Category Archives: School Funding
New year, old issue: vouchers
Happy New Year! I wish the best for you as 2012 begins. I also wish that we would stop trying to “fix” our Paterson schools with smoke and mirrors. There are all sorts of reasons to oppose the voucher legislation … Continue reading
Save Our Schools!
Linda and I had an exhilarating experience at the Save Our Schools March in Washington DC this Saturday! 5,000 people gathered at the Ellipse Park behind the White House and rallied for more resources for public schools. Rally speakers included … Continue reading
Lawless in NJ? School funding redux
This could be the week we hear from the NJ Supreme Court about the School Funding Reform Act of 2008. Is the state required to follow the law? Or can a governor and legislature simply ignore the law? If the governor … Continue reading
Making Do without $54 million
It’s budget time for schools across the country. Schools face higher demands and reduced support. And the news in Paterson isn’t any better. While our budget increased by $14 million, its buying power is less. For example, we will lose … Continue reading
Looking for the Money, not Just Following it
“Follow the Money” is a workshop about understanding school budgets that I’ve been offering for years. Because all NJ school districts use the same formats and regualtions, the materials I’ve developed about the Paterson budget can be used for any … Continue reading
Listening for Justice
On Wednesday afternoon at 2 pm in Judge Doyne’s courtroom, we will once again listen for the sounds of justice as the judge hears closing arguments in the SFRA remand trial. What are the sounds of justice? For me, it … Continue reading
Late to the party: beyond outrage
“Why aren’t you outraged? You should be outraged!”say our newest education reformers. Where have they been? Not paying attention, I guess. I’ve had plenty of outrage at the terrible things done to our kids. I’ve spent countless hours talking to bureaucrats … Continue reading
Lies, damned lies and statistics in the Supreme Court
I have a hard time listening to lawyers describe our public schools. I want to stand up and shout: go to a school! We could have gotten up from the Trenton court room and walked a few blocks to a … Continue reading
Can I get a witness? NJ Supreme Court Jan. 5th
On January 5th, the NJ Supreme Court will consider the constitutionality of the School Funding Reform Act of 2008 [SFRA]. I hope that you will plan to join us in Trenton at the hearing to represent our children and our … Continue reading
Paterson Parents Stand Up for Their Kids
It’s a day to celebrate! Paterson parents stood up for their kids in two separate, but significant actions. First, Corey Teague organized a protest in front of the Paterson Public Schools central offices to highlight the state’s lack of action … Continue reading