As we round the corner towards 2022 (and take a two-week hiatus until January 3d), this seems like a good time to list the ten most popular pieces that appeared in 2021. They are an eclectic bunch, ranging from breaking news, explainers, and commentary. If you missed any–or want to read them again–here’s your chance!

Note: Lots of people like to read about Asbury Park so it has its own separate Top 10 list. For an explanation of why these pieces are so popular and this district’s list, go here.

1. “Did the Teacher in South Orange-Maplewood Really Pull the Student’s Hijab Off?”
2. “Four Out of Five Newark Students Flunk State Math Test But Superintendent’s ‘Dreams Are Coming True’”

3. “NJ Teachers Each Paid $167 for Murphy’s Re-Election, Whether They Like Him or Not”

4. “SCOOP: Murphy’s Ed Department Gives Up on Student Success After High School”

5. “Explainer: How Are Schools Funded in New Jersey, and Why Are My Property Taxes So High?”

6. “1,100 Toms River Students Are Stuck at Home While the Murphy Administration Ignores Pleas for Virtual Learning”
7. “COMMENTARY: Murphy’s Razor-Thin Win Reveals Elitism of ‘Progressive’ School Politics”
8. “COMMENTARY: Head of NJ Public Radio Wishes She Could Press ‘Unsend’ on Charter-Bashing Email”

9. “BREAKING: New Jersey Parent Files Lawsuit Re: Murphy’s ‘Tone-Deaf’ and ‘Talent-Blind’ Response to Parents Seeking Virtual Choice”

10. “Over Last Two Years Lakewood Lawyer Took Home $2.1 Million of Your Tax Money”