There is a lot of misinformation and misunderstandings surrounding school district issues. For example, some parents think that the “elimination of finals” at the high schools means that high school students don’t take mid-year and end of year assessments any more.
This is not true. Students still take mid-year and end of year assessments in their courses; they just aren’t called “midterms” and “finals” anymore, because they are scheduled and weighted differently.
The debate about the Common Core and PARCC tests have led some people to believe that our curriculum has been watered down by Common Core. All public schools in New Jersey are required by law to adhere to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (a revised version of the Common Core). These establish a minimum curriculum standard. We have not dumbed down our curriculum to match them. We exceed them.
Some candidates talk about 73 teachers that resigned in 2016, suggesting that they resigned because they are unhappy with recent changes in the school district. They neglect to mention that half of those teachers retired. And people “resign” for many reasons, such as they need to move, are going back to school, are becoming a stay-at-home parent, or are changing careers. Some teachers resign before they are fired or are denied tenure. To suggest that every teacher that has resigned did so in protest to changes in the schools is ridiculous.
Some candidates are telling voters that our district is in decline. That conclusion is not supported by data. WW-P continues to perform at the highest levels. Niche.com recently rated our school district as the 3rd best in the State and the 33rd best in the country. NJ Monthly magazine rated our high schools as the #2 and #9 public high schools in the state. SAT scores in the high schools remain high. We have 36 National Merit Semifinalists.
It is important that the public be well informed. If re-elected, I will work with the administration to improve communication with the community. In addition, I have and will continue to make the time to meet with members of the community.
For honesty and civility, please vote for me and Richard Kaye.
West Windsor
Ho is an incumbent running for re-election to the WW-P School Board
