30 years is worth celebrating
Thirty years ago, New Jersey made a bet on educational opportunity, and public charter schools have been delivering ever since. From the moment the Charter School Program Act was signed into law, schools across the state have been serving students, building stronger communities, and proving that there's more than one way to do public education.
NJPCSA is bringing everyone together to mark this milestone the right way: a two-day event with professional development, a 30th anniversary evening celebration, and a legislator breakfast panel on what the next chapter looks like for public charter schools in New Jersey.
We'd love to see you there.
dr. lily laux
Keynote Speaker
We are honored to welcome New Jersey Department of Education Commissioner Dr. Lily Laux as our keynote speaker. Dr. Laux brings nearly two decades of experience in education, beginning her career as a middle school teacher and later serving in leadership roles at Teach For America, the Texas Education Agency, and education policy organizations.
We are honored to welcome New Jersey Department of Education Commissioner Dr. Lily Laux as our keynote speaker. Dr. Laux brings nearly two decades of experience in education, beginning her career as a middle school teacher and later serving in leadership roles at Teach For America, the Texas Education Agency, and education policy organizations.
legislator panel
We are pleased to welcome Senator Vin Gopal, Assemblywoman Rosaura "Rosy" Bagolie, Assemblyman John DiMaio, and Senator Declan O'Scanlon, Jr. joining us as we celebrate this milestone.
monday, september 28
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Professional Development sessions
Great schools don't happen by accident. They're built by people who never stop learning. That's why professional development has always been a core part of what we do at NJPCSA. We're offering four focused sessions covering charter facilities, governance, renewal, and legal topics. No fluff, just practical guidance from people who know this work, designed so you can walk away and actually use it.
Preparing for Facilities Financing Success | 2:00-3:00 PM
In this session, participants will learn from charter school facilities leaders about the key ingredients that will set every school up for short and long-term success in accessing facility financing resources. You will leave this session with tangible information on how to evaluate and strengthen your school’s qualifications for facility financing.
Presenter: Jana Lavin, JWL Advantage
Charter School Renewal Best Practices | 2:00-3:00 PM
Prepare for the charter renewal process with key guidance on best practices and common challenges to ensure a successful charter renewal.
Presenters: Harry Lee, NJPCSA and Jill Shahen, Empire Charter Consultants
Hot Topics in Charter School Law | 3:00-4:00 PM
Understand key legal issues that impact charter schools throughout the state including implementation of the new charter reform bill.
Presenter: Tom Johnston, Esq., Johnston Law Firm
Governance | 3:00-4:00 PM
Come to this session to learn best practices related to school leader evaluation, charter school labor relations, and more.
Presenter: Rick Pressler, Pressler/Richardson Charter School Services
Preparing for Facilities Financing Success | 2:00-3:00 PM
In this session, participants will learn from charter school facilities leaders about the key ingredients that will set every school up for short and long-term success in accessing facility financing resources. You will leave this session with tangible information on how to evaluate and strengthen your school’s qualifications for facility financing.
Presenter: Jana Lavin, JWL Advantage
Charter School Renewal Best Practices | 2:00-3:00 PM
Prepare for the charter renewal process with key guidance on best practices and common challenges to ensure a successful charter renewal.
Presenters: Harry Lee, NJPCSA and Jill Shahen, Empire Charter Consultants
Hot Topics in Charter School Law | 3:00-4:00 PM
Understand key legal issues that impact charter schools throughout the state including implementation of the new charter reform bill.
Presenter: Tom Johnston, Esq., Johnston Law Firm
Governance | 3:00-4:00 PM
Come to this session to learn best practices related to school leader evaluation, charter school labor relations, and more.
Presenter: Rick Pressler, Pressler/Richardson Charter School Services
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
cocktail hour
Join us for a cocktail hour to connect with colleagues and partners from across New Jersey’s public charter school community. This relaxed setting offers time to continue conversations and engage with fellow attendees before the evening program begins. Recommended dress code is semi-formal.
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
evening celebration
The Evening Celebration is the centerpiece of the convening, bringing the whole community together to reflect on how far we've come and recognize the leaders and schools making a real difference across New Jersey. Expect remarks from featured speakers, a keynote address, and a few well-deserved moments in the spotlight for the people doing the work. Recommended dress code is semi-formal.
tuesday, september 29
8:30-11:00 AM
Breakfast & Legislator panel
Want to know what's actually happening in Trenton? This is your chance to hear it straight from the people in the room. Our Legislator Breakfast Panel brings state policymakers to the table for a real conversation about where things stand for public charter schools in New Jersey. The priorities, the recent developments, and what's coming down the road.
A room block is available at the Hyatt Regency New Brunswick for those who plan to stay overnight.
BOOK YOUR HOTEL STAY
For questions about the event and registration, please contact Ashley Cordero at [email protected].
For sponsorship inquiries, please contact Shanna Morgan at [email protected].
BOOK YOUR HOTEL STAY
For questions about the event and registration, please contact Ashley Cordero at [email protected].
For sponsorship inquiries, please contact Shanna Morgan at [email protected].
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Charter Supporter
Hyatt regency
new brunswick
new brunswick
2 Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901