What will it be?

Dear Editor:
The virus plaguing our Jersey City school system has excelled to epidemic proportions. Will this exciting anticipation of a new school year bring enjoyment, fulfillment and enlightenment or will it bring a sad repetition of disgrace?
If the past is a barometer of the present and future, then this educational tragedy will continue. The school district is already off to a poor start, decreasing the amount of qualified, experienced educators through attritions and layoffs. Was this extended “reduction of force” really necessary? Were these layoffs properly conducted? What happened to the additional money promised by the State?
Last year our children were subjected to an educational environment which reduced the art of learning into total oblivion. Our children’s intelligential right of passage has been destroyed.
Most of our Public Schools are failing, joined together with the closures of some Charter facilities. Why, because they’re not meeting the lowest possible standards placed upon them by the Federal or State Departments of Education? This is not only a shameful scandal, but a mortifying reflection on us all.
Most of our children attend deteriorating pest infested schools, with obsolete books, broken or non-existent equipment and supplies. At the end of the day, they’re welcomed outside, by the presence of police officers, and security guards, expecting the worse, obviously there for their own protection. Who can consecrate on reading, writing and arithmetic? When faced with violence and self preservation.
We do have some outstanding schools, students and programs but their praises and studies are inhabited and overshadowed by the negatives in the district and by the powers that be? They have not been given their justified honors and recognitions. Some parents and guardians are even willing to participate, in improving the system, dedicated to their child’s educational growth. Regrettably, they’re stymied and discouraged at every turn, by an arrogant, vain, school district.
Naturally, the home and family structure are the most important initial stages of any child’s educational development. Unfortunately this cornerstone has multiple cracks, within our community, which weakens the foundation.
What role models do these children have if there’s a total breakdown in the family? Could it possibly be the self serving despicable bureaucratic demigods that use them all for profit? Or the gangs, gangsters, thieves, dope pushers, rapist and murderers that reside here and absorb their influence?
We were forced to endure for years an educational system used as a political dumping ground. This was enhanced by the Mayor hand picking each member of the Board, through political favoritism, instead of experience, qualifications and quality.
This system created such a chaotic tailspin of regression that our school district was confiscated by the State of New Jersey. We were shamed and humiliated by this takeover. They had complete and ultimate control. The Board was selected by them, rendered powerless and danced to their tune? Presently are we any better? Are we actually choosing the best and the brightest individuals to navigate the educational course of our children? The answer is no!

William P. Frasca
Jersey City, N.J.

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