Fulop emphasizes school desegregation as top priority if elected governor

Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop has made a bold statement by declaring that desegregating the state’s public schools will be a top priority if he is elected governor. In a crowded field of hopefuls for the upcoming election, Fulop is the first to introduce a comprehensive plan for education in New Jersey.

The issue of school segregation is a significant one in the state, with New Jersey having some of the most segregated schools in the country. Fulop aims to address this head-on by working with educators, activists, and state leaders to create a statewide plan to combat segregation within his first year in office.

Fulop’s plan includes using updated school funding formulas to incentivize districts that actively seek diversity. He also proposes the consolidation of school districts to lower costs and strain on taxpayers. Additionally, his plan suggests leaning on magnet county schools and regional schools to bring diverse groups of students together from wider geographic areas.

The mayor’s focus on desegregating schools is part of a larger vision for education in New Jersey, which includes increasing funding for school construction, expanding access to mental health services, and making college more affordable. Fulop’s plan also addresses the need for more transparency in school funding formulas and a shift towards a direct-cost model for special education funding.

With ongoing mediation in a major school segregation lawsuit and discussions about revising the state aid formula, education is set to be a key issue in the upcoming gubernatorial election. Fulop’s early announcement of his candidacy has given him time to develop substantial policy positions based on his experience as mayor of Jersey City and input from various stakeholders. If elected, Fulop’s education plan could bring significant changes to the state’s public school system.