In a editorial, Jersey City Board of Education President Dejon Morris responds to former Gov. Jim McGreevey, a declared candidate for mayor, for his recent column calling for a task force to fix the BOE.
Dear Former Governor McGreevey,
As the newly elected School Board Trustee and President of the Jersey City Board of Education, I feel compelled to respond to your recent editorial regarding the need for a task force to address the educational concerns of our children.
While I appreciate your perspective, I must respectfully disagree with your assessment.
Firstly, it’s important to acknowledge that the systemic issues within the Board of Education were inherited from decades of state control, including during your tenure as governor.
These challenges cannot be solely attributed to the current administration or board members.
I assumed the position of BOE president not out of personal ambition, but out of a genuine desire to foster a more collegial and effective approach to governance, free from undue political influence.
The suggestion of creating a task force is not without merit, but it raises questions about timing and effectiveness.
Before appointing you as the Reentry Czar and head of Jersey City Employment & Training Inc, perhaps the city should have considered implementing such a task force to address underlying issues.
The closure of Martin’s Place and allegations of nepotism and mismanagement under your leadership further underscore the need for thorough examination and accountability.
It’s easy to critique from the sidelines, but as governor, you had the power to enact meaningful change in public education. Perhaps instead of calling for task forces now, we should reflect on past missed opportunities to address these issues head-on.
Moving forward, I believe it’s essential to scrutinize the motives of those seeking public office and ensure that they are genuinely committed to serving the best interests of our community, rather than advancing personal agendas.
I am committed to maintaining open and constructive dialogue with all candidates and elected officials, but I felt compelled to offer this rebuttal to provide a more nuanced perspective on the challenges facing our educational system.
Sincerely,
Dejon Morris
Jersey City Board of Education President
