The Hoboken Board of Education discussed what to do with additional aid resulting from a state Supreme Court ruling, voted to advertise 100 spots to allow out-of-town students to attend Hoboken schools for the 2012-2013 academic year, and recognized some educators as “Teachers of the Year” at its meeting Tuesday.
The board also recognized the Hoboken High School baseball team with a plaque. The team won the Hudson County championship this year.
‘We want to make sure we put a significant amount into the classrooms.’ – Dr. Mark Toback
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Superintendent of Schools Mark Toback said expenditures of the additional funds need to be approved by the Board of Education.
One goal, he said, is to purchase “smart boards” for classrooms in the district. Smart boards are interactive whiteboards that have been quickly replacing old school chalkboards in classrooms. They allow for the use of the Internet, videos, as well as dynamic lesson plans.
“Sixty smart boards can be deployed throughout the school district,” Toback said. “There are a small number of smart boards in the elementary schools…we can expand that dramatically.”
Toback said adding the smart boards would be “a huge step in moving our classrooms into the 21st century.”
Toback said that other possible expenditures could include capital improvement projects, purchasing textbooks instead of leasing them on an annual basis, and adding to the district’s budget surplus in case financial problems arise.
“We want to make sure we put a significant amount [of the money] into the classrooms,” Toback said after the meeting. He said the smart boards are a way to “revolutionize the district.”
Toback delivered a presentation to the board about capital improvement projects throughout the city’s school system.
The presentation outlined plans for each of the schools. They include replacing boilers, making sidewalk repairs, resurfacing play areas, and other housekeeping costs.
Toback said the repairs would “avoid the high cost of deferred maintenance” and would “maintain critical things like heating.”
New assistant superintendent hired
The board also appointed Dr. Miguel Hernandez for the position of assistant superintendent effective Aug. 15.
Hernandez has a background in special education and recently worked in the Newark school district as a regional superintendent.
The board appointed him unanimously at a salary of $144,000. The contract will become official if it is approved by the state Department of Education.
School choice debate
The board voted to advertise 100 open spots for the “School Choice” program for the 2012-2013 academic year, which will allow students from out of the district to attend Hoboken schools.
The school choice program brings more state aid to the district. Board Secretary Robert Davis said the district would make money on the program.
One board member said the program is not just about out-of-towners who want to attend Hoboken’s schools, but also former members of the community who move out of town but wish to remain in the district.
“A number of parents forced to leave Hoboken for economic reasons still want to send their children to the school system because they feel it’s very good,” said board member Leon Gold.
‘You’re a loser’
The meeting ended with a fight, and board member Maureen Sullivan stormed out of the meeting during the public portion.
The dispute began when Jean Marie Mitchell, a former board member and parent in the district, got up to speak. She said she was “sick of the negativity” from Sullivan. Mitchell said she is a proud district parent, and mentioned that Sullivan’s children are not in the district.
Sullivan used to be allied with the “Kids First” board majority who are supported by Mayor Dawn Zimmer, but she has been critical of them for several years.
Mitchell’s remark about her children upset Sullivan, who warned Mitchell, “Don’t go there.”
Sullivan gathered her things and stormed toward the exit, turning to Mitchell and saying, “You’re a loser, Jean Marie.”
Mitchell lost her board seat in the April 27 school board election.
Mitchell said she just wanted to point out that she is proud of Toback and the job the district is doing, and disagreed with Sullivan on statements made during her tenure.
Ray Smith may be reached at RSmith@hudsonreporter.com
SIDEBAR
Teachers of the year
The Hoboken Board of Education honored six teachers from the city’s five public schools on Tuesday night, awarding them with the title of “Teacher of the Year.”
Each recipient received a proclamation from the district, as well as a standing ovation from the audience members.
Elise Rosenberg was honored from Wallace School. Kenneth Turso, who is retiring at the end of this academic year, was awarded as the “Teacher of the Year” from Connors School. Sharlette Cullen, a teacher for 12 years, was recognized from Calabro School, and Elizabeth Schwartz was named “Teacher of the Year” from Brandt School.
At Hoboken High School, two teachers shared the “Teacher of the Year” distinction, Rachel Grygiel and Michelle Switaj.