“Local boards of education have long championed many of the proposals advanced by Governor Christie. As a matter of educational quality, reform of the state’s tenure and seniority system is essential. For more than three decades, NJSBA has advocated changes in this area, and we commend the governor for bringing the issue to the forefront.
“We also agree that methods of compensation which recognize performance should be seriously considered by local school boards and their employees. Most school employees are dedicated professionals who should not fear these types of reforms, as long as a fair and consistent evaluation process is in place. And development of such an evaluation system is a key element of the administration’s proposed reforms.
“Parental choice could play a role in the reform of low-performing schools. But we must proceed cautiously and recognize its limitations. NJSBA supports charter schools and inter-district public school choice, but it cannot support the use of public funds for private schools. In addition, we have to recognize that, regardless of expanded choice programs, the majority of students will attend their local public school. The state, therefore, will continue to have a responsibility to focus sufficient effort and resources on improving the education of these students.
“The fact is that, overall, New Jersey schools perform excellently when compared to other states. We can be proud of the education provided to the majority of the state’s 1.38 million public school students. However, if New Jersey is to make progress on education reform in underperforming schools, state officials, local school board members, parents and teachers will have to make a commitment to work together in the best interests of students. That will require not only a cooperative attitude, but also a willingness to consider serious changes in how we currently function.”
The New Jersey School Boards Association is a federation of 588 local boards of education and includes 44 charter school associate members. NJSBA advocates the interests of school districts, trains local school board members, and provides resources for the advancement of public education.
