I agree with Chris Christie that many issues need to change in New Jersey. In the Schools, towns, County and State level on all levels for everyone. The public trust is at a all time low because there is no where to go to change it all. The politics is out of control on all levels and no one should be exempt from it, including himself and his own staff. Everyone is abusing public trust because there is no punishment for any of them. No one is watching all these individuals and everyday they all come up with new scams to beat the system including in the school. Anyone who is caught playing politics should lose their job, it is not that hard to figure it all out. I agree it should change in the schools, however it is not only the failing schools who's kids and families who are not getting a fair shake. Even in the schools that he is calling exceptional are not getting fair treatment. Who is he kidding, unless he does not know this, only the connected kids and anyone with clout are the ones who is getting all the recongnization, not all the regular kids, there is no spots left after they are taking, for the scholarships, sports etc.... it is amazing that all the Teachers, BOE kids are the only ones who are gifted and can play sports, it is disgusting what goes on. Who does he think is allowing it, the Superintendents and Principals themselves. Maybe if they knew they would lose their job with all the complaint , the politics would stop.

Sweeney doesn't look too happy, does he! Cindy Lu - the schools are failing for several reasons, which don't include teachers. Too many administrators, too little involvement by parents, and children who, despite No Child Left Behind, are simply unable to achieve or perform as expected by those lofty public brainiacs who believe that, with lots of money anything is possible, including increasing the I.Q.!

Marjorie, I do agree there is to many Administrators... but there is a lot who are doing what is right in both the exceptional schools and failing schools. To many are not doing their job and allowing Politics to continue in the schools. Reforms do need to be made, they should start punishing all those who play politics, it is unfair to all the kids who do try hard, and deserve the spot in place of someone who has clout or is connected which includes a lot of Teachers kids. It should be a fair game and it is not. Some Parents are at fault and so are some teachers, but the one with the real power are the Administrators therefore they are the ones who should be looked at and ask what is going on. A parent should have somewhere else to go to when the school refuses to hear them and it is happening a lot, something the Teachers really have no control over, I do agree, I know some teachers who knows there is problems and they get scolded for telling the parents and are told from the Administrators do not say a word and the kid does not need help and has a problem. The schools seem to only help and see what they want and it has nothing to do with the parents. They are definitely shoving issues under the carpet and Teachers know it. If the teachers were smart they all should write a letter explaining their side of the story. They should tell the governor what they have to deal with too and what they are being told from their superiors which many know are wrong.

Cindy Lu -- I don't know where your kid goes to school, but my son is a varsity football player and he is a "regular kid". In fact, the entire team is made up of regular kids, not kids of board of ed members, etc. Our school is ranked very high in the state as well. Seems like this is an issue of sour grapes for you.

NJ has by far the highest property taxes in the nation. There is not even a close second. Foreclosures and tax sales are at all time highs. So he proposes income tax cuts that tend to favor the rich. That is what he did last year when he cut income taxes only for the rich. The overwhelming need in NJ is to cut property taxes. The so-called tax credits do not seem to be reaching the homeowners, at least not in Gloucester Township. We support the cost cutting measures that are necessary, but the tax cuts should be going to those who grossly overpay and can no longer afford to overpay.

Cindy

hs football is a joke
the only one it mattered to was Parker who hired "the Icon" kilmurrary
the Hs is ranked 225 out of 325 so the only thing High is you

Jobs? Yes. More employed. Men that had 'careers' that they lost are now working at Home Depot/ gas stations or pizza delivery..............

I might just vote for Christie if he rescinds the parkway tolls imposed by his LOSER predecessor Corzine and looks out for the MIDDLE CLASS, who support all of the politicians' desires through our outrageous taxes.

I don't need to tell you the name of my school. YES the team is regular kids, No BOE kids, no principals kid. Have a great program as well. Very enjoyable,

S, Sorry I do not believe you, maybe you do not realize that these kids are connected in some way or are friends kids etc..... Because, I do not know of one school that is not playing politics. There is more politics in school than anywhere including all the jobs.

I never said the school is free from politics, I am sure they all have some type of politics going on just like any other business. What I said is that we do not have BOE children, principals children, etc on the team as the "star players" and getting scholarships. And yes, Cindy, I know these kids because my son has grown up with them and they have played football together since pop warner. To tell me that I do not know who these kids are and who they are related to is ludicrous and shows that you have some real deep issues.

Cindy Lu, since you like offering up your "opinion" of schools...lets see some actual facts. Name some names to back up your "opinions".

Pick a local school and tell us all the connections to athletes playing the sports...

A Resident, WALL Township, most are connected, there is no room for anyone because all of the connected. Pretty much all of them. I will not mention the kid. Of course they will have a few that are not, but they will not get recognized, like who they chose to push and it is not always on ability like it should. If it is not a Teachers, BOE member who is on the teams, getting scholarships or winning a contest it is someone with in the community that has clout and who the school is only recognizing. I don't care if your kid came up with a cure for cancer they would not see it. S, I have no deep issues, so many are in denial on what is going on, there is so many problems in the schools today that no one wants to admit to, they would do everything in their power to pretend because they do not want any blemishes against them. Which every one knows it will catch up with them. So many act surprise when something comes out and they try to pull and claim ignorance and that they did not know, more like covering for one of their family members or friends. @ S, are you talking about what is currently going on or the way it was once was. Maybe you are in a smaller district that they do not even have enough students to play? Lucky for you, but for most that is not what is happening.

A Resident, If you look at others Ken obviously has a problem with Toms River too, maybe it is all the larger schools. It is our opinions, just as it is yours. I am not going name or blame the kids, it is not their fault. I do not think that is the right thing to do, but I have no problems naming the Schools. It is the Administrators who need to stop all these Coaches, Teachers and themselves who are only see a few that they choose and it is not always by ability as it should. It just always happens to be someone who is connected, friend, they are the ones who is playing politics and all of them who ask for it, the parents all want scholarships.

Maybe S and you are from districts that are smaller that do not have enough players and they are recognizing and using some of the other students. Most do not have that luxury it is the other way around.

Actually Washington, DC, has higher property taxes than NJ. Though NJ has high property taxes, our other taxes are not significantly higher than the other states. Is NJ property taxes that much higher than NY, CT and Mass? Some areas of NJ have relatively lower property taxes than areas like Princeton or West Windsor. From some of the comments above you would think that NJ had a failing school system at the bottom of the heap. Actually NJ has the best graduation rate in the country and always scores in the top tier of states for educational outcomes. We are not at the bottom of the heap, quite the opposite. As for so called "politics" in schools, how the heck do you measure that. Just because one school or one school system is rife with so called "politics" does not mean that all or most schools in NJ have problems with "politics."

Joe is correct. Property taxes are high in many parts of the country -- including VA, NY, CT, MA, and CA.

And NJ has some schools in desperate straits; but even with the disastrous No Child Left Behind legislation, our schools are among the best in the country.

Cindy, I think you identified the problem -- it is the size of the schools. In a small school, more kids have a shot at those programs. The high school I attended had about 400 students. Kids participated in all kinds of activities -- there was room for all, and most kids wore multiple hats.

Today many high schools are enormous -- some the size of a small college. Unless a school has lots of resources to create lots of teams, theater groups, music groups, etc., not every kid is going to get to participate.

It stinks -- I believe that all kids should have the opportunity -- but it does make sense that there would be 'tryouts' and it makes sense that they would choose the students they feel are most suited to their activity. (What some would call 'the real world.')

As for favoritism, or 'politics,' sadly that has always been around -- everywhere -- to some degree. It is really unfortunate that it is affecting the kids. But with noisy, 'entitled' parents and increasingly limited resources I guess it was bound to happen.

Joe R, You seem to be in a bubble. First off I do not believe NJ schools are the best, where is this information coming from? In my opinion there is many of the schools that are not being very honest on results, they are easily fudged and more are getting caught. Politics is everywhere and most are not willing to admit it or think the parents can't figure it all out which insulting. Most know it is everywhere and anyone who does not want to admit it, is in total denial, it is never happening in their own school or town, blah, blah and I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell to all of you. I wish some get their heads out of the clouds.

National test results show N.J. fourth and eighth-graders rank second-highest overall in reading nationwide
Published: Tuesday, November 01, 2011, 7:13 PM Updated: Wednesday, November 02, 2011, 5:53 AM
By Jeanette Rundquist/The Star-Ledger

Fourth- and eighth-graders in New Jersey ranked near the top in the 2011 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) tests in math and reading, posting the second-highest reading scores in both grade levels, according to data released today.

The state’s fourth-graders ranked fourth nationally in math — up from fifth in 2009 — while eighth-graders got the third-highest scores, up from fifth two years ago.

From the Star Ledger, 6-7-11
By Jessica Calefati/The Star-Ledger
New Jersey awards diplomas to 87 percent [average for the whole state, some districts do even better] of its high school students, making the state’s graduation rate the highest in the nation, an annual review released today shows.

Between 1998 and 2008, the state increased its pool of high school graduates by 11.1 percent, reflecting a national trend of graduation rate growth that took hold during the 2007-2008 school year, the Diplomas Count 2011 report found.

The state boasts the highest graduation rate among Hispanic students and the second highest rate among African-American students.

Cindy Lu . . . send your kid to Red Bank Regional High School. It's not perfect, no school system is! I am a BOE Member with a child in the system. He didn't start on the football or lacrosse teams. He hasn't been offered any scholarships or won any contests. He's a "regular kid" who tries his best everyday and is representative of the vast majority of students in his high school. I am very proud of him and all the great students at RBRHS. Again, there are alway some "issues", but RBRHS has great Administrators and Staff who provide equal opportunity to all kids regardless of who their parents might be. RBRHS is ranked by Newsweek as one of the best 500 High Schools in the Nation http://www.newsweek.com/2011/06/19/the-best-high-schools-in-america.html. Go BUCS!!!!

Michael, That is great, I do not have kids who plays sports otherwise I would and I believe you, but the reality is most schools are not like yours. Many of my children's friends all complain to me on the same thing and I believe them. Many go to different schools and they all tell me the same thing. What is going on is a bunch of B.S. not only in the sports programs, the class rooms too. To much is based on Politics and who is known. They only want to see and support who they want. So many get special treatment in every way. It is almost ridiculous and it is done right in front of us. Some kids get to take a test twice and others get the grade they get. Fair, I think not. At High School level it is harder to hide or get over on the student as in elementary level, it is almost insulting to these kids and I have to say, not only do I believe them, I see it myself. Like I said, let's be honest, politics is going on everywhere, so when many are pretending it is not. Just because it is happening does not make it right and who do you think has the power? They know what they are doing and it is wrong. Why should it be so accepted, just because it was happening.

CIndy, anyone that says we're on par when compared with countries in the "developed world" would be nuts. I totally agree with you on that. It's embarrassing.

Cindy - you're right about there being no repurcussions for those in power. they simply change the charges by changing the laws.

@Porter, All I am trying to say is everyone is entitled in their own opinion. I just do not believe all the B.S. that is going on with education. Is it all educators, Absolutely not, that is why I say some, it just seems lately more and more educators everywhere in the U.S. including NJ are getting caught doing something unethical and they are denying it is going on, that is what I hate, so many pretend that they did not know after the fact and I know to many educators, students themselves, Parents etc.. have told me themselves what is going on is shameful. I feel sorry for all the good teachers that their hands are tied, they can't say anything otherwise their will be an excuse to get rid of them. Believe me everyone can't be wrong and to many want changes, that should tell you all something. No Governor would take this on if they did not have a heck a lot of people standing by him. The only thing the Governor has wrong is he needs to include the Administrators too, they should not get tenured either so a superintendent can do their job even though some of them do not. Let's face it, they are considered the good old boy club to all those who have an up close behind the scene of what goes on in the schools. Yes, some should not be Teachers, but I feel it is more the leaders job to keep control and do what is right, they are the ones with the power and should be looked at. Some definitely have no business being where they are. Denial is at college level, look at Penn State.

Cindy, you obviously have a personal issue with some of the people in Wall Township. Perhaps I would too, if I lived there. But trashing the entire educational system because of your experience in Wall would be like trashing the entire medical profession because there are a few unscrupulous doctors.

And you never replied to my points about the SATs and the Republicans. Is that because you agree or because you are ignoring them?

morrigan, Cindy is a friend of mind, there has been a lot of individuals that have issues with individuals in Wall Township. She happens to be dead on right on many things that she has said, We both had up front and personal front row seats on what goes on behind close doors in Wall Township. Sorry, but if all you supporters realize what really goes on behind close doors I think most would be shocked. To many are lacking integrity and honesty in the school systems. They always claim they had no idea once they caught and it is out of the bad, it is always after the fact. The reason why so many are starting to trash the educational system is because many are getting caught with their pants down around their ankles on many issues, there is no transparency and many are getting sick and tired of it all. In many ways I agree the educational system has become a scam because there is so many that are lacking integrity and honesty and it shows in many ways. It has become a real racket in many ways.

John Wayne, I have no doubt that you and Cindy have had some really bad experiences with people in the educational system. As I said, I might well feel the same way if I had those experiences.

But my experiences have been with well-run school systems, and administrators who for the most part are working hard to preserve high-quality education for the students in their districts.

(Wherever there is some power and some money, you are bound to run into the occasional scumbag. But in my experience they have been the exception, not the rule.)

If Cindy was talking just about Wall, that would be one thing. But the way she said it, it sounded as though she was accusing the entire educational system in New Jersey for operating that way.

And I don't think it does. I think perhaps Governor Christie wants everyone to think that education in New Jersey is a mess, and I think his policies have been intended to create a mess where none existed before. I support public education. I am against people using that system to their own ends.

(Part of it, too, has been that Cindy -- and now you -- clearly have specifics in mind but you are both just making general accusations. I understand if you do not want to give details -- in your place I wouldn't want to either -- but because readers may not have the evidence you have, it's just not that convincing.)

I understand, but I can tell you this, from what I see it is unbelievable. I would think the same as you if I did not know better. Believe me, they always put on a show for the parents. I hate to break your bubble, but it is entirely different behind the scene. If you were a fly on the Wall, I can guarantee you, that you would be shocked. I have young children and older children. Wait until your kids are in H.S. level , and really listen to them, do not blow them off.

S,
I totally agree, But your child is getting a good education because of himself. He is the one who is doing what is right, obviously he is dedicated and wants to get a good education and do good. My children also, but they are doing it, Not anyone but themselves. You can go to the worse school in the world and do good. If you stay out of all the drama. Personally my children are bored and can't wait to go to college, they claim the teachers are the laziest and do only what they have to. My one child has not been challenged yet and is in the higher classes, have to go real slow for all the other kids in there that should not be there and are only there because their parents made them or took a fit to get them in. Then these kids fail and drop out of college. Like I said, it is about your kid, their own drive and what they want out of school.

Thanks John Wayne, but unfortunately there are people posting here who are saying ALL schools are bad, and unless you are a kid of a board of ed member, or staff member, you are not getting a fair shake. That is simply untrue. I am very sorry if people are unhappy with their school and believe they should certainly take steps necessary to present those problems to the appropriate people. I also understand at times that still does no good. But no one should make judgment on other schools or tell people they are in the dark or clueless just because they are pleased with the education, etc. their child is receiving.

S, Thanks, but that could be their opinion and they are entitled to that opinion as you are to yours. I went back and read some post, most say some schools, not all. I can't agree with you, many complaints are made on unfair special treatment to politically connected individuals that either have pull or clout in some way and the usual is, either they are in denial, they flat out lie or your ignored. Many are frustrated, there is no where else to go if you already went to the top leader in the school. You can take all the necessary steps, nothing changes if anything most likely you will be ostracized, I do not care, but most do. If not that they will discredit anyone who gets in their web of lies and all the spinning That is the beauty of it, anyone can make any judgement they want. It is done daily by many in every walks of life. It is what they believe and their opinion which everyone has one on just about everything in life. Some do feel all school are bad like one of the post said, we are way behind compared to other countries that does not even spend anywhere near what we do. It is all right to agree to disagree, there is nothing wrong with that. Obviously many feel the same because the Governor would not have the backing he does as also mentioned on many post prior to this one. No one would take on this GIANT MESS, if they did not have the backing. Many feel what is going on in the Educational world is not right, so the few post on here are not the only ones.

So let me get this straight. We have a whole contingent of people who think that NJ schools are failing (NOT TRUE) and that the only way to solve the problem is to cut costs, cut school funding and destroy the "evil" teachers' unions. All very flawed reasoning. NJ schools are always in the top tier of US schools and score #1 in such areas as graduation rates and AP scores. NJ schools, on average, are not failing and are at the top of the heap of US schools. Many NJ residents don't want to pay taxes but they want the best schools, good roads, safe bridges, an up to date infrastructure and effective police and fire protection. Sorry guys, if you want a first world civil and civilized functioning society, you have to pay the price of admission, otherwise known as taxes. Cut school funding but don't complain when classrooms become crowded and programs are cut. America is not at the bottom of the international heap of countries educationally, where are in the middle, overall and on average. Finland, which scores high on the international PISA tests, has unionized teachers, NO charter schools, NO school vouchers and NO home schooling. In fact, Finland has an 80%+ overall unionization rate while the US's unionization rate has fallen to about 11.9% after 30 years of aggressive union busting.

Certainly agree John Wayne, it is matter of opinion and in one post that is what I offered. In return, I was told that what I said cannot be true, and that I live in a fantasy land. Those are the types of remarks I am talking about

I would like to add that one of the higher level thinking skills taught starting in elementary school is the difference between fact and opinion.

Joe R has provided some facts. They are objective, measurable, researchable facts. John Wayne, you are right that we are all entitled to our own opinions. We are not, however entitled to our own facts.

Another higher level thinking skill that begins in elementary school is logic. As Joe points out, people are showing some flawed reasoning here: My district is a public school district. My district is rife with corruption. Therefore all public school districts are rife with corruption. (That's like saying -- My pet is a dog. My pet is a Golden Retriever. Therefore all dogs are Golden Retrievers.)

Please understand, I am not saying that your experience is invalid. Citizens who oppose corruption in their districts/governments/politicians are doing the right thing. What I am saying is that it is a short jump to condemning ALL when is is just A FEW. (And that is what Christie is counting on.)

I thought the public school teacher unionization rate in NJ was something close to 100%.

Big Daddy --

Here is what was posted --

"In fact, Finland has an 80%+ overall unionization rate while the US's unionization rate has fallen to about 11.9% after 30 years of aggressive union busting."

That fact is about the entire US, not just NJ teachers. I agree that way more than 11.9% of New Jersey teachers must be represented by NJEA. One source I looked up said 98% -- and if that were true,it would be a good thing -- but a quick search did not turn up the info on the NJEA website.

Someone mentioned DC property taxes were higher than NJ. I couldn't find an average for DC, but found a recent article saying DC taxes on a $500,000 house were $2,275. No states are higher than NJ. No other states are even close.

Morrigan - I know you were not quoting NJ public teacher union percentages (near 100%), but that is what we are talking about in this discussion.