Jack Ciattarelli, who lost the 2021 New Jersey gubernatorial election to Phil Murphy by only three points, has an op-ed in North Jersey that slams the Governor for doing a “victory dance” during his State of the State address last week while sacrificing the opportunity to “speak very candidly about our current challenges” and offer “innovative solutions.”  Here are his comments from the op-ed that directly or peripherally are linked to K-12 education.

Note that Ciattarelli is presumed to be running again in 2025.

• Student K-12 test scores in math and English are the lowest in five years. The state should immediately mandate more class time in these critical subject areas, as well as fund after-school and summer enrichment programs.
• Statewide, there is a shortage of teachers and law enforcement professionals. The state should fund a compelling bonus program for all new hires.
• President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan provides funds to create economic relief programs. New Jersey should institute a program that pays off medical debts, providing enormous relief to individuals, as well as financially stressed hospitals and health systems.
• We have an ongoing property tax crisis. To address this crisis we need a new school funding formula that more equably distributes state aid to local districts and a permanent return of energy receipt taxes and 911 communication fees to municipalities and counties.