It goes without saying that Hoboken’s public schools are a cornerstone of our community, and it’s essential that we continue to advocate for their success.
Growing up attending public schools in a community where the school district was central to our town, I developed a lasting commitment to public education and advocating for children. That commitment drives my work here in Hoboken. I’m proud to share the progress we’ve made in securing over $500,000 annually in funding for our public schools, including the Hoboken Public School District and our three charter schools—Elysian, Hoboken Charter, and HoLa.
In my first year on the City Council in 2016, disctussions began about allocating funds to our schools from significant PILOT agreements (payments in lieu of taxes). While I have consistently opposed PILOTs for residential development in Hoboken, believing they are unnecessary and not in the best interest of our community, I insisted that if such agreements were made—despite typically excluding resources for education—they must provide meaningful support to our public schools.
Our first opportunity to allocate PILOT funds came in 2020 with the 770 House project, and it quickly reignited the long-standing tensions between our district and charter schools. After fully analyzing the state charter school funding formula—something no one else had done—I realized that without careful consideration, these funds could be unjustly allocated in a way that would harm our charter schools. I then shared my findings with our school leaders. Throughout this process, I stood firm in advocating for equitable treatment for all students, whether they attend a district or charter school.
I was resolved to work closely as one of the City Council members chosen by our school leaders, including CM Ruben Ramos, CM Jim Doyle, and CW Emily Jabbour, and ensure that the funding was not just a token gesture but a meaningful, ongoing investment in our schools. The process wasn’t always easy. While there was early talk of complex structure to distribute funds, our city attorneys later confirmed that direct payments were always permissible, simplifying the structure significantly. And when talks broke down this week, with the mayor's office and CW Jabbour holding firm at just a 1% annual increase, I fought alongside our school leaders and CM Ramos to secure enough support for at least a 2% annual increase. We ultimately prevailed because it’s the right thing to do for our schools and our children’s future.
While many contributed to this success, I am especially grateful to our school leaders who stayed united and worked together throughout the process. Their collaboration and partnership were crucial to getting this done. I’m honored to have played a pivotal role in standing up for what mattered most—ensuring fairness for all of our schools. The PILOT funding will help address the gap left by stagnant State Aid, and I remain committed to ensuring these funds benefit every student in our public schools, whether they attend a district or charter school. This outcome shows what’s possible when we come together, informed by facts and guided by a shared commitment to our community.
My efforts were not just about securing funding but about fostering collaboration among school leaders. By pushing our district and charter school leaders to unite in their efforts and embrace our shared goal of investing in our schools and children, we broke down longstanding barriers, turning a previously divided landscape into one of cooperation. In my humble opinion, which I know is shared by many involved, this unity is, without a doubt, the biggest win of all.
Together, we’ve made a meaningful, long-lasting difference. Let’s continue building on this progress to ensure a bright future for all of Hoboken’s children.
As always, please share this with everyone you know who may be interested and reach out any time on any issue important to you: 201-208-1764 or [email protected].
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