18A:36C-10 Authorization of renaissance school project, renewal.

10. a. The renaissance school project shall be authorized for 10 years from the date of opening, subject to periodic reviews by the commissioner. The renaissance school project shall be automatically renewed for additional five-year periods provided there is not a breach of the agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of the renaissance school project.

Every ten years, the commissioner shall conduct a comprehensive review of the renaissance school project prior to granting a renewal. Renewal at these 10-year intervals shall be presumed provided there is not a breach of the agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of the renaissance school project and the renaissance school project's average percent of students proficient on the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge, if the school includes any grades from three to eight, or on the New Jersey High School Proficiency Assessment, if the school includes grades 11 and 12, exceed the average percent of students proficient for the renaissance school district in which it is located in like grades by 15 percent or more in language arts literacy, mathematics, or both after five years, and 25 percent or more in language arts literacy, mathematics, or both after ten years, or achieves the State-level proficiency standards during that period.

b. The commissioner shall periodically assess whether each renaissance school project is meeting its goals and improving student achievement. In order to facilitate the commissioner's review, each renaissance school project shall submit an annual report to the commissioner in the form prescribed by the commissioner. The report shall be received annually by August 1 and shall be made publicly available immediately thereafter, including on the Department of Education's website.

c. The commissioner shall have on-going access to the records and facilities of the renaissance school project and the nonprofit entity to ensure that the renaissance school project is in compliance with its organizational document and with State laws and regulations.

d. Five years following the date of the opening of the third renaissance school project, or ten years after the opening of the first renaissance school project, whichever occurs first, a review of the efficacy of the program shall be conducted by an independent education researcher or research organization selected by the commissioner. The independent review shall be funded by the Department of Education. The review shall include interviews with staff, parents, and resident district representatives, and a fiscal and educational assessment. The commissioner shall report the results of the review to the Governor, the State Board of Education, and to the Legislature as provided pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), and, in addition, the Governor shall report on the efficacy of the renaissance school projects in educating students and whether additional renaissance school districts should be authorized and, if so, how many. The commissioner shall also recommend any changes to this act deemed appropriate based on experience with the renaissance school projects and the independent review.

L.2011, c.176, s.10.