Dear Editor,
The Board of Education election this Tuesday, April 21st gives us a unique opportunity to shape the future of Hoboken. That is why I am supporting the Kids First slate and ask you to do the same.
We spend a lot of political time and capital focusing on infrastructure – public safety, transportation (roads, parking, flooding), open space, development, and budget and taxes.
With the BOE election we get to focus on Hoboken’s “academic and intellectual” infrastructure. Next to public safety this must be our highest priority.
For Hoboken to continue to prosper our school system must rank in New Jersey’s top tier. For families who have lived in Hoboken for generations we must make sure their children get the best possible education so they are well prepared to maximize their potential. For families new to Hoboken we must have schools of high quality so when their children are ready for school they choose to stay in Hoboken rather than move to the suburbs.
Educational excellence starts with leadership excellence. The Kids First slate of Hoboken moms – Theresa Minutillo, Maureen Sullivan and Ruth McAllister – will focus the Board of Education on evidence-based metrics to measure student, teacher, school and systemwide performance and quality.
And Kids First understands that the best single measure of the system’s overall performance is if enrollment rises as hundreds of Hoboken school-age children who don’t attend our public schools do so.
As Mayor I look forward to working closely with Theresa, Maureen and Ruth, Kids First, to develop a five year top-tier plan and to help them make it happen.
Thank you.
Dawn Zimmer
4th Ward Councilwoman & Mayoral Candidate