Monday, August 22, 2016

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

No comments:

Post a Comment