Mother Crusader: The Charter Circus Is Back In Town

Mother Crusader: The Charter Circus Is Back In Town:

The Charter Circus Is Back In Town

by darciecima

Step right up to the dais and get yourself a charter school!!

That's Pastor Michael McDuffie. Much like Pastor Amir Khan at the Voorhees Town Hall, McDuffie was sitting right behind Governor Christie at the Paterson Town Hall; one of only seven to make it onto the dais.

New Jersey's last round of charter applications was a stealth affair. With no suburban applications, and no big controversies, nobody paid much attention.  Well, except me of course...

But mark my words, this round will be different.

The Courier Post has already picked up on the most obvious potentially controversial application.  

A former Washington Township mayor who went to prison for federal crimes is among 38 applicants seeking to run a charter school in South Jersey. 

Jerry Luongo is seeking approval for Creative Visions Charter School, which would initially serve about 140 students in grades 9 through 12.

.....

Luongo, who could not be reached for comment Thursday, served on Washington Township’s school board. The retired Vineland High School music teacher and principal was Washington Township’s mayor from 1989 to 2000 and a state Assemblyman from 1998 to 2000.

He admitted in 2001 that he diverted $36,000 in campaign funds and charitable donations to his personal bank account, then served almost a year in a federal prison for mail fraud and income tax evasion.

Luongo wrote a book about his experiences in federal prison.  It has some very helpful, Ms. Manners-esque tips for those about the be incarcerated.

Looking at your first trip to prison? No need to fear. Take it from someone who knows.