Glenn Elliott
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QUESTION 2: Not every BOE decision is popular, even when it is the correct decision. What’s the most unpopular decision that you have faced and how did you handle it?
I’m frequently asked the question, “What’s it like being on the Board?” I always have the same response, “If you want to lose friends, get elected to the Board of Education.” Making difficult and unpopular decisions is simply what we have to do on a regular basis.
As a long-time Board member, I’m going to respond with a specific example from my tenure. Ironically, it’s not one that probably comes to the minds of many, and in fact it now likely seems obvious. In 2009 the Superintendent, Chuck Sampson, and Administrative Team were exploring ways to improve educational opportunities, boost test scores, and enhance college readiness. After looking at many proposals, they began to focus in on the idea of removing barriers to AP Classes. This was a fairly radical concept at the time, and still is today in most NJ districts. To gain admission to AP classes, typically there has to be a teacher recommendation, a minimum grade in a prerequisite, an entry test score, or some combination of these. The proposal put to the Board of Education was to simply remove all barriers, and open up AP classes to any student wishing to take them. Looking at research, the hypothesis was that when given the opportunity, students would rise to the challenge and thrive in this challenging environment. Because of the projected increased need for AP classes, it would require elimination of some of the honors level classes in the upper grade levels. What seems mildly progressive ten years later, was absolutely radical at the time.
After notifying the community, we put this change up for discussion and vote. That meeting we were swamped with concerned and angry parents. Public comment that evening went on way past midnight and I don’t recall many speaking in favor of the change. Even students attended, expressing their worries. The sentiment was that it would be too difficult, that kids wouldn’t be able to succeed, that it was going to be too hard…on and on.
I handled this as I handle all of the difficult decisions; I did my independent research, discussed with the educational experts, and came to my conclusion that it was the correct move for students and the District. When you’re prepared, it becomes easier to have the difficult discussions. Important to this is giving people every chance to voice their opinions and respect differences. Despite having a policy that would allow us to limit public comment to 5 minutes, we’ve always allowed anyone coming to the podium to have as much time as they need, and to respond to our comments. The results have shown that this was the right decision. We’ve seen an increase in school-wide AP enrollment to 46%, increased the number of students by 91%, increased number of exams by 97%, and improved student achievement increasing passing scores by 2%. This past year we were recognized on the AP District Honor roll by the College Board. Preparation, honesty and respect are the best way to handle these situations.
