This selection from of our top 30 for 2025 focuses on zoning, education policy, and authority – different topics all tied to questions of local control.
New Providence Pushes Back on Developer Toll Brothers
We start with New Providence pushing back on a proposed 104-unit development – raising concerns about how the project fits the town’s character. Mayor Morgan questions the plan while acknowledging state mandates significantly limit the town’s ability to reject or reshape large developments, highlighting the tension between local decision-making and a state-driven housing push.
A4121 Passes Assembly as Lawmakers Move to Eliminate the NJGPA
Another article in the set covers the Assembly’s passage of A4121 which seeks to eliminate the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment and explains how the bill represents a critical high-risk in holding Districts accountable for learning.
The BOE Can, In Fact, Wipe Its Ass Without Permission
With declines in enrollment and proficiency occurring throughout the state as Districts continue to spend extraordinary amounts of money on security theater, consultants that push unproven teaching methods, and athletics – we felt it important to remind Boards of Education that they represent families and students. More importantly, the article also reminds Boards they have an obligation to set expectations in the classroom – to set policy on grading, instruction, and academic standards.
Catch up on the full year-end series
All parts of the series are collected in one place, with links to the reporting referenced in each installment.
View the series page
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