For Immediate Release

Montclair, NJ- State Senate candidate Scott Pollack released the following statement calling for increasing educational choices and opportunities for students as a response to the Stein lawsuit. This lawsuit alleges that current school district zoning methods make New Jersey the 5th most segregated state in the nation.

“Increasing the availability of private schools for low and middle income students will reduce segregation in schools and allow for increased opportunities for students stuck in failing schools that continually fall below statewide standards and provide sub-optimal learning environments for our Students,” stated Pollack. “In the status quo, students from an affluent background either attend good public schools or go to private schools. My plan allows those who are stuck in poor performing public schools to have the same opportunity for advancement as their more affluent peers.”

“Moreover, the best way to improve our inner-city public schools is to increase competition, not continue the status quo where students are forced to stay in the same failing schools with no opportunities for advancement. This past year, private schools were able to safely reopen, in many cases 5 days a week, in a safe manner that protected students and staff, while public schools were shuttered or implemented hybrid programs that left students behind. Increased choice would have made public schools more likely to open to remain more competitive with their private school counterparts”, continued Pollack. “Senator Gill’s silence in this area is deafening and shows she does not have the best interests of the district’s students at heart.”

Questions and comments may be directed to Zach Myshkoff at Zmyshkoff1@gmail.com.

###