Charles T. Epps Jr. facts for kids

Charles Thomas Epps Jr. (born June 13, 1944 – died March 20, 2015) was an important leader in education and politics in New Jersey. He was a member of the Democratic Party. He served in the New Jersey General Assembly, which is like the state's parliament, from 2006 to 2008. He also spent many years as the Superintendent of Schools in Jersey City.

About Charles Epps Jr.

Charles Epps Jr. was born on June 13, 1944, and passed away on March 20, 2015. He dedicated his life to education and public service in New Jersey.

His Start in Education

Epps began his career in 1967 as a teacher for sixth and seventh graders at the Whitney M. Young School in Jersey City. He worked his way up through different roles in the school district. He became a supervisor, a principal for adult evening programs, and a director of special programs.

Leading Jersey City Schools

In 2000, the State Board of Education chose Epps to be the new Superintendent for the Jersey City Public Schools. As Superintendent, he was in charge of all the public schools in Jersey City. He had been the Associate Superintendent for Community and Support Services since 1998.

Under his leadership, Jersey City schools received many "Best Practices" awards from the New Jersey Department of Education. These awards recognized excellent programs in the schools. He also worked hard to lower the number of students who dropped out of school. The dropout rate went down significantly during his time.

Public Service and Community Work

Beyond his work in schools, Epps was also active in the community. He was the Chairman of the Hudson County Community College Board of Trustees. There, he helped create a scholarship program called "Opportunity Knocks." This program allowed high school graduates in Jersey City to attend Hudson County Community College without paying tuition.

He also served on several important advisory boards. These included the National Conference on Community and Justice and the National Urban League. In 1999, he received awards from organizations like the NAACP and the National Urban League for his contributions to Jersey City.

His Education

Charles Epps Jr. was well-educated. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Bishop College in Dallas, Texas. He then received a master's degree in Education from Seton Hall University. Later, he earned a doctorate in education from Rutgers University.

Serving in the State Assembly

In 2005, Charles Epps Jr. was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly. He represented the 31st legislative district. He served in the Assembly from January 2006 to January 2008. While in the Assembly, he worked on committees that focused on the environment, waste, health, and senior services.

Later Years

Charles Epps Jr. passed away on March 20, 2015, after having a heart attack.

Challenges and Concerns

During his time as Superintendent and Assemblyman, some people raised concerns about certain issues.

Salary and Time Commitment

Some critics felt that his salary as Superintendent (over $240,000 per year) was too high. This was especially noted because he also earned a salary as a member of the New Jersey Legislature. Questions were raised about how he could manage both demanding roles at the same time. For example, some news reports pointed out that he spent several days a week at the State House, away from his duties running the Jersey City school district.

Travel Expenses

In 2006, a radio station reported on some of Epps's travel expenses for a trip to England. These expenses, including a hotel room that cost over $500 a night, were paid for by taxpayers. This led to calls from some politicians for him to resign, as they felt it showed a lack of careful spending.

School Administration and Staffing

Over the years, the number of administrative staff and their salaries at the Jersey City Board of Education increased. This happened even when the school district faced budget cuts. Hundreds of teachers sometimes received notices that their jobs might be cut, while fewer administrators were laid off. This led to concerns about how the district's budget was being managed.

Controversial Comments

In 2011, Epps received criticism for some comments he made during a speech. He spoke about young people in his district in a way that some found controversial. These comments caused public discussion and concern. Eventually, Charles Epps Jr. was removed from his position as Superintendent.