Colts Neck School Board Defends Education Secretary Visit as Political Tensions Rise in New Jersey

The Colts Neck Township School Board was tense when its president aggressively defended the choice to welcome U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, dismissing criticism from parents, community residents, and a state lawmaker who questioned the political character of the visit. The issue in New Jersey about whether partisan politics are entering public schools and how school boards should balance transparency, security, and community confidence was addressed.

Board President Angelique Volpe reiterated her decision to invite Secretary McMahon visit the district as part of the federal “History Rocks!” tour, part of the national America 250 civics education campaign. Volpe said the visit was to showcase students and celebrate the district’s academic success, not to push politics. She claimed sending a high-ranking federal official to Colts Neck was unique and unexpected and she would not apologize.

The visit was criticized before it happened. The board received about two dozen letters from individuals concerned that the event appeared politicized, especially given the national civics movement groups. Some parents felt excluded from the planning process and unhappy about the lack of public discussion before the secretary arrived at Cedar Drive Middle School.

Volpe also addressed Monmouth County Senate Education Committee Chair Vin Gopal’s public criticism of the board at the meeting. In a previous virtual engagement, she asked the senator about affordable housing construction and district school overcrowding. His response dissatisfied Volpe, who accused him of evading tough questions and using harsh words that worsened the public argument.

Senator Gopal, addressing separately, denied such assertions and said he routinely hears from Colts Neck parents unhappy by a change away from a nonpartisan focus on students and teachers. He maintained that public schools should be free of political agendas and said he will speak out when politics enters the classroom.

Volpe presented a visit timetable to the meeting. She said the board issued a resolution earlier this year consistent with a federal executive order on school athletics, and federal officials praised the district. After contacting the U.S. Department of Education, she expected no answer. Months later, the district was invited to host the secretary last-minute. Volpe said federal security standards prevented widespread publicity and informed families days before the visit.

The board was criticized for canceling a public meeting before the visit. Volpe claimed the cancelation was due to a legal necessity, not to avoid public scrutiny. In a roundtable session with students, board members, and the secretary, the superintendent cited student safety and school protocols for limiting public access.

The lack of precise information on the national organizations involved in the civics effort worried some meeting attendees about what pupils would be exposed to. They advised the board to evaluate how invited guests and partners would influence minority students. One youngster told the board she loves learning from diverse classmates and requested officials to consider how their decisions affect all pupils.

Board members answered inquiries regarding funding and collaborations by saying the federal government organized the tour and no independent groups donated money. Federal officials then confirmed that partner groups did not fund the visit.

The board said that most eligible pupils attended, but some parents kept their children home due to worries. Community opinion was split. Some locals and parents commended the board for defending parental rights and traditional values, while others believed the visit worsened community divisions.

Volpe said after the meeting that the board often receives criticism without recognition for projects that promote civic pride and national ideals in schools. A nationwide discourse about politics in education, openness in school governance, and how districts preserve community trust with state and federal authorities has evolved from Colts Neck.