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NJ Spotlight--Leading GOP Candidates for Governor Come Out Swinging, Pull No Punches
At first of two Republican debates, Guadagno and Ciattarelli stake out their territories, try to flesh out their visions
The two major Republican candidates for governor didn’t pull punches as they sparred during their first of two debates, disagreeing often and making sure to say they disagree with the unpopular Gov. Chris Christie.
Exchanges between Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno and Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli from Somerset County were somewhat testy from the beginning of the debate at Stockton University, with Ciattarelli going on the offensive almost immediately. But by the end, the two were lobbing criticisms equally. Guadagno portrayed herself as conciliatory and a moderate, while Ciattarelli was forceful and businesslike.
Colleen O'Dea | May 10, 2017
Star Ledger--[Editorial] The battle over teacher seniority in N.J. has just begun
The Newark parents who sued, arguing that forcing school districts to prioritize seniority over teacher talent hurts their kids, just lost their case in court. That's a real blow to students, who don't have a special interest union.
But make no mistake: this fight is far from over. Their families can appeal, of course, and while it may be a long shot to argue that the state constitution should decide this, the issue is in no way settled - because changing the policy itself is essential.
The Legislature should have fixed this long ago; these parents never should have had to go to court. Absolute seniority rights are about Democratic fealty to the teacher's union, not what's best for children.
By Star-Ledger Editorial Board| Updated on May 10, 2017 at 6:33 AM Posted on May 10, 2017 at 6:30 AM
The Record--School district refuses to fund growth of charter run by Bergen County firm
iLearn School expansion opposed by Clifton district
Already under fire for alleged fraud in Union County, a Bergen County nonprofit that manages a rapidly growing chain of charter schools is now facing a rebellion closer to home.
The Clifton Board of Education has put the state Department of Education on notice that it will not budget an additional $2 million to cover the cost of sending more students to a charter managed by iLearn Schools.
As part of that expansion, the charter is apparently poised to open a new campus in the city at a former Catholic school.
Jean Rimbach , NorthJersey Published 2:42 p.m. ET May 9, 2017 | Updated May 9, 2017
Education Week--Trump Orders Hard Look at Federal Reach on K-12 Policy
Commission to identify threats to local control
The order directs DeVos to review, tweak, and even repeal regulations and guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Education recently, as well as identify places where the federal government has overstepped its legal authority.
Recently, "too many in Washington have advanced top-down mandates that take away autonomy and limit the options available to educators, administrators, and parents," said Rob Goad, a senior Education Department aide, on a call with reporters last month. The executive order puts "an end to this overreach, ensuring that states and localities are free to make educational decisions," he added.
In response to the executive order, a task force at the department, led by Robert Eitel, a senior adviser to the secretary, will look at all the K-12 regulations put out by prior administrations and decide which step on local control, Goad said. After 300 days, the department is supposed to release a report on its findings.
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2017/05/10/trump-orders-hard-look-at-federal-reach.html
Alyson Klein|May 9, 2017
