By David Madden

CAMDEN, N.J. (CBS) - New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed a measure into law in Camden that allows for so-called “renaissance schools” to be publicly funded, but privately operated in Camden, Trenton and Newark under local and state supervision.

Returning to the Lanning Square School where he proposed the Urban Hope Act just six months ago, Christie said bipartisanship brought this plan from years of talk to reality. Up to four new schools will be permitted subject to district and state approval and oversight.

“The focus in renaissance schools will be about one thing: getting results in the classroom through greater freedom and flexibility to adapt to the unique needs of the students they’re attempting to serve.”

But there’s already talk of legal action to block the new law from backers of the long-standing and often criticized Abbott court decision, which Christie believes just throws money at cities without improving student performance.