This Week at NJ21st: State Power, Local Bonds, and the Push for Answers

We’re zooming out to Trenton and back to Berkeley Heights, tackling state powers, new testing models, local bond battles, and big questions about equity and accountability.

Know Your State Government
This week’s newsletter kicks off with the third installment of our “Know Your Government” series, shifting the focus to the state level. We break down the roles and powers of the Executive and Legislative branches and explain why understanding them matters for every New Jersey resident.

Big Change, Few Answers
We follow up on our unanswered questions to DOE Commissioner Dehmer about the new state testing model being field-tested this year and explain why these questions matter for parents and students seeking to hold their districts accountable.

Flood Finale
Laura wraps up her flood series with a revealing account of a remarkable exchange with the Berkeley Heights Township Administrator over the controversial flood bond.

Bond. School Bond.
John dives into the week’s Berkeley Heights BOE agenda, with an in-depth look at the proposed bond questions and policy changes, plus a breakdown of other agenda items.

Break the Gate
Former Millburn BOE Member and President weighs in on restrictive “gating” policies in class placement and offers a different approach to ensuring equitable access for students.

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