Moment of Truth: Penns Grove School District A Burning House?

In the late 1960's, Dr. King had a unsettling discussion with actor/singer Harry Belafonte. Dr. King said to Harry Belafonte, "We've fought long for integration. It looks like we’re gonna get it. I think we’ll get the laws,” he says. “But I’m afraid that I've come upon something that I don’t know quite what to do with. I’m afraid that we’re integrating into a burning house." Fast forward to 2013, I have that same feeling when it comes to the Penns Grove Carneys Point School District. For the past two years, I have brought to light various inconsistencies within the school district. The issues of low test scores; 300 Black and Latino students of the middle school, three years behind in knowledge of math/science; lack of diversity hiring in the positions of teacher and administrators; 25% high school drop rate that triples the state average of four percent (4%), etc. I agree with Gov. Chris Christie's new tenure laws that will promote more accountability with teacher/administration in student achievement on failing school districts. 

My objectives is to ensure that all 2,500 students are receiving the best quality education along with having the best quality resources. In conjunction with the previous issues named, I also want to make sure all minorities receive a fair chance in the hiring process. Yet the superintendent of schools fails to address these issues after being in the district for 10 years. Statistics shows that in each category of student achievement, there has been a steadily decline for all 10 years under the superintendent's leadership. There is no "Human Resources Department." So I implemented the idea of a "Diversity Committee," to aide in the issue and promote more diversity hiring. The superintendent is the "Alpha and Omega," in terms of hiring. Under the leadership of the superintendent, the "Diversity Committee" turned out to be a mirage.

There continues to be no "Checks and Balances" by the Board President imposed on the bad judgement and poor decision making of the superintendent. What the community should realize is that there must be new and effective leadership put in place in the Penns Grove School District starting with superintendent and then school board. Come November is the "Moment of Truth." If new leadership is not voted on to advocate for a new superintendent to move the district forward, we will continue to send 2,500 students in a "Burning House."