Dear Editor:
Although it has been several weeks since the article appeared, I wanted to respond to the Hoboken Reporter story on the renewal of the Hoboken Charter School lease. It was not a case of “us vs. them” – a phrase some people use to simplify a complex relationship between Boards of Education and charter schools in an effort to stifle debate. And, it was not all about the money, even though a 30% reduction in rent is a significant boon to Hoboken Charter and there are many ways that the money could have been spent within the district to improve the quality of education we provide.
The decision by the majority of the Hoboken Board of Education to reduce the rent of the Hoboken Charter School was yet another case of who-knows-who(m) decision-making substituting for good government. Space within the district is at a premium because of the inclusion of 3-year-olds, an increase in student enrollment, and the need for swing space during the implementation of the facilities plan. Why then, would the Board of Education vote to reduce our tenant’s rent? Could it be that the early Christmas present was an attempt to gain favor with the Hoboken Charter School supporters?
Who-knows-who items were the only flavor being served on the agenda that December night. In addition to the lease, we were asked to vote on yet another concurrent legal contract. That makes (1) General Counsel, Hanley and Ryglicki; (2) Special Counsel to the Hoboken District for Abbot school issues, Scarinci & Hollenbeck; (3) Labor Counsel, Murray & Murray; (4) Workers’ Compensation Counsel, Murray and Murray; (5) Bond Counsel; and now (6) Assistant Board Counsel, Bob Murray. Our students need textbooks, reading tutors, nurses and space. Instead they get more lawyers.
Members of the public need to take a good look at what is going on in the Hoboken schools. Without informed open dialogue, decisions will reflect select interests and divert dollars away from where they can make a real difference in the lives of our students. I can be reached at (201) 795-9728 in the early evenings or by e-mail at hbkntb@hotmail.com.
Theresa Burns
Board Trustee