Sumter & Wimberly Statement on Paterson Public Schools’ Release from State Control

(PATERSON) – 35^th Legislative District Assembly members Shavonda Sumter and Benjie Wimberly (Both D-Bergen/Passaic) issued the following statement regarding the Department of Education’s end of state control of Paterson Public Schools:

Sumter: “Paterson Public School District has seen nearly three decades of state control. What began as an effort to fix failing schools transpired into long, treacherous years of disappointments and more failures for our school district.

“Paterson administrators and advocates deserve a standing ovation for their perseverance and efforts made to improve our public schools over the last few years. Their dedication is why, today, Paterson can say farewell to any form of state control and take charge of our children’s future. This gives all stakeholders an opportunity to have a voice at the table when critical decisions are being made on the education of our students.

“Today, Paterson School District regains the complete ability to make their own decisions, a vital component to steering the direction of our schools and our students’ futures.”

Wimberly: “For almost 30 years, Paterson teachers and school administrators have educated over 29,000 students and growing while under the constraints of state control. They have seen school funding decreased by millions, suffered drastic layoffs of teachers, staff, and members of the administration, and did all of this in 19 school buildings over 100 years old and in others rapidly deteriorating from age.

“They remained steadfast and fought tirelessly against previous administrations to make sure the state did the right thing by Paterson students.

“Today, because of their unfailing commitment and love for Paterson students, we are no longer a ‘takeover’ district. We can now navigate our way in the fight to ensure bright futures for every Paterson student. As a product of Paterson Public Schools and an educator in the district since 1991, I am extremely proud of the work my colleagues and the administration has done to get our schools and students back on track.”