Dear Editor:
It is with thoughtful consideration that I have decided not to seek re-election for my seat on the Hoboken Board of Education. After years of being able to balance the needs of my family, career and board duties, I have discovered that I can no longer give the required time necessary for another three-year term. I fully support the Hoboken Public School District, Dr. Toback’s leadership and the board majority. I am proud of the accomplishments of the Kids First majority and grateful to everyone that supported Kids First and me these past six years.
In 2006, when I was 8 months pregnant, I was elected to the Hoboken Board of Education after several years as a volunteer at Hoboken High. I was honored to be re-elected to a second term and will always be incredibly proud of being part of such wonderful, positive progress in the district.
There have been many decisions and discussions over the past six years, however one thing remained constant; it was always about the students. I was thrilled to cast a vote for Dr. Toback, our new Superintendent and happy to support him on the many great initiatives that he proposed: a new Special Education Center, Culinary Arts Commercial Kitchen and Cafe, creation of an AP Program, a new Gifted & Talented Program, high school courses for college credits, building new Science labs at Connors, the end of the students in trailers, an expanded school day and a focus on staff support and professional development. I am proudest of all that every student in every school is treated equally, not one building gets special treatment. If one school gets new books and Smart boards, they all get them!
Another effort I am so proud to be part of is the fairness and transparency in the “back office”. Not often noticed by parents, but a smooth running and efficient business office means more time and money for the kids. No more illegal contracts, no more huge judgments, no more employment irregularities and certainly no more $1,200 dinner tabs!
Six years later, my daughter is now entering first grade in Wallace School. I am extremely proud of the education that she is receiving and I look forward to watching her enjoy all that the district has to offer; district wide plays, Summer Enrichment Camp, the After School Program and simply playing in the school yard with all her new friends. I look forward to my continued involvement in the PTO and helping out where and when I can.
I am honored to have been able to serve the students and families of Hoboken for six years and I am confident that the district and my child’s education will be in great hands with a continued Kids First majority and the election of Ruth McAllister, Jean Marie Mitchell and Tom Kluepfel.
Sincerely,
Theresa Minutillo
Hoboken School Board Trustee