The application is riddled with fabrications and gross misrepresentations about both the purpose of and need for this school. Quotes from experts are taken out of context to make it appear that these experts have shown a "connection between learning Hebrew and our nation's vital interests," and a specious argument is made that, because of trade with Israel, the teaching of Hebrew is necessary for the commercial interests of America (although the official business language of Israel is English). But these arguments aren't fooling the school's opponents, including Highland Park Rabbi Steven Miodownik, who wrote to acting Education Commissioner Cerf:
"Proponents of the Hebrew language charter school have carefully placed a fig leaf over their agenda of forcing the state to fund their 'free' alternative to private Jewish education, but it is not the job of the State of New Jersey to provide religious instruction for its children; that must be left up to our excellent private schools."
But, despite these and many other problems with the Tikun Olam application, the school's founders are not only reapplying, but being helped by the state to rewrite their application. State Senator and Majority Leader Barbara Buono (D-Middlesex), speaking at the rally in Highland Park, had this to say about the "remedial" help being given to this group of educational wannabes who could conceivably be entrusted with the education of our students:
"And now the triple whammy is almost upon us; another proposed charter school in Highland Park, whose application has only been denied twice. And now they're receiving a tutorial from the Department of Education because their application was so deficient. It doesn't really instill a lot of confidence in how that school is going to perform now does it?"
If you live in New Jersey, please take a few minutes today to contact your representatives and urge them to vote tomorrow for charter school reform. Let them know that "We Want a Vote!"
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