newjerseynewsroom.com

BY BOB HOLT

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

Another voice has come in on the much-debated subject of education reform and charter schools, and it’s a powerful one: N.J. Democratic leader George Norcross, who is not an elected official.

Norcross headlined an event at Rider University where he gave a speech calling for more private schools, saying children can receive an education there for less money than public schools that are failing.

According to NJ.com, Norcross said he would like to turn those failing public schools into charters. He also believes in merit pay to “reward excellence,” and he wants to see incremental changes to the teacher tenure system. Norcross also said that school days should be longer.

Among about 100 people in attendance at Rider were Vince Giordano, the executive director of the New Jersey Education Association, who have had differences with Norcross. In the spring, the NJEA attacked Norcross in television ads during the pension and benefit negotiations. Norcross has since been talking publicly about his desire for education reform.

The Courier Post reported that Norcross said he plans to hold community meetings in Camden to receive input from parents on how to improve schools, but did not offer specifics.

In the spring, the NJEA attacked Norcross in television ads during the pension and benefit negotiations. Norcross has since been talking publicly about his desire for education reform.

Norcross advised exercising caution and patience in these reforms. "This will take many years, and it will take a lot of folks being part of the solution.”