In a letter to the editor, Jersey City teacher, parent, and union executive board member Mike Greco explains why the public schools have exhibited the city’s true character.
Dear Editor,
As a proud 20-year educator who wakes up everyday with the privilege of educating students in the same neighborhood in which I grew up and a father who proudly sends his children to these same schools, I am writing in response to the recent letter by former Governor McGreevey, which unfairly criticizes the Jersey City Public Schools, its dedicated educators, and most importantly, our children, based solely on standardized test scores as the only metric.
It is crucial to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by our district, especially amidst the unprecedented circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Governor McGreevey’s emphasis on standardized test scores fails to acknowledge the unique circumstances of Jersey City Public Schools.
Unlike many other districts, we contend with an abundance of charter schools which draw from our budget, one of the highest populations of English Language Learners, many of whom have just entered the United States, and one the highest population of special education students in the state.
These factors significantly influence our educational landscape and making direct comparisons with other districts is unfair and misleading.
Moreover, it’s essential to address the systemic challenges perpetuated by the state funding formula which was developed in part by political power brokers such as former state Senator Steve Sweeney; a close ally of Mr. McGreevey.
This formula has consistently underfunded our schools compared to several neighboring urban districts; many of which are smaller and yet still receive significantly more funding, such as Union City, led by Mayor Brian Stack who handpicked Mr. McGreevey to run for mayor.
Much of our budget is allocated to plug the holes caused by this politically motivated funding formula, leaving limited resources for essential programs, support services, and educational initiatives.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these existing disparities, magnifying the inequities faced by our students and communities.
Many students lacked access to necessary resources and support systems during remote learning, further widening the opportunity gap and hindering academic progress which lead to the data that the former governor used to exploit our students’ weak point for his own political gain and opportunity.
Instead of solely focusing on standardized test scores as the only metric, we must recognize and appreciate the resilience, dedication, and hard work of our educators, students, and families in navigating these complex challenges.
The Jersey City Public Schools have exhibited the true character of Jersey City and have demonstrated resilience and adaptability in the face of extreme adversity, implementing creative solutions to support student learning and overall well-being amidst unprecedented circumstances.
Moving forward, we must continue to implement the comprehensive, holistic strategies set forth by our superintendent so that we may continue to make strides and to to address the multifaceted effects of the pandemic on education.
This includes prioritizing mental health support, providing targeted interventions for students who have fallen behind, and most importantly advocating for equitable funding to ensure an even playing field so that we may provide every opportunity for our students to be successful.
In his eight years living in Jersey City, Jim McGreevey showed no interest in our schools, our educators and sadly our students.
Yet, much like he founded a nonprofit organization just three months before the official announcement of his mayoral run, he now conveniently shows concern for our schools and uses only one negative aspect of them to fuel a narrative to propel a campaign which seems to have no clear platform or substance.
The Jersey City Public Schools are a testament to the strength and resilience of our community. Instead of perpetuating a narrative of failure based on narrow metrics; let us celebrate the achievements and progress of our schools, our educators and our children.
Finally, let us work collaboratively to address the systemic challenges that hinder educational equity and excellence.
Jim McGreevey’s question should not be why a portion of children failed a test but rather, why our local legislators have failed the test; the test to stand up and challenge political bosses to give our children what they deserve.
Sincerely,
Mike Greco
Jersey City Public Schools parent and educator
Jersey City Education Association (JCEA) 3rd Vice President
Editor’s note: Mike Greco is also the chair of the JCEA PAC, which has endorsed Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea for mayor.
We hope for the day these corrupt union officials, would actually try educating the kids of Jersey City instead of explaining away why they refuse to do their jobs. All while pushing for higher taxes and even more of a bloated billion dollar budget, while the BoE plays politics in a never ending game of musical chairs. No wonder the Unions are upset that McGreevy called them out, somebody finally had the guts to say what we’re all thinking. If you guys are gonna keep hiking taxes, at least educate the kids a little.
Your comment just proves your ignorance. Boe taxes are high because the city does not give the full payroll tax. It keeps giving out abatements which affect money to BOE, and contractors aren’t paying their payroll tax that eventually gets to BOE. Hence why we have the problem we have now. Come to my clinic on Friday, we can’t cure your stupidity, but we can certainly treat it.
Genuine question, how does the form of taxation affect the budget? Regardless of where the money comes from that 1 Billion figure is static. At the end of the day Unions are lining their pockets while teachers and students get shafted. Throwing more money at the BoE just leads to more grift.