Archive for Tag: Education

Sauickie and Clifton demand DOE explain multimillion-dollar school funding cuts to district

TRENTON, N.J. – Assemblymen Alex Sauickie and Rob Clifton are demanding answers and school-funding reform after the Education Department released state aid numbers Thursday that showed Jackson and Old Bridge school districts losing nearly $7 million next year. “I need one of you to explain to me how this...

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Dangers of fentanyl and emerging “tranq” drug should be taught to NJ students, says Azzariti

TRENTON, N.J. – Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 100 times stronger than morphine, is often mixed with other illegal drugs or found in counterfeit pills and is responsible for increasing fatalities among unwitting users. Now, there is a new emerging threat on the illicit drug market: xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer...

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Barlas: Schools facing funding cuts don’t believe Murphy’s budget is stronger or fairer

TRENTON, N.J. – Assembly Budget Committee member Al Barlas criticized Gov. Phil Murphy’s budget address delivered before a joint session of the Legislature Tuesday, for failing to address the school funding formula and educational challenges. “During the governor’s budget address we did not hear a word about learning loss...

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NJ students will be better prepared for manufacturing careers under bill advanced by Assembly

TRENTON, N.J. – The Assembly on Monday advanced a bill sponsored by Assemblymen Hal Wirths and Brandon Umba that will align the education sector with manufacturing employers to create a pipeline of skilled workers prepared for careers in this growing New Jersey industry. “Establishing manufacturing career pathways for students...

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Matsikoudis testifies in favor of grief education bill

TRENTON, N.J. – Assemblywoman Michele Matsikoudis’ testimony before the Assembly Education Committee on Thursday spoke to the critical importance of teaching students about grief, an experience that became more common for children during the Covid-19 pandemic. “Improving access to these critical life skills for students in grades 8 through...

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DiMaio calls for special session to protect parental rights

TRENTON, N.J. – It’s back to school for New Jersey students and teachers this week. It should also be back to Trenton for state legislators, says Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio. He is calling on Senate President Nick Scutari and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin to put to vote a...

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‘Parents’ Bill of Rights’ sponsor says Murphy administration should stop dividing children and parents, and focus instead on school funding

TRENTON, N.J. – Assemblyman Alex Sauickie, who represents one of the school districts being sued by Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration over its parental notification policy, says it’s time to stop suggesting parents are a danger to their kids and recognize the real danger to students is slashing school funding. “Earlier...

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Requiring legislative approval of revisions to state learning standards keeps DOE in check, says DePhillips

TRENTON, N.J. – The state Education Department is proposing changes to its English and math learning standards for grades K-12 this year. In an effort to prevent a repeat of the controversial health standards adoption of 2020, Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips wants the Legislature to have the final vote. DePhillips’...

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Umba’s push to address learning loss with tutoring pays off as bill passes committee

TRENTON, N.J. – Assemblyman Brandon Umba’s continued call to address Covid-19 learning loss with more tutoring gained support in the Assembly Education Committee on Thursday. His bill requiring the state Education Department to create a registry of individuals and organizations offering free tutoring services was passed unanimously. “Finally, children...

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Umba’s bill would force State Board of Education to resume in-person meetings

TRENTON, N.J. – Assemblyman Brandon Umba says the state Board of Education has denied the public its voice concerning children’s education well beyond any reasonable claim of ongoing public health concerns. With local and state governing bodies safely back to working in person for months with public participation, the...

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