Day 2 of NJPCSA Convening Features Discussion on Future of Education Policy
NEW BRUNSWICK – October 1, 2026 – The second day of the New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association’s (NJPCSA) 30th Anniversary Convening concluded with a bipartisan Legislative Panel featuring four prominent lawmakers discussing education policy and the state of the charter school sector.
Senate Education Committee Chair Vin Gopal, Assembly Education Committee Vice Chair Rosaura “Rosy” Bagolie, Senate Republican Budget Officer Declan O’Scanlon, and Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio participated in a panel discussion moderated by NJPCSA Senior Advisor T.J. Best. The conversation covered updates to the school funding formula, charter school facilities needs, K-12 literacy improvements and more.
“The landscape of education is changing and policymakers in Trenton are rightly trying to chart out policies that will set students up for future success. We were pleased to bring some of our most prominent leaders in the state legislature together to highlight where we’re heading and keep the sector up to speed on future policy issues. It’s clear that public charter schools are delivering results for families and we look forward to sharing charter school best practices with our policymakers to give all great schools the knowledge, resources and flexibility they need going forward,” said Harry Lee, President and CEO of NJPCSA.
“It was an honor to address this gathering of advocates and educators for the 30th anniversary of public charter schools. Public charter schools play an important role in public education in New Jersey and as Senate Education Chairman, I’m proud to partner with the Association and the charter sector to ensure we’re meeting the mark and creating opportunity for every child, no matter where they live,” said Senator Vin Gopal (LD-11).
“Parents are clearly voting with their feet and the success of New Jersey public charter schools gives families a high-quality option within the public school system. I’m committed to protecting the ability of families to select a school option that works for them and meets the individual learning needs of their children,” said Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio (LD-23).
“As a school district leader, it is so motivating to share a space with educators and advocates that are equally committed to the ideal of a supportive, individualized education for every student. The public charter school sector in New Jersey has changed countless lives for the past 30 years and we all can’t wait to see what the next generation of charter school alumni will do to shape the future,” said Assemblywoman Rosaura Bagolie (LD-27).
“Public charter schools are having a definitive impact after three decades in the Garden State and it was rewarding to hear about their results and discuss how the state can better support these great schools. The sector is creating life-changing opportunities for students across the state and we should be doing all we can to ensure they keep getting these results,” said Senator Declan O’Scanlon (LD-13).
“Focused and caring educators, longer school days, more professional development, and a strong and positive school culture are the reasons why charter schools continue to succeed,” said TJ Best, Senior Advisor at NJPCSA. “With 64,000 students currently enrolled and 32,000 more students on wait lists today, charter schools are providing educational opportunities for families that change lives. We must support all of our public school students, including charter school students, by providing the proper resources they need to reach their fullest potential.”
For more information about the New Jersey public charter school sector and NJPCSA, visit njcharters.org.
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