Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Hey, NJ! This week, we're talking about "Blue Ribbon" awards.
A recent NJ Spotlight News investigation found that more than a dozen New Jersey schools paid thousands for private “Blue Ribbon” awards resembling the federal academic honor. Critics call the practice deceptive and potentially illegal, especially after a Newark charter school received the designation despite weak academic performance and ongoing operational concerns.
Hosts Maddi Ference and John P. McAlpin are joined by urban education writer Julie O'Connor to discuss her reporting, the state's response and the implications for parents and communities.
We want to hear from you! What stories should we be covering? What questions should we be asking? Let us know! Send an email to underthedome@njspotlightnews.org.
00:00 - Introduction
02:19 - The "other" Blue Ribbon award
03:21 - Parents react
04:43 - Differing application processes
06:50 - New Jersey's response
07:38 - Consumer affairs reaction
09:59 - The New Horizons charter school example
13:22 - Status of federal Blue Ribbon award
14:47 - More about Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence
15:59 - Why is the award such a big deal?
18:21 - New Horizons' staff response
19:44 - Closing
Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE for daily videos: bit.ly/1ERsYqw
This program is made possible by viewers like you. Please support NJ Spotlight News: njspotlightnews.org/member-benefits
Sign up for our daily newsletter: njspotlightnews.org/newsletters
Follow NJ Spotlight News:
Facebook: facebook.com/njspotlightnews
Instagram: instagram.com/njspotlightnews
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/njspotlightnews.org
TikTok: tiktok.com/@njspotlightnews?_t=8VUNKN33vpu&_r=1
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While NJ PBS does not and cannot review every submission and is not responsible for the content of your comments, NJ Spotlight News reserves the right to delete, remove, move, or edit comments that it, in its sole discretion, deems abusive, defamatory, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate or unacceptable for any reason.
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NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi is a nightly news program that airs weekdays on NJ PBS that covers local New Jersey news. Be sure to share with us your story ideas, feedback and tips about news in your neighborhood: bit.ly/32zwJDT
NJ Spotlight News airs every weeknight at 6:30, 7:30 and 11 p.m. ET on NJ PBS.
Hey, NJ! This week, we're talking about "Blue Ribbon" awards.
A recent NJ Spotlight News investigation found that more than a dozen New Jersey schools paid thousands for private “Blue Ribbon” awards resembling the federal academic honor. Critics call the practice deceptive and potentially illegal, especially after a Newark charter school received the designation despite weak academic performance and ongoing operational concerns.
Hosts Maddi Ference and John P. McAlpin are joined by urban education writer Julie O'Connor to discuss her reporting, the state's response and the implications for parents and communities.
We want to hear from you! What stories should we be covering? What questions should we be asking? Let us know! Send an email to underthedome@njspotlightnews.org.
00:00 - Introduction
02:19 - The "other" Blue Ribbon award
03:21 - Parents react
04:43 - Differing application processes
06:50 - New Jersey's response
07:38 - Consumer affairs reaction
09:59 - The New Horizons charter school example
13:22 - Status of federal Blue Ribbon award
14:47 - More about Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence
15:59 - Why is the award such a big deal?
18:21 - New Horizons' staff response
19:44 - Closing
Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE for daily videos: bit.ly/1ERsYqw
This program is made possible by viewers like you. Please support NJ Spotlight News: njspotlightnews.org/member-benefits
Sign up for our daily newsletter: njspotlightnews.org/newsletters
Follow NJ Spotlight News:
Facebook: facebook.com/njspotlightnews
Instagram: instagram.com/njspotlightnews
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/njspotlightnews.org
TikTok: tiktok.com/@njspotlightnews?_t=8VUNKN33vpu&_r=1
-----------------
While NJ PBS does not and cannot review every submission and is not responsible for the content of your comments, NJ Spotlight News reserves the right to delete, remove, move, or edit comments that it, in its sole discretion, deems abusive, defamatory, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate or unacceptable for any reason.
-----------------
NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi is a nightly news program that airs weekdays on NJ PBS that covers local New Jersey news. Be sure to share with us your story ideas, feedback and tips about news in your neighborhood: bit.ly/32zwJDT
NJ Spotlight News airs every weeknight at 6:30, 7:30 and 11 p.m. ET on NJ PBS.
