Dear Editor:
The Jersey City Public Schools are blessed with many advantages: dynamic and devoted teachers, visionary leadership, a diverse student body, and thousands of parents excited to participate in their children’s success. Over the last three years in particular, Superintendent Marcia Lyles has quietly made many changes to the public education formula in Jersey City, yielding impressive results.
Driven by their Strategic Plan released in 2014, the district has implemented a series of facilities upgrades, educational innovations, and new self-accountability mechanisms: all at no additional cost to the taxpayer. Not only is the district making progress, they are holding themselves responsible for areas where additional attention and resources are needed. This is a new way of approaching education in Jersey City.
Sometimes, however, when changes due to modernization are made, those accustomed to the easy routines of the past are resistant. The same is occurring now in our public schools as some longtime employees realize expectations have increased and ‘business as usual’ will no longer pass grade. Change can be unsettling. These natural concerns have been compounded at times by poor communication between district officials, staff, and parents, but nothing should minimize the last three years of achievements or the great potential that lies ahead.
There are many, many challenges facing every urban school district in this country including Jersey City. These challenges can only be addressed if we put aside our egos and work together. If we do that, we will accomplish the goal of providing an excellent education for every student in Jersey City.
Matt Schapiro