Gov. Christie Joins Camden Students On Second Day Of School
By Syma Chowdhry
CAMDEN, NJ (CBS) -- "Good morning, Governor Christie!"
Students greeted Governor Chris Christie at the R. T. Cream School in Camden on Tuesday morning, where he was joined by Camden Mayor Dana Redd and new superintendent Paymon Rouhanifard.
It was their second day of school, but the students were the ones doing the quizzing.
They asked the governor any question they wanted.
"My favorite movie is probably 'The Godfather.' That's a more important answer for the legislatures than it is for you," Gov. Christie said.
While Christie didn't take any questions from reporters, one student asked something we've all been wondering: What's being done to help Camden schools?
"We got to make sure you get the books you need, you have the computers you need. We've got to make sure you have good teachers," Christie answered.
"It shows they are informed, that they know the issues. They are paying attention to the issues," said Mayor Dana Redd, who also said that the school year has started with improvements, including new leadership with the superintendent.
"Our buildings were student ready day one, which we haven't always seen here, based on the stories I heard. So we are off to an encouraging start," Superintendent Paymon said.
R.T. Cream School added two new principals, who say they've seen already noticed changes within students and teachers.
"While we have a huge amount of work to do, I think that everyone is on board," said Principal Hye-Won Gehring.
And parents look forward to the improvements, too.
"Some more qualified teachers and instructional assistants," grandparent Renilda Rochon hoped for.
"We are going to get this school together," another parent said.
