Parent: Parsippany School Schedule Changes Will Hurt Community

Dear Editor,

As a Parsippany Homeowner, I am very concerned about the re-alignment of our middle schools which our new Superintendent, Scott Rixford, is proposed and our Board of Education approved last week. Among other things, the realignment calls for a severe cut in the Reading and Writing program and ultimately its elimination for 8 grade students. In addition, it does away with small group music lessons, assuring that only wealthy children will have the opportunity to excel in music, through private lessons. This is probably the most unfair and heart-breaking decision that I’ve seen as a Parsippany resident, and frankly I’m shocked that the Board of Education voted to approve this measure. I believe the only Board Member that seemed to exercise proper caution last week, was Tim Berrios, who abstained from voting, because he felt the Superintendent did not provide the board with adequate time to review the proposal. I am hopeful that other board members will reconsider their decision, which so negatively affects the academic integrity of our school system.

My own children are no longer in public school and I feel fortunate that they were each able to receive an excellent education in Parsippany, due to the hard work of Superintendents and Board of Education members of the past, who laid the foundation for an excellent school district. A district that negotiated hard, but fair contracts with the teacher’s union, with an eye toward improving the academic standing of our community. The results were breathtaking. Over the years we watched how individual schools in our district rose in many competitive standings. For example, New Jersey Monthly’s review of top High Schools in NJ ranked Parsippany Hills High School at 87 in 2006 and 2008. Then at #50 in 2010. Then at #23 in 2012! The trajectory was a dramatic vindication for the policies of our previous Boards of Education and Superintendents. This year, 2014, Parsippany Hills’ ranking fell to #57. These rankings are not simply published so residents can pat themselves on the back. They are important tools that are viewed by the parents of young children who are considering where to make one of the most significant decisions of their lives… where to purchase their home.

Thus, as our school system goes, so does the value of our homes. I am concerned that the current Superintendent and BOE seem to be more focused on the short term savings of a few hundred dollars a year in taxes, over the potential loss of tens of thousands of dollars in individual home values, as the pool of home buyers who will consider Parsippany begins to dwindle. We have wonderful programs and facilities in our town for recreation, but any real estate agent will tell you that the most important item that prospective homeowners look for is the quality of the education their children will receive.

I’m hopeful that our Board of Education members will re-evaluate their decision, not just for the sake of our home values, but more importantly for the sake of the children who they have volunteered so many hours of their lives to serve. In order to succeed in college and in life, children need a solid foundation in Reading and Writing. For many children, the well documented connection between music education and science and math excellence continues to play out in our school district. Cutting these programs just does not make sense on so many levels. I’m hopeful that parents, children and other homeowners will let their voices be heard on this subject. Please contact the Board of Education and let them know how you feel. Too often we are silent, hoping for the best outcome, when our collective voices can help guide decision-makers in the right direction.

Sincerely,

David Comora
Parsippany