The topic of a state takeover of public schools is a controversial one. The state’s track record in Paterson, Newark and Jersey City have provoked criticism against the move. Many of the schools in these cities continue to have dismally low test scores and graduation rates, despite aggressive state interventions. Gov. Christie’s announcement today that the state will take over control of Camden’s public school system was met with some protests outside Woodrow Wilson High School where the announcement tool place. For more reaction, NJ Today Managing Editor Mike Schneider spoke with Sen. Donald Norcross (D-5), Assistant Majority Leader in the senate.
The move didn’t come as a surprise to Norcross. He said it was only a matter of time before the state intervened given the condition of the school district and dismal student outcomes. He said while there is plenty of blame to go around for the district’s failure, students will be better served by focusing on the future. But creating a road map for moving forward will not be easy, he said.
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“Education in an urban environment is a very difficult condition to address, but certainly they have to come out with new leadership.”
And the new leadership, he said, will include the continuing search for a new superintendent. “The old superintendent has been gone probably nine months. They were in the process of a search and Gov. Christie said today that they’re going to continue that search nationwide to try to bring an agent of change.
Norcross said it is difficult to compare the Camden situation to previous takeovers in Paterson, Newark and Jersey City, noting that Camden is Gov. Christie’s first foray into a schools takeover. Norcross said he was encouraged by what he heard at the press conference.
“I think based on our conversations with the [education] commissioner, the mayor, the governor today, I think they’re gonna create a partnership,” said Norcross. “But first and foremost, it’s about leadership and that’s what we saw today whether it was Mayor Redd or Gov. Christie. They’re talking about bringing in those agents of change to treat the children of the district like they were your own children. And when you have that drive, your decision making I think will make a much better district.”
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