The 10th Legislative District lawmakers – Senator Jim Holzapfel, Assemblyman Greg McGuckin, and Assemblyman John Catalano – released a statement today blasting the State Board of Education for meeting virtually and avoiding public comment:

Senator Jim Holzapfel, Assemblyman Greg McGuckin, and Assemblyman John Catalano today called on the State Board of Education to stop hiding and return to in-person meetings so parents can express their concerns. (SenateNJ.com)

“Children are back in school, businesses are open as usual, and our roads and highways are as crowded as ever. It is fair to say the pandemic is in the rearview mirror and New Jersey is back to normal.

“That reality makes it even more aggravating that the State Board of Education is still operating in COVID mode. Yesterday, in what the official meeting notice referred to as a ‘Live Event,’ the meeting was held virtually.

“With all the pressing issues affecting our schools – from the sex ed curriculum to teacher shortages, to security issues and unbalanced school aid – the board still opted to remain in their cocoon where they could hide from parents desperate to voice their concerns about controversial new curriculum standards.

“Every local board of education has been meeting in person for the last year, and every school they control is open. Why is it ok for students and local board members to meet in person but not these political appointees?

“Today, we are demanding in-person board meetings so residents can benefit from face-to-face discussions next month.”