Montclair mayor’s full-time schools task force is misguided at best (Letter)
I am writing in response to the article “Montclair schools open full-time this fall. This group will help shape how," published May 17 on MontclairLocal.news. I am deeply confused by Mayor Sean Spiller’s intent behind this task force on the return to full-time in-person instruction, particularly because he did not clearly define goals for this group.
Isn’t governing the school administration and ensuring the district’s plans are in line with our students’ needs the job of the Board of Education, whom the mayor appoints? Why does he need to handpick another group to inform this process? How exactly does he expect an additional special interest group in town to effectively improve the decision-making process for our schools?
At best, this feels misguided; at worst, this feels like a diversion. Rather than creating an ill-defined task force, what the mayor should be doing is figuring out ways to raise the $60 million-plus that we need to renovate the district. And, if he genuinely wants to help amplify the community voice regarding Montclair schools, then I recommend he host welcoming and open community forums built around specific topics that we need to work together to solve. There are many of them!
Julie Clemens
Montclair
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