Dear Editor:
When running for Board of Education last year with Kids First, one of our promises was the opportunity for the community to participate in the decisions. When given the role of Chairperson of the Curriculum and Programs Committee, one change that I instituted was to hold most meetings publicly so that all stakeholders could participate in the discussion about proposed programs. I am proud to have offered this public dialogue on important district issues as Special Education, Gifted and Talented, General Curriculum concerns and, most recently, the One to One Laptop Program.
The laptop program was discussed in at least two Open Curriculum Committee meetings as well as introduced in a presentation at a special Board of Education meeting on December 1st 2009. I am especially proud as on Tuesday evening, the Hoboken Board of Education approved this Laptop Program for our 7th and 8th graders funded by federal stimulus dollars (not local taxes). This is one of many steps taken to give our children the advantages they need to succeed. Our school district serves a diverse population and we are committed to offering programs that enhance the education for every student. By bridging the “digital divide” that exists between wealthy and poor students we give all children equal access to new opportunities and new resources despite their incomes. Equalizing the playing field will improve achievement overall and open new doors for all of our students.
I am equally excited to announce that at Tuesday’s meeting, the BA informed the public that a fiscal monitor was slated to come to our district however, due to the smart choices and efficient staffing decisions we have made, the monitor will no longer be needed.
Kids First has worked hard this year to put the house in order. We still have a lot of work to do, and we need your support to do it. I am asking you to support us again on April 20th and VOTE, for the KIDS FIRST 2010 Team, Incumbents, Rose Marie Markle and Irene Sobolov and Candidates Leon Gold and Jean Marie Mitchell.
With kind regards,
Ruthy McAllister
Hoboken Board of Education Trustee