N.J. education head's absence at NJEA conference sparks speculation about pressure from Gov. Christie
Published: Thursday, November 04, 2010, 8:42 PM Updated: Thursday, November 04, 2010, 8:47 PM
Acting Education Commissioner Rochelle Hendricks, left, announced Wednesday she will not be attending the teacher union's convention, headed by NJEA President Barbara Keshishian, right.ATLANTIC CITY — At least one member of the state Board of Education today questioned whether Gov. Chris Christie pressured his education chief to reject an invitation to speak at the annual New Jersey Education Association convention in Atlantic City.
The accusation centered on a letter acting Commissioner Rochelle Hendricks wrote to NJEA President Barbara Keshishian this week to "respectfully decline" the union’s offer to address its members. Hendricks cited what she called the union’s lack of interest in working with the governor on "reforms that put results for our children first."
Some believe those weren’t the commissioner’s thoughts, but rather those of the governor, who has been locked in a messy and ongoing battle with the state’s largest teachers union.
"She may have signed (the letter), but I honestly