In an editorial, Sumit “Sam” Salia explains why he’s running for a Jersey City Board of Education seat again and explains why he’s giving it another shot.
I’m Sumit “Sam” Salia—an immigrant, proud U.S. Army veteran, pharmacist, small business owner, and a Jersey City resident for over 15 years. More importantly, I’m a father to an eight-year-old enrolled in our public schools.
These roles are more than titles—they are the driving force behind my candidacy for the Jersey City Board of Education.
This is my third consecutive run for school board, and I’m doing it independently—again—not because it’s easy, but because the problems remain the same, the answers are recycled, and the results never change. Our kids deserve better, and so do we.
The Problem: Big Budgets, Broken Schools
Let’s start with the facts:
• Our school district operates on a staggering $1+ billion annual budget, the largest of any municipal entity in New Jersey. Yet, we consistently fail to rank among the top 100 school districts in the state.
• School property taxes have surged by over 40% in just a few years, and still, parents are sending their children to buildings with unreliable restrooms, failing HVAC systems, roof leaking and deteriorating infrastructure etc.
• Audits are rare, and accountability is virtually nonexistent. Parents and taxpayers are kept in the dark, forced to trust a system that keeps letting them down.
The result? A school system where parents are frustrated, taxpayers are ignored, and children are the ones paying the price.
My Vision: Common-Sense, Urgent, and Transparent Reform
We don’t need more talking points. We need action. I’m not running on slogans—I’m running on practical, measurable solutions. And I’m committed to making room at the table for input from every stakeholder.
Here’s where we begin:
• Zero-Based Budgeting – Every dollar must be justified, prioritized, and allocated to programs that directly benefit students. Wasteful spending ends here.
• Frequent Independent Audits – No more waiting years. Let’s bring in third-party audits every four months so taxpayers can track exactly where their money is going.
• Immediate Infrastructure Repairs – clean restrooms, functional heating and cooling—basic upgrades delivered in months, not years.
• Governance Overhaul – End the political blame game. Introduce hybrid stakeholder representation. Elevate student performance in science, arts, and athletics. Expand programs for children with special needs.
• Invest in Our Educators – Establish a “Teachers Academy” with ongoing training, performance-based rewards, and a clear career path. Public schools should compete with private institutions—and win.
• Maximize use of School Spaces and Resources – Partner with local businesses and nonprofits to launch after-school enrichment programs, vocational training, and revenue-generating community initiatives.
The Call: Let’s Run—Together
This isn’t just my campaign. It’s a movement. And I’m inviting you to be part of it—not just as a supporter, but as a candidate.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, entrepreneur, or simply a concerned resident, you deserve a seat at the table.
For far too long, the school board has been dominated by politically installed candidates, backed by entrenched interests and unaccountable power brokers. That’s why we’re stuck.
Change doesn’t come easy. If you choose to run independently, be prepared: political machines will try to discredit you, isolate you, outspend you. But if you’re committed to the future of our kids, it’s a battle worth fighting—and winning.
I’m building a team of parents and taxpayers ready to disrupt the status quo with urgency, courage, and integrity. If that sounds like you, let’s talk.
Email me at vote4salia@gmail.com.
Deadline to file is Monday, July 28, 2025.
Together, we can restore faith in our public schools—and build a system that finally serves our children, not politics.
In service,
Sumit “Sam” Salia
About the Author
Sumit “Sam” Salia is a U.S. Army veteran, immigrant, pharmacist, small business owner, proud parent and a longtime Jersey City resident. He is running as an independent candidate for the Jersey City Board of Education in 2025.
