Christie reiterates support for school change

By: Phil Gregory

During the election, the teachers union supported Governor Jon Corzine’s re-election. Instead of making nice, Christie yesterday described the union as an obstacle to education reform.

By Phil Gregoryphilgregorynews@gmail.com

Governor-elect Chris Christie is continuing his tour of the state and making it a point to visit schools. During the election, the teachers union supported Governor Jon Corzine’s re-election.

Instead of making nice, Christie yesterday described the union as an obstacle to education reform.

Listen:
[audio: 091109pgunions.mp3]

Christie answered questions from students at Steinert High School in Hamilton Township and emphasized that improving education in urban schools is one of his top priorities.

Christie said afterwards that the New Jersey Education Association has frequently been an advocate for the status quo.

Christie: Whether the status quo is succeeding or failing and attempting really to become kind of a spin machine for why even a failed status quo is okay. They need to get realistic about the fact that change is coming because it is.

The union has voiced objections to Christie’s plans for school vouchers that would allow students in failing urban schools to attend classes elsewhere.