To the Editor:
The 2012-2013 school year began with great promise. For the students, there were to be highly important and realistic academic goals. For the teachers, there was the expectation that the board of education would approach the faculty with civility, honesty, and integrity. Well, on one hand, the students made impressive progress based on statistics quoted by the superintendent of schools. The class of 2012 had 100-percent eligibility to graduate based on the New Jersey Department of Education. And the Bayonne school system was evaluated as one of the best in the United States based on the U.S. News and World Report article. On the other hand, the teachers’ significant and prominent role in these accomplishments was ignored or overlooked by the board of education. The board of estimate provided an obvious rubber stamp by holding the most defining meeting of the year from 7 to 7:10 p.m. The clear message was, “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.” We teachers accept the motto “Students First” without question from the community and parents, who are vitally concerned about the welfare of the children. Or did the board of education miss something?
CHARLES NUZIALE
Guidance Counselor