Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin (D-19), the longest serving speaker in New Jersey’s history, was recently featured on “Education Matters,” a live radio talk show hosted by Ray Pinney, chief membership engagement officer at the New Jersey School Boards Association.
Coughlin expressed his deep respect for board members and noted that he believes New Jersey has the best public education system in the country. He observed, “Every family is a lobbying group, and they ought to be – because that is their job as parents – to make sure that their kid is getting the best education.”
He said he’s very proud of the work he’s done to increase the number of students who have access to free meals and said he hopes that one day free meals become universal, citing studies that indicate that students perform their best when they are well fed and do not have to worry about getting enough food.
Coughlin and Pinney also discussed a variety of other topics, including school funding and the teacher shortage.
To listen to Education Matters, listeners only need a computer or smartphone with high-speed Internet access. Live episodes are streamed on NJSBA’s YouTube, Facebook, X and Instagram pages at the time of the show. Follow us on these platforms to never miss a live episode.
Watch the full episode featuring Coughlin.
