Christie blasts city schools

By JIM WALSH • Courier-Post Staff • October 13, 2009

CAMDEN — Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie on Monday night blasted the city's school system as "obscene" and said its failed classrooms are to blame for Camden's dangerous streets.

In a speech here, Christie aimed much of his criticism at his Democratic opponent, saying the administration of Gov. Jon S. Corzine has taken "deep bows" for "half measures" in the impoverished city.

But Christie also targeted teachers unions for city school failures, saying their leaders "are feeling fat and they don't want change."

Christie said he'd improve education opportunities for city youth by offering more charter schools, introducing vouchers that would cover tuition payments at private schools and through unspecified "innovations."

"The failing schools must change or they must go extinct because we can't continue to fail your children," he said a meeting sponsored by the nonpartisan Camden Churches Organized for People. About 100 people turned out for the session at Sword of the Spirit Church.

(For the complete article, please see the Courier Post.)