CALL YOUR SENATORS ABOUT STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION NOMINEES!
On May 25, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to approve two nominees to the State Board of Education. The two nominees, Moorestown Board of Education president Kathy Goldenberg, and lawyer Mary Elizabeth Gazi, will replace both State Board President Mark Biedron and Vice President Joe Fisicaro. Gazi was nominated to replace Biedron and Goldenberg was nominated to replace Biedron.
For nearly six months, the Senate Judiciary Committee has held off voting on Gov. Christie’s proposed replacements on the State Board. In addition, the nominees and who they are replacing has changed recently. The timing of approving the nominees, just months before a new governor takes office, combined with the changes, suggests that the State Board nominees are being used as political pawns.
Until the nominees are approved by the full Senate, Biedron and Fisicaro can remain in their seats.
TAKE ACTION
Call your Senator and tell him or her to ask Senate President Sweeney to NOT vote on any nominees to the State Board of Education.
Tell your Senator:
• Lame-duck Christie is engaging in retribution against State Board leadership, who held their ground and voted their conscience on public education.
• It is unfair to approve new board members so soon before a new governor takes office. The State Board of Education can continue with its current members. Christie should not have a chance to pack the board with his nominees.
• Current State Board leadership stood up in favor of strong teacher certification standards opposing Christie’s move to eviscerate certification requirements in charter schools.
• This action seeks to politicize public education, which instead should be focused on what is best for students and families.