Dr. Marie M. Dupont, a Haitian-born educator and clinical psychologist in Roselle, has publicly challenged New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) President Sean M. Spiller over his use of union funds for his gubernatorial campaign while local educators, including those in Roselle, work without a contract.
In an open letter addressed to Spiller, Dupont—a Roselle Public Schools teacher and candidate for Roselle’s 4th Ward Council—accused the NJEA of prioritizing Spiller’s political ambitions over the needs of rank-and-file members.
The Roselle Education Association (REA) has been in contract negotiations since June 2024, with no resolution in sight. Meanwhile, Dupont noted reports that the NJEA has allocated $35 million in union dues to support Spiller’s gubernatorial bid.
Dupont’s letter outlines six demands for Spiller and the NJEA, framing them as statewide concerns:
- Salaries Tied to Cost of Living – New Jersey’s high living expenses, particularly in regions near New York City, require wages that keep pace with inflation.
- Elimination of “At the Discretion of the Superintendent” Clauses – Such language, Dupont argues, allows unilateral administrative decisions that weaken job security.
- Ending the Link Between Teacher Pay and Student Test Scores – Unlike administrators, teachers are often evaluated based on factors beyond their control, creating an unfair system.
- Compensation for Extended Work Hours – Mandatory unpaid meetings and duties amount to “exploitation,” she contends.
- Transparency in Contract Negotiations – Educators should have the right to observe bargaining sessions that determine their working conditions.
- Acknowledgment of External Factors in Student Performance – Dupont compares teachers to gardeners tending diverse plants, emphasizing that socioeconomic conditions, home environments, and systemic inequities heavily influence outcomes.
Broader Implications for NJEA and Spiller’s Campaign
The letter arrives at a critical moment for Spiller, who has positioned himself as a champion of public education in his gubernatorial bid. However, Dupont’s critique raises questions about whether the NJEA’s political spending aligns with its obligation to prioritize members’ immediate needs.
Some educators have echoed her concerns, suggesting a disconnect between union leadership and rank-and-file teachers. “We pay dues expecting representation, not political endorsements,” said one Roselle teacher who requested anonymity due to fear of retaliation.
The NJEA has not yet issued a public response. Spiller’s campaign, meanwhile, has emphasized his record on education funding and teacher advocacy. But with New Jersey’s June 10 primary approaching, Dupont’s challenge forces a reckoning: Should union resources fund political ambitions while local contracts remain unresolved?
“What have you done for us lately, Mr. Spiller?” Dupont wrote. “When teachers are working under expired contracts, without raises adjusted to the cost of living, how can we in good conscience reward silence with votes?”