New Jersey Acting Education Commissioner Declines Offer To Attend Teacher Convention

New Jersey's Press of Atlantic City (11/4, D'Amico) reports that New Jersey's Acting Education Commissioner Rochelle Hendricks on Monday declined an invitation from the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) to attend the NJEA's annual convention "today and Friday in Atlantic City." Each year, "the head of the state Department of Education is invited to speak" at the event, "and that session is usually one of the most popular." In her letter, Hendricks wrote, "Whenever you are ready to consider a real discussion about pursuing bold education reform, my door is open." NJEA President Barbara Keshishian responded, calling "the decision not to attend the convention astounding." Wrote Keshishian,, "Her claim that NJEA refuses to be a partner in bold education reform is simply untrue." She also "cited actions taken by the NJEA to promote education, and said it is very upsetting to members, who take pride in their work, to be snubbed by the commissioner." The Press Of Atlantic City (11/4) also printed Keshishian's full response.