Twelve candidates are competing for three seats on the nine-member Jersey City Board of Education election on April 21.
Members take on an advisory role to state-appointed Schools Superintendent Charles Epps. The Jersey City school system has been under state control since 1989 due to failing test scores. But legislation was approved in 2005 that will start the process of moving control back into city supervision over the next couple of years.
The incumbents running are Anthony Cucci and William DeRosa, while board member Edward Cheatam has chosen not to run for another term. Also running are Sean Connors, Khaled Dardir, Eric Goldsmith, Mario Gonzalez, Charles W. Johnson, Abdul J. Malik, Azam A. Riaz, Moshe Rozenblit, Patricia Sebron, and Tom Wilen.
What also makes this election interesting is that on the same day, the public can vote for the first time in 20 years to approve the local tax portion of the district’s $629.8 budget. They will be voting on the $93 million tax levy. If the levy fails, the school budget will go to the state’s Department of Education for more cuts.
This week, the Jersey City Reporter will profile the first four candidates (in alphabetical order) running for the board. In subsequent weeks, the others will be profiled.
This week’s profiles include a police detective and three teachers.
Sean Connors
A Jersey City native, Connors, 40, went to Public School 20 and St. Paul’s Grammar School, and is a graduate of Hudson Catholic High School. He attended Hudson County Community College for a year before he joined the Hudson County Police Department. He subsequently joined the Jersey City Police Department in 1994. Connors was promoted to the rank of detective in 2002. He currently lives in Jersey City Heights. Connors ran in 2007 for the state Senate seat in the 32nd District but lost. He is running on a ticket with candidates Patricia Sebron and William DeRosa. He is single.
Why are you running for the board?
I think that I can be a very integral part of the school system, given my experience with the Police Department while growing up in Jersey City and being involved in many programs such as Little League and Cub Scouts.
Why should the public vote for you?
The one thing I have is Jersey City in my heart and will always put Jersey City first. And what I would like to put first is the future of our school system.
What issue(s) will you address first when you get in office?
One of the things that I think is vital is a new high school is needed. When I look at Dickinson High School, I just don’t think it’s fit for today’s situation. We need a state-of-the-art high school in the Jersey City Heights with first-rate sporting facilities.
Anthony Cucci
Cucci, 86, is best known for his stint as Jersey City Mayor from 1985-1989. Cucci was born and raised in downtown Jersey City’s Village section. He is a graduate of Jersey City public schools, and graduated from Seton Hall University. He taught in the Jersey City public schools for six years as a substitute teacher and for 12 years in the New York City public school system as an adult education teacher. Cucci was a Jersey City councilman from 1977-1981, and ran for mayor in 1981 but lost. He is also a veteran of World War II, including the Battle of Iwo Jima while in the Marine Corps. He has served on the board since 2000.
Why are you running for the board?
I am running again because I feel as though I have some very positive things that I support, and can be done and should be done to bring our [school district] closer to the success that all municipalities like to enjoy in education.
Why should the public vote for you?
I lend a very strong, independent voice to those goals that certainly are what should be in place for education.
What issue(s) will you address first if you get in office?
The one thing I want to be is a watchdog against cheap political efforts that are obstacles in the way of education.
Khaled Dardir
Dardir, 22, was born and raised in Jersey City. He attended Public School 25 and went to high school in Egypt. He graduated from Kean University. He is single.
He is currently a teacher at the Mary J. Donahoe School in Bayonne, and is a volunteer at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City.
Why are you running for the board?
The Jersey City school system definitely needs improvement, and funding shouldn’t be scattered such as for private school vouchers.
Why should the public vote for you?
I am sincerely here only for the public, and I do a lot of volunteer work all over for no pay. My only interest is the satisfaction of the students, parents, and the citizens.
What issue(s) will you address first if you get in office?
Private school vouchers, merit pay, funding of charter schools, and upgrading of facilities.
William DeRosa
DeRosa, 67, was born and raised in Jersey City. He is a graduate of Public School 30 and Snyder High School in Jersey City. He later graduated from Jersey City State College (now New Jersey City University). He taught social studies for 34 years at Lincoln High School in Jersey City. DeRosa is married with two children and six grandchildren. He has served on the Board of Education since 2000 and board president since 2002.
Why are you running for the board?
As a former educator who taught at Lincoln High School, I have committed myself to public education. I would be honored to have the opportunity to be involved in the decision-making process for our district for the next 3 years.
Why should the public vote for you?
I take pride in the fact that I am able to work with the superintendent, board members, administrators, school staff, parents, community groups, and both instructional and non-instructional personnel.
What issue(s) will you address first if you get in office?
The New Jersey State QSAC (Quality Single Accountability Continuum) Process reviewed the district in five areas. We have gained local control in governance, finance and operations. Only personnel and educational programs are not under local control. If re-elected, I will make it my priority to return all five areas to local control.
Ricardo Kaulessar can be reached at rkaulessar@hudsonrreporter.com.