Dear Editor:
As a Councilperson, I take my job very seriously. I believe one of my obligations is to support every school, every child and every family in Hoboken. Especially when I am lobbied to for support, as was the case.
I fully understand both sides of the issues regarding charter schools. However, I have to take issue with the recent action of the Hoboken Board of Education against the expansion of the HoLa Charter School. Taking legal action against the school is certainly not the answer; it only serves to further divide this community and sends the wrong message to our children.
There was a request for a two-pronged resolution before the City Council: first asking that the Hoboken Board of Education drop the legal action against the HoLa Charter School expansion and second, that Leon Gold, President of the Hoboken Board of Education, apologize for his offensive remarks regarding “white flight.”
At the May 21st Council meeting, I sponsored the requested resolution which Councilman Russo was the co-sponsor. After much debate, Councilpersons Russo, Mason, Occhipinti and I voted to support the legislation. The Zimmer faction, Councilpersons Doyle, Giattino, Cunnigham, and Bhalla voted inlock-step against the resolution. Further, Councilman Mello removed himself from the dais in protest of the vote.
In my opinion, the resolution was an effort to put an end to the divisiveness and seek an apology for Gold’s hurtful remarks, and begin the healing process.
Unfortunately, the Zimmer faction chose to put their politics before our children, opting to continue an arrogant and divisive agenda against the best interests of our city’s well being.
Respectfully,
Theresa Castellano
First Ward Councilwoman