Dear Editor:
Board of Education elections typically attract an extremely low voter turnout. The citizens of Jersey City should make sure that this year is different, and that they get out and vote on April 20. There is too much at stake for people to stay home.
The school portion of property taxes will be going up 10 percent this year, and will almost certainly go even higher next year. Therefore it is essential that every penny is spent wisely. We spend way too much on administrative bureaucracy. There are 29 people at Board of Education headquarters who make $100,000 or more, including five associate superintendents, four executive assistants and eight special assistants. By abolishing some of these positions, along with other administrative positions at the schools themselves, we can reduce the number of teachers who will have to be laid off.
I am supporting Sterling Waterman and Carol Lester for the Board of Education because they will bring an independent approach and will challenge the Board’s established way of doing things. They will cut administrative waste and make sure that children are the top priority.
Sterling Waterman will provide the Board with a voice for parents. He was founder of the Parent Council Presidents Association, is president of the Concerned Parents’ Association at PS 16, and is a member of Parents and Communities United for Education. Carol Lester cofounded and served as board president of the Learning Community Charter School, one of the state’s top-performing charter schools.
The election is from 2 to 9 p.m. on April 20. Make sure you get out and vote for Sterling Waterman and Carol Lester.
Bill Armbruster