Standardized testing–and the opposition to it–continued to dominate the news in Verona in March: A former Verona educator claimed the PARCC administrator was spying on kids and 10% of Verona’s students refused to take the test.
What else was going on? Two incumbents and two former challengers filed to run for two seats on the Town Council, the referendum marked its one-year anniversary, and residents raised awareness of a rare genetic condition that affects a young Verona girl.
Every month, MyVeronaNJ.com looks at what our readers have been reading, and we let you know if you have to catch up on them. Here’s what you might have missed in March 2015:
1. Former Verona Educator Finds PARCC Test Company Spying On Kids: Elizabeth Jewett is now the superintendent of the Watchung Hills Regional High School district.
2. Real Estate Twins: Two houses that are mirror images are listed on the same weekend.
3. 4 File To Run In Town Council Election: Michael Nochimson and Frank Sapienza will run again, as will Alex Roman and Rich Williamson.
4. Real Estate Marches On: Lots of snow and lots of new listings.
5. The Referendum, One Year On: The wireless network has been installed, but work on the fields has been delayed by opponents.
6. Veronans Raise Awareness Of Genetic Condition: A Verona girl born with Trisomy defies the odds.
7. 10% Of Verona Students Refuse To Take PARCC: The standardized test takes place, with significant opposition.
8. Real Estate Jackpot: Nine new listings are a welcome addition to the market.
9. Philip A. Festa, 82: The Korean War veteran served in the 101st Airborne Division.
10. Should Town Hall Keep All The PILOT Money?: Joe Martin believes that the town’s refusal to share any of the special revenue from the luxury Hilltop apartments with the school district is justified.
