Cerf has been by far the most effective member of Christie’s cabinet, and his departure is a blow. He understood that New Jersey really has two public school systems — one in the suburbs where students consistently rank among the nation’s best, and another in the poor cities with shocking rates of failure. He granted successful districts greater autonomy, while offering muscular intervention in the cities… New Jersey owes this man a debt of gratitude. Here’s hoping his successor can do as well.

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