Christie Looks To Put 'Bridgegate' In Rearview With State Of The State Address
By Jim Melwert
CHERRY HILL, NJ (CBS) - New Jersey Governor Chris Christie will try to put Bridge Gate behind him, today, as he delivers his State of the State address.
An advance copy of Governor Christie's speech shows, among other things, the governor plans to recommend adjusting the current K-through-12 model of education. His speech says he believes the current academic calendar is outdated both educationally and culturally. Children who spend more time in school, the governor will argue in his speech, graduate better prepared academically to compete in the world. So, he's proposing extending the school day and lengthening the school year.
This woman, who preferred not to give her name, says she works with children and she needs to hear more about the governor's plan, but she doesn't think a longer day is the answer.
"By 2:00 they're spent," she says. "And to extend the day to 4 or whatever he's proposing, I don't think it will be helpful to them."
Tom from Cherry Hill says he thinks it's quality over quantity, "It's all about the teachers, the teachers are with the kids. I think they're in school too long as it is. I mean, the Catholic schools don't have to do it."
As Governor Christie tries to regain his footing following recent events, another portion of his speech this afternoon will focus on bipartisan work in New Jersey over the past four years, as the speech says, putting politics aside to put people first.
The governor's speech will be at 3 o'clock this afternoon.