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George W. Bush narrowly won re-election to a second term as President of the United States. In a closely fought, rancorous election filled with cheap shots and negativity, President Bush narrowly defeated Massachusetts Senator John F. Kerry in both the popular vote and Electoral College.
In a statement on its website, the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) said " … a second Bush term will require educators everywhere to roll up their sleeves and fight for the future of America's public schools. With a renewed sense of purpose, our Association's efforts must now be directed toward fighting for changes to the "No Child Left Behind Act," fighting to keep public dollars in public schools, and fighting for our rights as workers." NJEA members, including P.E.A. members led by Angela Crockett, chairperson of the Association's Government Relations Committee and Katie Milton, PEAPC Chair, worked tirelessly to elect Senator John Kerry to the presidency this fall and did their part in helping deliver to him New Jersey's 15 electoral votes. They distributed literature, worked phone banks, and talked to their fellow members regarding Senator Kerry and all of NJEA's PAC endorsed candidates. NJEA staff and active and retired members distributed "NJEA member for Kerry" T-shirts, buttons, and posters. Mailings and get out the vote postcards were sent. State, county, and local newsletters provided information to NJEA members regarding PAC endorsed candidates. The election, however, puts the president in a position to continue his efforts to impose his plans for "educational reform" on the public schools. In a statement made the day after his election victory, his website declared that the No Child Left Behind Act demands accountability in exchange for the record levels of Federal spending now going to K-12 public education, an increase of 49 percent since 2001. These reforms are already beginning to show strong results, but President Bush also wants to take the next steps to ensure that all high school students are better prepared to enter higher education or the workforce. In his second term, President Bush will reform America's high schools, providing $250 million annually to extend state assessment of student reading and math skills. " Reg Weaver, President of the NEA reflected on the election results stating, ""On behalf of the National Education Association's 2.7 million members, I congratulate President Bush on his reelection. NEA will continue to seek common ground with the Bush Administration in efforts to expand educational opportunity and make public schools great for every child." Weaver continued, "This is truly a critical time for children and public education. NEA and its members strongly support the goals of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Our members have always worked hard to advance those goals. Imagine the successes our children and students, teachers and education support professionals would realize if our country were to commit to investing in smaller class sizes, well-trained teachers, early childhood and after school programs, and up-to-date textbooks and materials." "It is essential that the Administration and Congress listen to, and act positively on, the concerns of teachers, parents, administrators, and state and local policymakers. An investment in education is an investment in America and its future security." |
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