Trenton School Board endorsements seem like politics of old (L.A. … – The Trentonian

A letter supporting three Trenton School Board candidates raised eyebrows and concerns about impropriety.

Former Mayor Douglas H. Palmer, current Mayor Reed Gusciora, Mercer County Commissioner Sam Frisby and City Council President Teska Frisby have endorsed Yolanda Marero-Lopez, Addie Daniels-Lane and Larry Traylor.

First, let’s start from the top where the letter states the communication originated from the desks of Mayor Douglas H. Palmer then identifies the others.

While many residents prefer the retired five-term Palmer still held the city seat of power, actually some believe he exists as an influencer for City Council and enjoys power throughout Mercer County, he does not serve as the current mayor.

If Doug, Reed, Sam, and Teska want to endorse school board candidates they should lend their support without using their government titles. The whole point of this first school board election in more than 35 years arrives as a way to place more power of such a crucial element of our city into the hands of people.

Employing their titles attempts to coerce and suggests government sanction. In the case of electing a school board, Doug, Reed, Sam and Teska should retire their government titles.

Critics said Palmer, who left politics in 2010 and resides in Princeton, should step away from school matters. Palmer, born and raised in Trenton, responded.

“I will always have an interest in Trenton, especially in the education of our youth,” Palmer, whose Trenton Literacy Movement (TLM) attempts to impact student reading performances by the time they enter third grade, said.

Palmer recently addressed the School Board regarding New Jersey’s Interdistrict Public School Choice Program. Palmer can claim more interest in school development than most residents.

If people speak truthfully, several slates formed to prevent Robin Vaughn from winning a school board seat. The former member of Trenton City Council maintains a persona non grata status although she pressed for school board elections.

The Frisbys and Vaughn have developed a blistering feud ever since Teska alleged Vaughn made disturbing remarks about the family’s disabled son. So, this school board election exists as part personal.

Still, this newly formed group with an agenda should realize that residents can decide for ourselves regarding school board members.

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Finally, but significantly important effort for school board elections represents a flawed initiative when one considers education statistics.

Hispanic students comprise more than 60-percent of school student population. Many of their parents rank as undocumented which means they have no voting rights. So, they have no say in the direction of city education.

School board elections should be open to all parents with children in the city education system, no matter their citizenship status. Parents with say two children attending Trenton public schools have skin in the game.

How would this work? Not sure. But it’s an idea worth consideration.

Finally, persons who believe the city education system shows positive movement should view the truancy statistics from the past two school years. No doubt, COVID-19 impacted attendance numbers and classroom grade performance.

L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at LAParker@Trentonian.com.