Christie Signs NJ School Choice Measure
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- Gov. Chris Christie has signed legislation that creates a permanent public school choice program in New Jersey.
The measure allows parents to move their children to schools across district lines, if space is available.
Schools seeking to participate would apply to the state education commissioner, detailing services available to students. They also must account for fiscal issues they may face by taking part.
Students seeking to transfer must apply to the new district, which could hold lotteries if the number of applications they receive outpace the available seats.
Students' home districts would provide or pay for transportation for elementary school pupils who live more than two miles from the receiving district, and for secondary school students who live more than 2 1/2 miles from their new school.
They wouldn't have to pay if the new school is more than 20 miles from the student's home.
(Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
