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For Release: May 16, 2002

Character Education Commission Seeks Comments
At Series of Public Hearings Beginning May 22

A commission charged by Governor James E. McGreevey with shaping the future of character education programs in New Jersey schools is preparing a statewide effort to solicit public comment and recommendations. The New Jersey Character Education Commission has scheduled a series of five public hearings beginning on Wednesday, May 20.

"It is vitally important for all of our young people learn how to develop positive character traits that our society values and respects," said Commissioner of Education William L. Librera. "Governor McGreevey and I urge students, parents and community members everywhere to participate in these public hearings.

"By reaching out to the public, the New Jersey Character Education Commission is demonstrating its commitment to gather information on effective character education programs at work in New Jersey communities and schools and to better understand the principles that define good programs based on common values accepted by the community."

The May 22 public hearing will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the cafeteria of Avenel Middle School, Woodbine Avenue in the Avenel section of Woodbridge. Persons wishing to address the commission should plan to speak for 3-5 minutes and are encouraged to bring written comments to be made part of the commission’s record. For more information about this hearing, contact Pat Osborne, 732-602-8561.

The schedule for the remaining four hearings appears below:

  • May 28, 2002, Vineland – Board room of the Vineland Public Schools Administration Building, 625 Plum Street, Vineland. Contact: Dr. Clarence Hoover, 856-794-6700 ext. 2002
  • May 29, 2002, Newark – Conlin Auditorium, St. Benedict’s Prep, 520 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Boulevard, Newark. Contact: Fr. Edwin Leahy, 973-792-5723.
  • June 3, 2002, Atlantic City – Auditorium, Atlantic City High School, 1400 North Albany Avenue, Atlantic City. Contact: Fred Nickles, 609-343-7200.
  • June 6, 2002, Morristown – Auditorium, Frelinghuysen Middle School, Hanover Avenue, Morristown. Contact: Eileen Jost, 973-292-2300, ext. 2010.

(all hearings will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.)

Governor McGreevey established the New Jersey Character Education Commission to underscore his belief that developing character in young people is essential to providing a safe and productive learning environment. To read the full text of Governor McGreevey’s executive order establishing the New Jersey Character Education Commission and for more information on current character education programs in New Jersey, visit the Department of Education’s Web site:

www.state.nj.us/njded/chared