Darcie Cimarusti–aka Mother Crusader–has become a scourge to the New Jersey State Education Department. She has taught herself to be a sleuth. And she has mastered the Open Public Records Act to dig for information and connect the dots.
This post is a good example of a parent doing the job of an investigative journalist.
She tracks down the emails between State Commissioner of Education Chris Cerf and an old friend from Edison days who now runs charter schools.
She learns how the state decided to award the friend a grant of $150,000 to plan a charter or cluster of charters in Paterson.
She notes that the state feels no obligation to solicit comment from anyone who lives in Paterson.
Maybe that’s what state control means in New Jersey. Paterson has been without democratic control for 21 years. Cerf can do whatever he wants and needs no one’s participation or consent.
A perfect setup for corporate reformers. While they are putting children first, they can’t wait. Democratic deliberation is a bother.
Diane Ravitch's blog 
They are shameless. This is wrong on SO many levels, like the Cheney-Halliburton connection. I live in God-forsaken Alabama, after moving here from my flawed-but-beloved Louisiana (which Jindalization has rendered unlivable). Alabama has just approved vouchers. Dismantling public education has become sport for these folks (I won’t even mention Chicago). I teach. I’m nauseated by all this. I thank you for keeping us informed. I must find a way to fight this wrong doing in whatever manner I can.
There is a good reason that NJ has been referred to as the Soprano State. I am sure that another book will come out in regards to Christie’s term(s). Here is a very rough time line of events involving Democrat power broker billionaire George Norcross from Camden and Cooper Union:
Time line:
G. Norcross is saved by Christie from prosecution
Redd and brother D. Norcross are set up in power positions by G. Norcross
G. Norcross helps Christie win election
G. Norcross helps Christie with Pension&Benefits bill
Christie gives Rutgers Camden to G. Norcross
D. Norcross sets up bill for private renaissance school projects
G. Norcross sets up renaissance schools in Camden
Camden board rejects renaissance school
Christie takes over Camden Schools
Now G. Norcross can issue bonds, collect public tax money with no oversite by the Public, all with Cerf’s blessing.
Follow the money! Sick!
thank you “Mother” for your your good work in defense of public education and our children
-ask questions, make trouble-
Here is a letter from a Camden school board member about the State take over of schools and why she is resigning:
I especially like this from the Philly papers on how the State will involve the Camden community:
State officials planned to file paperwork Monday morning with the Office of Administration Law to “intervene” in the district for the takeover, which is expected to begin at the start of the next school year. Officials stressed that the community would be involved, with tours planned so Camden residents can visit high-performing schools elsewhere in the state.
Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D., Gloucester) released a statement supporting the takeover.
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/new_jersey/199783681.html?fb_action_ids=603190213044179&fb_action_types=og.recommends&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%22603190213044179%22%3A562340930462849&action_type_map=%22603190213044179%22%3A%22og.recommends%22&action_ref_map=%5B%5D
Great Work, Crusader! Keep exposing the dirt they try to hide. Crony capitalism rns this state, govt is funneling our taxes to their cronies in pct business.
They really don’t need to try to hide their dealings anymore. They can do whatever they want because the general public is ignorant and/or allows it.
Still, I agree exposure is a key, but it is not the final step.