Op-Ed: Jean Pasternak on Charter Schools Stance

Editor's note: School Board member Jean Pasternak also presented the following at Monday's Board of Education meeting.

I would like to clarify my comments from the last meeting concerning charter schools.  Some – not all – of my response was quoted in the Patch, and I believe this lead to a misunderstanding.

Unequivocally, Charter schools do not serve the best interests of the students in Millburn. I am completely against taxation without representation and the current legislation does not allow for taxpayers to have a say about charters opening in their communities.  This is wrong and I am committed to fighting to change this.

I am strongly for all community members having the right to express their needs and desires for our education system here in Millburn. As an elected official, I am not only compelled but honored and excited to listen to what our community has to say, preferably in a fair and systematic way, so that all members who wish to speak up and have a say, can.

We have a treasure trove of ideas in this community — we would be wasting a valuable resource by ignoring or not asking citizens what they think or want from our schools. That includes Millburn taxpayers and parents who may be involved in charter schools.

They are not enemies;  they are our neighbors and deserve the courtesy to be listened to as any other. Without dialogue, there will not be the possibility of  working together — within our public school system. 

I am optimistic and believe that we can keep making our Millburn schools the best they can be, but only if we are willing to solve problems together in our community. Our strategic planning process will go a long way to opening up the communication channels with the community.  I look forward to hearing what you ALL have to say!