Same Old Insanity Continues

As we embark upon 2016-2017 school year, we must examine the previous school year in the Penns Grove Carneys Point School District. The Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Zenida Cobian, has been at the helm of the district for three years. Under her leadership, there has been some positive modifications: repairs to buildings, revised courses and a partnership with School Based Youth Services Program at Penns Grove High School. However, there are issues and policies implemented by the previous superintendent and are still ubiquitous in our schools.  We currently lack a teaching staff that properly reflects our student population, adequate safety and security procedures for students as well as staff, below average standardized test scores along with zero percent in college and career readiness and a scarcity of African and Hispanic students in Advanced Placement and gifted classes.   

An important issue I raised as a member of the Board of Education was teachers’ attendance throughout the district, particularly at the high school. The Penns Grove High School has 53 certified teaching staff.  Teachers missed, collectively, 110 days out of 180 day school year. This past school year, students at the high school had a 93% attendance record, as compared to the faculty, who had a 39% attendance rate. This means teachers are absent 61% of the time. I find that to be unacceptable, as well as a poor example for our students, who are now mandated by the New Jersey Department of Education to pass PARCC in order to receive a high school diploma.  The high school dropout rate is 24%, six times the state average of 4%.

There is a new principal, Mrs. Lori O’Brien. There are questions in the community. What is Mrs. O’Brien’s plan to improve the high school?  Will she continue calling law enforcement and expelling African and Hispanic American students at rates much higher than their white peers?  Will minorities continue to be inadequately placed in gifted and college level classes?

It’s time for the Board of Education and Dr. Cobian, to bring forth robust and vigorous solutions to these problems instead of avoiding the issues.

Walter L. Hudson Sr.

Social Justice Activist

The Status Quo Must Go!

After inundation of the negative news plaguing the local papers, I was greeted by a story of success in the April 25, 2016 edition of The Daily Journal.  The picture resembled an everyday, average class photo; however, the title stated “Bridgeton Ninth Graders Awarded College Scholarships.”  I was intrigued.  These students, though barely in high school, have earned something essential for a successful life: a college education. Help was provided by the Give Something Back Foundation, and made financially possible from schools such as Rowan University, Montclair State University, The College of New Jersey, and St. Peter’s University.  

I shared the article with my local school superintendent, Dr. Cobian.  She was very optimistic in her response, stating, “We will get there, Mr. Hudson.”  In order to achieve this goal, we must shift the direction of the Penns Grove High School.  Our school is currently plagued with a rash of violence.  The principal has been unable to alleviate herself, and has resorted to calling the local police to settle even minor disputes.  In addition to the fights, the SouthJersey Times reported on February 4, 2016 that the school has an abysmal graduation rate, the lowest in Salem County, currently at 74%.

People are quick to blame the children.  Yet as an educated adult, I feel the need to look beyond the cliche of “those kids today.”  Our children are not without blame; however, they alone are not responsible for the chaos.  They have been failed, by an incompetent administration, a lackadaisical guidance department, and an undependable teaching staff.  There are currently 53 certified teachers, who have missed a collective total of between 60-90 days. In which, there are only 180 days in the school year.  

We have introduced over 40 children to the criminal justice system, a number that surpasses our students with plans for college, trade school, or serving our country.There has been no action plan for the leader of our high school staff and students, Dr. Jocelyn Brown.  In order for our school to mirror the achievements of schools like Bridgeton High School, Dr. Cobian must act as the “pirate of the ship.”  Dead weight of the administration, guidance department, and unreliable teachers must “walk the plank.”

Walter L. Hudson Sr.

Chair of National Awareness Alliance

Former School Board Member