Dear Editor:
On the evening of June 21, 2011, I attended an Education Forum held by trustee members of J.C. Board of Education at No.7 School. Invitations were sent to parents, elected officials, the superintendent, teachers, staff, union representatives and the public. We were told over and over by the board president, Mr. Waterman, that there was to be no blame or finger pointing, this was strictly an event where the community could join together for the betterment of children of Jersey City. Interesting, because that is not the impression one walked away from this meeting with.
Mayor Healy, Superintendent Epps, the JCEA Union President and elected officials were there. The only board members I saw were Mr. Waterman, Ms. Lester and Ms. Harrison-Arnold, all three seemed ill-prepared for the many concerns and questions from parents. The only Councilman there was Mr. Fulop from Downtown, he said Jersey City government needs to combine resources with the board of education, he left before the guest speakers and questions/answers. One of the board’s guest speakers spoke about accountability but there was no names, no finger-pointing, he also announced there would be an event Sunday that Mr. Fulop would be attending and we should all attend. Ms. Lester introduced Dan Levin in the audience, a former mayoral candidate from downtown. Another speaker spoke about charter schools, Ms. Lester and Ms. Arnold’s background in this field. There was certainly a lot of back-patting for themselves and each other by the three board members. While I do enjoy a political rally, this was not what I was expecting.
I have attended many board meetings and it is clear that these new board members show no respect for their fellow trustees and Dr. Epps. During Ms. Arnold’s campaign she said “I think with dialog as opposed to a hammer, we can work together to find common ground”. However, on election night, her victory speech was “Dr. Epps, you’re out!” Is this what she considers “working together” or is it “my way or the highway”? They are sending the wrong message – long-time residents are made to feel we are all unethical and stupid. Not everyone is fooled though. Let us remember that downtown is but one section of our large, beautiful city, all with active, voting, concerned citizens. One parent got up and said there is a lack of respect in the schools for one another, and how she sees the same thing with the board of trustees. They need to stop trying to outshine each other at meetings and public forums, and unite with their fellow members and Dr. Epps for their goals. I told Mr. Waterman that evening, there is a lot to be said for real experience – don’t be so quick to kick the long-time leaders, teachers to the curb, they will teach you a lot about this community.
I’ve heard that one board member spends all day in and out of school buildings, shaking hands and smiling campaign-style, collecting complaints and tattle-tales from disgruntled employees. Others want to run the whole show. Let them be reminded that there is a middle states commission that accredits the schools and mandates there be no interference in the daily operations of the superintendent running the schools.
I would share my take. Just my opinion.
God Bless you, Dr.Epps and the children of the J.C. Public Schools
Jeannie Pagano
Concerned Lifelong Resident & Taxpayer of J.C.
Affiliations: Past President of the St John’s Condo Association of J.C.
Chairperson of the Jersey City Ethical Standards Board