Jerell Blakeley’s advocacy for improved school conditions in New Jersey was not just a professional cause; it was a deeply personal mission, shaped by his own experiences as both a student and an educator in underprivileged school environments. His role as the Senior Campaign Organizer for the Healthy Schools Now coalition at the New Jersey Work Environment Council from July 2016 to October 2018 was marked by significant achievements and relentless dedication to ensuring that New Jersey’s children and school employees have access to healthy, safe, and modern public schools.
Blakeley’s understanding of the challenges faced by students and teachers in New Jersey’s public schools was not abstract. Having attended a school in poor condition himself and later teaching in a school without air conditioning, he knew firsthand the impact of inadequate facilities on learning and well-being. “Students deserved better,” Blakeley would often say, reflecting on his experiences and the injustices he witnessed. These conditions not only posed immediate health risks but also symbolized a broader neglect of marginalized communities’ educational rights and opportunities.
Under Blakeley’s leadership, the Healthy Schools Now coalition experienced substantial growth and impact. He successfully expanded the coalition’s network by adding 25 new formal partners, demonstrating the increasing consensus around the need for reforming school facilities. His efforts to raise public awareness were evident in his authoring of six op-eds in major news outlets, including four in the NJ Star-Ledger.
One of Blakeley’s key initiatives was the establishment of the Healthy Schools Now Student Leadership Academy. By empowering students with leadership and advocacy skills, Blakeley sought to ensure that future generations would continue the fight for equitable educational facilities. This move was indicative of his belief in the transformative power of education and the importance of student voices in driving change.
Blakeley’s advocacy extended to various platforms, where he presented at numerous conferences and conventions to engage a wide array of stakeholders in the coalition’s efforts. His presentations at the NJ School Boards Convention, National Council of Urban Education Associations, and others were crucial in spreading the coalition’s message and garnering support from diverse audiences.
The Healthy Schools Now quarterly newsletter, another of Blakeley’s initiatives, served as an essential tool for keeping coalition partners, supporters, and the public informed about the campaign’s progress, initiatives, and ways to get involved.
Blakeley’s personal connection to the cause added a unique and powerful dimension to his work. “These emergency conditions impact the health, safety, and well-being of thousands of students, teachers, and other staff every day,” Blakeley stated, emphasizing the dire need for action in an article by the Education Law Center. His advocacy was driven by a deep understanding of the real-life implications of inadequate school facilities, informed by his experiences as a student and teacher in New Jersey’s public schools.
As someone who had personally navigated the challenges of both learning and teaching in schools with poor conditions, Blakeley’s commitment to educational reform in New Jersey was fueled by empathy, a clear vision for change, and an unwavering belief in the right of every child to a safe and supportive learning environment. His tenure with the Healthy Schools Now coalition laid the groundwork for continued advocacy and reform, aiming for a future where the educational infrastructure in New Jersey reflects the value and potential of every student. Through his dedication and leadership, Jerell Blakeley has become a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change in the fight for healthier, safer, and more equitable schools in New Jersey.