In order to address a problem, you have to first recognize that there is a problem. A forum was held on January 23, 2012, to address the need of certain deterations inside the Penns Grove Middle School. Also what was on the agenda was more student participation in extra-curricular activities. This forum was orchestrated by Greg Wright, who is the President, along with Dr. Massre who is the District Superintendent. What was sad about the forum, there was not a word mentioned on quality education and accountability of teachers along with administration, for the success of our studuents. Mr. Wright went on to say that he wanted more student participation in sports and other matters. What about wanting better education or more seniors enrolling in college and trade school?
It was evident that the president of the school board and superintendent was only worried about fixing tangible issues and not educational issues. Mr. Wright made several references to being part of the school board for 19 years. I made mentioned to the Penns Grove Carneys Point School District, the fact that the district are considered part of the 200 school districts in New Jersey that is "Title 1" or "Underperforming" schools, the fact that 70 to 72 percent of the district 3rd and fourth graders perform significantly low on the reading portion of the NJASK test, this all under the 19 year tenure of President Greg Wright. In the Last 10 years of his 19 year tenure students test scores have become worse. Instead of implementing a corrective action plan to help aid in the educational malfunctions, Mr. Wright and Dr. Massre are only concerned about how many more students can play a sport.
I asked a question to Mr. Wright, "What has he employed in his 19 year tenure as a school board member, which encourages the students’ best interest in education?" He had no response. I am slighted as a parent and activist by someone who was voted on the school board by the people for the people, can be so negligent in realizing the true essence of education. A student ticket to a successful life is through education not sports, although sports may build great social skills within that student. Sports can be an extra accolade to college but if you do not have the academics it is impossible. Some people are quick to point the finger of accountability towards parents, we also can point that finger of accountability back to the people who we voted on the school board to help make a difference in turn they are a disservice to the community.
That is not to mention the issue of non-hiring of certified minority teachers that have been overlooked. Mr. Wright also mentioned that in public session, that in closed session he brought up the issue of minority teachers. Statistics show that the issues of non-hiring of minority teachers have been an issue that dates back further than 19 years ago. Now that Mr. Wright have been on the school board, what makes the people think he will execute change now when statistics shows he has made no efforts thus far? In Delaware a catholic school called Salesianum Catholic School, graduates 99 percent of their 300 senior class. All 99 percent of the students that graduate go to college. Studies show that it cost the same amount of money to run a public, catholic and private school. So what is Salesianum Catholic School doing that Penns Grove School District is not doing? A wise man said that if you find that somebody is more successful that you, it is obvious they are doing something you’re not doing.
Renovating a school without correcting the education issue, is like fixing four flats on a vehicle in which the engine have gone bad. Where will you go? Nowhere perhaps. We have too much complacency on the school board and we as a people and or community need to make our voices heard at the voting poll. We need new and young leadership for the 21st century of education as Dr. Massre would say. Right now we have 21st century education with 18th century idealology at the helm of the Board of Education. Young leadership equals new vision for education in our children.
Renovating a school without correcting the education issue, is like fixing four flats on a vehicle in which the engine have gone bad. Where will you go? Nowhere perhaps. We have too much complacency on the school board and we as a people and or community need to make our voices heard at the voting poll. We need new and young leadership for the 21st century of education as Dr. Massre would say. Right now we have 21st century education with 18th century idealology at the helm of the Board of Education. Young leadership equals new vision for education in our children.
Albert Einstein said, "We cannot correct the problem with the same attitude used to create it."
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