(3rd LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT) – Assemblywoman Celeste Riley (D-Cumberland/Salem/Gloucester) released the following statement Friday on the acting education commissioner’s decision not to speak at the New Jersey Education Association convention:
“Acting Education Commissioner Hendricks’ decision to skip this year’s New Jersey Education Association convention is a disappointing step backward for our state.
“This was an opportunity for the Christie administration to present its ideas on moving New Jersey forward to people who can play a key role in accomplishing that goal.
“This was the time to show leadership.
“Unfortunately we get more political gamesmanship that does nothing to improve the education of New Jersey’s children.
“Clearly, teachers and the governor disagree on many issues, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be meeting working together to guarantee our children the best education possible. “
“The acting commissioner’s decision sends a disturbing message about the priorities of this administration. Let us all understand that being adversarial will only continue to hurt New Jersey’s schools and those who work hard to support them.”