NJ Governor Race: How Sherrill and Ciattarelli Would Transform Newark Education
Student Achievement
The issue of student achievement has become a central focus in the New Jersey governor’s race, with both candidates offering distinct approaches to improving educational outcomes. Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli emphasizes the importance of foundational skills like reading and math, advocating for a “high-impact curriculum” that aligns with state standards and has shown success in states like Louisiana and Mississippi. He also supports high-impact tutoring as a way to assist struggling students, particularly in districts like Newark where only 34% of students passed their English language arts test this spring.
Ciattarelli plans to use metrics similar to the state’s current evaluation system, NJQSAC, to identify underperforming schools and ensure accountability. His campaign also proposes a “Parents’ Bill of Rights” that would require school districts to post K-12 curriculum sources online and mandate age-appropriate sexual and social education instruction. Additionally, he has expressed support for ending a state law that allows students to assert their gender identities without notifying parents.
Democratic candidate Mikie Sherrill, on the other hand, focuses on expanding access to high-impact tutoring, which involves small-group sessions with the same tutor multiple times a week. She highlights the effectiveness of this method in combating learning loss, especially following the pandemic. Sherrill also believes in setting academic standards while allowing local school districts flexibility in implementation. She emphasizes trust in teachers and local leaders to tailor lessons and materials to meet the needs of their communities.
Charter Schools and School Choice
Charter schools have emerged as another contentious issue in the gubernatorial race. Ciattarelli is a strong advocate for expanding charter schools and providing vouchers for private school tuition, arguing that this increases school choice for families. He claims that Newark’s charter schools are among the best in the country and supports their growth despite concerns from district officials about rising costs and competition for resources.
Newark Superintendent Roger León and other district leaders have raised concerns about the financial burden of charter schools, which accounted for $401 million in payments this school year. Ciattarelli insists that the city’s $1.5 billion budget can accommodate both district and charter schools, but he also calls for greater accountability in how funds are spent.
Sherrill has not explicitly stated her position on charter school expansion but has expressed support for merging school districts to improve efficiency. She suggests that non-operating districts, which send students to other districts, could be the first to consolidate. She also supports expanding the Interdistrict Public School Choice Program to promote diversity and reduce segregation in schools.
Funding Formula
Both candidates have pledged to reform the state’s school funding formula, though their approaches differ significantly. Newark has historically been one of the most underfunded districts based on the weighted student formula, which allocates funds based on student needs. This year, the district received an additional $75 million from the state, making up 84.2% of its budget.
Ciattarelli promises a more equitable funding formula that would lower property taxes, although he has provided few details on how this would work. He also criticizes the misuse of funds by Newark Public Schools, citing a recent investigation into a $44,000 “staff fun day” that violated spending laws. Sherrill, meanwhile, advocates for federal funding to be returned to New Jersey, emphasizing that the state sends a significant amount of money to the federal government.
Infrastructure
Aging school buildings remain a pressing concern for Newark Public Schools, which has estimated that over $2 billion would be needed to fully repair and update its facilities. Ciattarelli calls for significant and sustained investments in school construction and modernization, highlighting the economic benefits of such projects. He also supports reforming the Schools Development Authority (SDA) to ensure transparency in selecting and prioritizing construction projects.
Sherrill acknowledges the need to address deteriorating infrastructure but points to recent incidents, such as a stairway collapse at a Montclair high school and a ceiling collapse at a Paterson elementary school, as evidence of the urgency. She has supported federal bills aimed at improving school infrastructure and urges the state to redirect funds toward critical repairs.
Cell Phones in Classrooms
Both candidates agree that cellphones should not be allowed during class time but differ on the approach. The state’s Commission on the Effects of Social Media Usage on Adolescents recently recommended a “bell-to-bell” ban on cellphones in schools. While a Murphy-backed plan to implement this ban is under consideration, it has yet to receive a vote in the state Assembly.
Ciattarelli opposes a statewide ban, suggesting that school districts should work with parents to set their own policies on cellphone use. Sherrill, however, supports a statewide ban, aligning with her campaign’s focus on raising awareness about the negative effects of social media on youth mental health.
As the November election approaches, the next governor’s policies will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Newark Public Schools and the broader New Jersey education system.
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