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Thank the Giver and Implement Wisely

by: Bill Orr

Thu Sep 23, 2010 at 02:00:00 PM EDT

We have to await more information to understand the potential impact of Facebook Founder Mark Zuckerberg's generous donation of $100 million to Newark for education. Money alone will not solve Newark's long-standing school woes, but in this "once in a lifetime opportunity," if used wisely it can certainly help. The total amount of money to be received is unclear. The "too many cooks spoil the broth" could present serious problems. However, it is likely that the award is open-ended enough to provide latitude for the creativity needed to strengthen Newark's education system.

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Bill Orr :: Thank the Giver and Implement Wisely

A challenge grant generally means that the initial donor matches dollar-for-dollar (or some similar ratio) what other donors provide during a fixed period. In effect, if other donors contribute a total of $1 million, then Newark receives only $2 million. If others were to contribute $100 million, a difficult challenge for the city, Newark would get $200 million. Normally federal, state and local funds received would not count as a donation toward the challenge.

Currently the mayor, governor, a care-taker superintendent, a to-be appointed superintendent, city council, unions, teachers, and parents all have a say in the matter, with the governor holding a veto over their actions. Creating a unified plan that gains needed support from these groups will be difficult. With so many people, egos, and agendas involved, a respected, strong, agile superintendent is particularly important.

As Zuckerberg's foundation is still in the process of being established I would guess that the award does not come with all the set goals, objectives, rules and regulations that a grant of this size normally would have. Certainly the foundation will maintain some control, but probably there is ample room for maneuver. Implementation speed should not be the main concern. Although today's Star Ledger article implies the direction of the plan is already at least partially set and there may be an effort to bypass community imput, more time should be spent on the plan to gain broad-based support from stake-holders. This is a wonderful opportunity for the city but a complex challenge, and one that Newark, not just Booker and/or Christie, needs to implement wisely. Kudos to Mayor Booker for obtaining the grant.

Tags: featured, Newark, Chris Christie, Mark Zuckerberg, Cory Booker, Star Ledger, (All Tags)

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Thank the Giver and Implement Wisely | 13 comments

Not (3.00 / 1)

looking so good Bill:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09...

by: SmartyJones @ Fri Sep 24, 2010 at 03:11:40 AM UTC

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Honest... (0.00 / 0)

this was smart. Remember when Newark got their 200 million windfall from the PA lease settlement? Did they spend it on schools? Nope. Did they use it to lower property taxes? Nope. They bought an arena with it so Sharp James could have a 'legacy'.

Can Booker really do worse than the status quo? Not unless he really tries hard. With 100 million dollars on the table, Christie would be unbelievably stubborn (even for him) to not even allow Booker to try.

My favorite quotes are Shelia Oliver's though. Each one sounds as if she is making an excuse not to accept the money, when in reality, there really is no excuse. While everyone can agree that in general NJ has good schools, I think they can also agree that Newark's schools are failing. This 100 million dollars provides a lot of momentum towards upsetting the status quo.

"Where ever you go, there you are." - Buckaroo Bonzai

by: William Weber (WjcW) @ Fri Sep 24, 2010 at 12:08:55 PM UTC

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It's a bunch of BS (0.00 / 0)

A rich kid trying to buy favorably publicity in light of a movie that depicts him in an unfavorable light, and a governor and mayor determined to privtatize the school system. People shouldn't be fooled, especially real, as opposed to Booker, Democrats.

by: 12mileseastofTrenton @ Fri Sep 24, 2010 at 12:13:01 PM UTC

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According to reports... (0.00 / 0)

the timing of the gift annoucement was arranged by Oprah (that staunch Republican), and meant to coincide with the educational documentary "Waiting for Superman".

"Where ever you go, there you are." - Buckaroo Bonzai

by: William Weber (WjcW) @ Fri Sep 24, 2010 at 12:20:58 PM UTC

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Waiting for Superman (0.00 / 0)

is anti-public eduction, ant-union propaganda.

http://crooksandliars.com/susi...

by: 12mileseastofTrenton @ Fri Sep 24, 2010 at 12:35:28 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Spoken (0.00 / 0)

as a true champion of the status quo.

Will you at least admit MAYBE there's room for improvement in Newark's public schools?

"Where ever you go, there you are." - Buckaroo Bonzai

by: William Weber (WjcW) @ Fri Sep 24, 2010 at 12:47:27 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Status quo (0.00 / 0)

Yeah, for probably 90% or more of public schools, the status quo would be just fine. Overall, we have great schools in this state.

As for Newark, yes, it's the fault of teachers, the teachers' union, and not enough charter schools and no vouchers, not the socioeconomic conditions in which most of the students live, that's to blame. Have I got that right?

by: 12mileseastofTrenton @ Fri Sep 24, 2010 at 12:55:30 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

I didn't say that. (0.00 / 0)

I said what is there clearly isn't working. What would you suggest? (and clearly, it's not money, Newark has been funded at the highest levels statewide for 10 years now)

What is your answer?

"Where ever you go, there you are." - Buckaroo Bonzai

by: William Weber (WjcW) @ Fri Sep 24, 2010 at 14:31:14 PM UTC

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Re: (0.00 / 0)

What do you consider "working"? The kids should be given the best possible education in the safest possible situation with the most up to date resources. Given the socioeconomic conditions, you can't expect miracles.

One thing that might be useful is to create a sort of magent school, a la Central High in Philadelphia or the Bronx High School of Science. A higher, non-"charter" public school that kids can strive to get into.

by: 12mileseastofTrenton @ Fri Sep 24, 2010 at 14:49:39 PM UTC

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But what you've described... (0.00 / 0)

is almost the very definition of a charter school. No?

"Where ever you go, there you are." - Buckaroo Bonzai

by: William Weber (WjcW) @ Fri Sep 24, 2010 at 15:06:37 PM UTC

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No (0.00 / 0)

Magent schools and charter schools are different.

by: 12mileseastofTrenton @ Fri Sep 24, 2010 at 15:11:12 PM UTC

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I'll concede (0.00 / 0)

The socioeconomic situation is the major contributing factor to Newark's performance.

Let's suppose though, I recommend siphoning off 1/2 of the extraordinary school aid (which we seem to agree, is not the most efficient use for the money) and creating an 'economic development fund' with it, to attempt the address those social issues in Newark. Would you support that line of action?

"Where ever you go, there you are." - Buckaroo Bonzai

by: William Weber (WjcW) @ Fri Sep 24, 2010 at 15:09:19 PM UTC

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I'd need specifics (0.00 / 0)

And I don't agree that the money is not an "efficient use" of resources. It's like the stimulus; it might not have created a booming economy, but it saved the economy from a lot worse. Disadvantaged kids need more resources than average just to keep from falling way behind.

by: 12mileseastofTrenton @ Fri Sep 24, 2010 at 15:14:17 PM UTC

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Thank the Giver and Implement Wisely | 13 comments