To the Editor:
I am quite disturbed over the changes that have occurred within the Board of Education. I read the article in the Jersey Journal recently saying that our school system was going to lower the standard of grade from a passing 70 to a failing grade of 65, which they consider to be the new 70. I also read Mrs. La Pelusa’s letter from the Sept. 5 edition of the Bayonne Community News. I commend her for sticking up for what is right and pointing out what is wrong with this school system.
I also agree with Mrs. La Pelusa that maybe should have an elected Board. This way the mayor and City Council cannot appoint their friends, relatives, or friends’ relatives. You know the routine. The Board of Ed would be working for the parents and hopefully doing the right thing. Our Board of Ed’s board members résumés should be made public to see if they are qualified to be making decisions for our school system.
I am amazed that our trusty elected councilpersons, collecting a salary from the taxpayers just like the Board of Ed administrators do, have not come out against this three-year program. I am sure some of our so-called caring elected officials have children or relatives in the Bayonne school system. Mrs. Czerwienski, you say you are a teacher every chance you get at the City Council meetings. How would you feel if you were told to lower your standards in the classroom?
Let kids pass that didn’t deserve to pass. I am sure it even happens in the private schools. As a matter of fact, I know it does. Who are we kidding here? We should be making sure our children have the best so they can do their best in the future. Why won’t any one of you tell Dr. McGeehan this is not what Bayonne schools should be about?
With the way things are today, you would think that Dr. McGeehan, Robert Craig, and Leo Smith, along with our board members, would want to give the 9,600 students we have the best chance of getting the most out of their education. I don’t understand how this issue isn’t being spoken about publicly. Just like everything in this town, certain things are an issue for a week when it’s printed in the paper. After that, it’s all forgotten about. Brush it under the rug like it never happened.
We as a community cannot allow this to happen. We have teachers that are working hard without a contract. How can this happen? You see what is happening in Chicago right now. I don’t know who is negotiating these contracts for the teachers, but maybe the teachers should look into having that person removed.
ELIZABETH WEINGARD