Jersey Jazzman: Will Democracy Come to Jersey City?

Jersey Jazzman: Will Democracy Come to Jersey City?:

Will Democracy Come to Jersey City?

by Duke

The circus train that is the NJ Department of Education pulled into Jersey City this week:

Superintendent candidates Debra Brathwaite and Marcia V. Lyles made their first appearances at a public meeting on Friday, answering pre-selected questions on district issues at a four-hour special session attended by about 200 residents. But their appearance at School 11 seemed to take a back seat to drama that unfolded, centered on one candidate who failed to make the final cut – interim superintendent Franklin Walker, a 33-year district veteran.

During the emotionally charged meeting, critics of the board’s handling of the search process vowed to try to postpone a final appointment until certain concerns are resolved. They are seeking an inquiry into whether perceived political and state interference has hampered the board’s legal authority to make the final choice.

Trustees were advised efforts could be launched to subpoena documents explaining how the board arrived at its final choices as well as a possible bid for a recall of board members. [emphasis mine]

Three things:

1) Good luck with that subpoena, folks: ACTING Education Commissioner Chris Cerf is on the review board that