With school segregation on New Jersey’s radar, among the questions the Jersey Bee asked all Democratic gubernatorial candidates was “What are your plans for integrating New Jersey schools and ensuring a right to quality education if elected governor?“

Here are their responses. Most touch on familiar talking points like affordable housing policy although some diverge into discussions of the school funding formula, food security, and magnet schools (which don’t promote integration in NJ). Josh Gottheimer didn’t respond.

Ras Baraka: “As governor, I will champion policies that dismantle school segregation by addressing systemic inequities. I will prioritize the integration of schools through regional approaches to enrollment and encouraging/incentivizing collaboration across municipal lines. We will create unified school districts and give diversity bonuses to schools that expand their enrollment through diversity. This will make it possible for families to send their children to schools across ZIP codes, ensuring equitable access to quality education regardless of a student’s residential address.”

Steven Fulop: “I’ve been clear that my first year in office will be dedicated to forming an independent board of educators, activists, and state leaders to create a thorough statewide plan addressing the root causes of segregation, from housing policy to outdated school boundaries. We can’t keep fighting these battles in court. Instead, we’ll revise the school funding formula to directly reward districts that take real steps toward integration, making the process transparent so parents, students, and taxpayers can see where every dollar goes. We’ll expand the use of magnet county schools to bring together students from a broader geographic area, and require middle schools to combine after-school sports, music, and arts with neighboring districts—because exposure and collaboration are key to bringing communities together. 

As part of this effort, I will double down on building affordable housing statewide, so families of all incomes have the choice to live where they want, breaking down residential barriers that have perpetuated segregated classrooms. This work requires real commitment and a clear plan, and I’m ready to deliver exactly that—no excuses, no half-measures, just a full-court press to ensure every kid in New Jersey, regardless of their ZIP code, has the opportunity to learn and succeed in a truly diverse environment.”

Mikie Sherrill: New Jersey has some of the best public schools in the country. But this isn’t true of every ZIP code and there are large disparities in educational opportunities that are not only unjust but also leave talent on the table. This is tied to the legacy of housing discrimination since most students attend local neighborhood schools, and the number of New Jersey students attending segregated schools has surged over the past three decades. That is unacceptable. We can start to address the deep-seated impacts of segregation by building a strong foundation through making early childhood education, pre-K, and kindergarten affordable and available everywhere in New Jersey. Following the pandemic, I’ve also worked hard to invest in high-impact tutoring and mental health resources in schools so all of our students can recover and get back on track – I will continue expanding these evidence-based programs as governor. 

We need to make sure that students aren’t trying to learn on an empty stomach, which is why I will make school meals available at no cost for all students and expand health resources in our schools. I am committed to working with advocates and the state legislature to address this issue head-on because, to my core, I believe every student in New Jersey deserves access to world-class public schools.

I also understand the parties to the lawsuit are currently in mediation. It will be incumbent on the next governor to implement any agreement that is reached without delay. I believe part of the solution should include new regional magnet schools that enroll a diverse group of students from both urban and suburban communities. In my hometown of Montclair, the magnet school model has been effective in breaking down patterns of segregation across neighborhoods that were reflected in the school system. We should also explore expanding some existing programs to address segregation, including our vocational schools and the Interdistrict Public School Choice Program, which allows students to enroll in a different public school district that better meets their needs.”

Sean Spiller: “As an educator, a black man, and the son of immigrants I am acutely aware of the challenges and inequities created by segregated schools – and equally aware that solutions are inextricably linked to housing and community development. What we know from decades of work nationally is that to successfully integrate schools, it takes community work. 

My approach will be threefold: First, we need to be having the discussions and addressing head on the biases and barriers to community buy-in. Second, we need to leverage state funding to first address intra-district integration and then inter-district. We should be looking at creative approaches such as inter-district magnet schools that begin to break down barriers and offer unique educational opportunities. And third, just as important, is housing policy – aggressively addressing residual racism in housing policy and making both home ownership and affordable rental options accessible to more people in communities across the state.  But let me be clear that we must make sure that every school in this state achieves the excellence every student deserves and has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.”