Malcolm Crawford is a Jersey City resident.

Jersey City is a great city! There is little doubt that due to our diversity and “wokeness” we are headed for a prosperous and invigorating future.

However, there is a slippery slope between efficiency and unseasoned eagerness. Individuals in leadership roles can be “hip,” but we have to make sure they are qualified and prepared to take us to new heights. When this does not happen, it hinders progress and brings an incredible level of disgrace and embarrassment.

I witnessed an example of this last week at the Jersey City Board of Education caucus meeting (available online to view entirely). As the public comment portion began, a very simple and legitimate request was suggested to survey parents of special education students to improve services and allow more transparency when parents are confused regarding protocols and procedures. Not a far-fetched idea by any means.

The response from the majority of the board members was outstanding. The superintendent promised an audit, and the trustees spoke to how important an audit could be. I was really impressed. Score a point for Jersey City!

One board trustee even spoke to her personal connections to challenges of special needs services. You could feel the commitment and compassion from the board members and the importance of an audit and possible survey.

Until … trustee Younass Mohamed Barkouch spoke. This young man clearly felt discussing the audit and survey for special education was unwarranted. He believed the director of special education was on top of the situation. and supported this with “I spent a weekend retreat with Dr. Crisonino,” so let’s not get up in arms. He did a better job defending Dr. Crisonino’s practices than the director himself.

The unseasoned ear of Mr. Barkouch did not listen to his fellow board member Afaf Muhammad (African-American) when she personalized the question to launch the audit. Now, I am sure this young man has a bright future and will eventually bring a lot to the table. Unfortunately, at this time he comes off as an out-of-touch disconnected board member looking to appease rather than lead.

Remarkably, I believe this young man has a lot to offer our school community. I want to see him do great things, but I am asking for Mr. Barkouch to publicly apologize to the parents of JCBOE and his fellow board members (specifically Afaf Muhammad) . Also, I strongly suggest Mr. Barkouch spend an hour in a school special education classroom. Hey, let’s make it School 15 in Greenville; I’m sure he will be welcomed. I think this would better prepare you to answer the call, more than a weekend retreat.