey. Forty-four percent of charter school students are Black, 41% are Latino, 76% come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, 11% are students with disabilities and 6% are multilingual learners. Demand for charter schools is high with more than 32,000 students sitting on charter school wait lists hoping for a chance to attend.
NJPCSA Board President Danielle West-Augustin noted the academic achievement in the state’s public charter schools, regarded as the best in the nation. West-Augustin is the CEO of the Queen City Academy Charter School, which has served kids in Plainfield for 20 years.
“New Jersey is home to the best charter sector in the country, where charter school students are 50% more likely to read and do math on grade level and one of only nine states where learning gains in charter schools were significantly greater compared to their peers. As a charter school educator and school leader for the last 15 years, I’ve seen the power that a quality education in a supportive environment has on a child’s life. As we look at the changing landscape of education, it is so important that we support great schools with the flexibility and resources to ensure scholars are prepared for every stage of their lives and careers,” said West-Augustin.
The strength of the public charter school sector in Newark has also improved outcomes across all public schools, district and charter alike. Over the past decade, Newark public school students closed the statewide achievement gap by 45%.
The 30th anniversary commemoration also highlighted the contributions and achievements of school leaders, educators, alumni, parents and advocates within the community.
NJPCSA Alumni Ambassador Gabrielle Meighan stands as an example of how youth voices can impact policy. An alum of Bergen Arts & Science Charter School, Meighan returned to work at her charter school network, iLearn Schools, as a McKinney Vento Program Assistant, supporting students and families experiencing homelessness.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to participate in the NJPCSA Ambassador Program, where I’ve met with policymakers, testified in Trenton and used my voice to advocate for students across the state. It’s an honor to be a part of a movement that empowers young people to advocate for educational resources and equitable opportunities for all students,” said Meighan.
Former NJPCSA Board President Carlos Lejnieks also reflected on the significance of the event. Lejnieks, a former school administrator in Newark, is now CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson and Union Counties, which supports mentorship opportunities empowering youth and supporting communities across Northern New Jersey.
“As a former board chair of this organization and someone who shares their dedication to opportunity for all kids in our state, I’m excited to join in celebrating the New Jersey public charter school sector and its contributions to education. Public charter schools are providing life-transforming educational options for tens of thousands of families in the Garden State and the NJPCSA has been instrumental in supporting the sector by influencing public policy, supporting school leaders and empowering families,” said Lejnieks.
For more information about the New Jersey public charter school sector and NJPCSA, visit njcharters.org.
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