Former NJ Senator Jack Ewing visits LEAP 07/01/09

One of the first lawmakers in New Jersey to support the state’s charter school movement in the 1990’s returned to visit LEAP Academy and to witness the school’s progress and success.  Retired New Jersey State Senator Jack Ewing arrived at LEAP on June 30th and saw the transformation of a school that opened with 300 students in modular trailers and today houses over 800 students in two state-of-the-art learning centers. 

Senator Ewing served in the state government from 1967 to 1997 and was the Chairman of the NJ Senate Education Committee.  During his time as Senate Education Chairman, Senator Ewing helped support the Charter School Program Act that former Governor Christine Whitman signed in 1996, which allowed LEAP Academy to apply for a charter and begin educating Camden youth the following year.  He also helped raise legal defense funds for charter schools by establishing the Charter School Consortium. 

During his visit Senator Ewing toured the Elementary school’s Pre-K classrooms, Health Center, and new playground then visited the high school library and Pre College Office where he met with students and emphasized the importance of attending college.