Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Herald News Letters

DCF schools critical to New Jersey children

During Governor Corzine’s budget address, he spoke passionately about nurturing our children and protecting the most vulnerable among us. His budget priorities would make it clear that "kids count!" Just two weeks later it was announced that all 18 Department of Children and Families Regional Schools would be closed, half slated for closure by June 30.

As a teacher at the DCF Regional School-Wanaque, I’m writing for those students who are the most vulnerable and do not have a voice. My students reside in a hospital setting because of the severity of their disabilities. Most are ventilator-dependent, fed via a gastrostomy feeding tube and require 24-hour medical care. Our students require a program that has taken years of experience to develop. Do not confuse the expertise needed to best help these students achieve success with the governor’s unsubstantiated plan to transition them into another program.

Corzine stated that "every child has a right to be inspired and challenged every day in schools that are among the world’s best."

The governor should take the time to visit the DCF schools. He would see that our educational program is the best ... or is it now his belief that our "kids don’t count"?

Virginia Leines

Totowa