Jersey City Ward D Councilman Yousef Saleh and Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez, running mates in the June 10th primary, are pushing for school funding reform in light of the Jersey City Board of Education approving an over $1 billion budget Wednesday evening.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Our children are being shortchanged by a system that doesn’t reflect the realities of our public schools,” Saleh said in a statement.
“As someone who came up through the Jersey City Public Schools from pre-K to high school, I know what a fully funded education can mean for a child’s future. This budget crisis is not new, and we owe it to our students to act.”
The newly approved budget, which was approved 6-2, reflects an $8.4 million decrease from the previous year, including a $4 million reduction in state aid, as HCV first reported.
Since the 2018 implementation of the S-2 formula, Jersey City public schools have lost tens of millions of dollars, even as enrollment, costs, and student needs continue to rise.
Ramirez, who is seeking a second term to represent most of Jersey City and all of Hoboken in Trenton, emphasized the need for statewide collaboration to ensure all districts are treated fairly.
“No matter where a child lives, they deserve access to a high-quality education. We recognize the pressures local districts are under, especially in growing, diverse communities like Jersey City,” she added.
“We’re committed to working with our colleagues in Trenton to find solutions that strengthen our schools and support our families.”
The LD-32 primary features a rare six-way race that include includes Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla and Katie Brennan, as well as Jennie Pu and Crystal Fonseca, who are running with the backing of the Hudson County Democratic Organization.
Brennan, who attended Wednesday’s public meeting, and Pu have also said they would prioritize revamping the school funding formula if elected.
“Jersey City is one of the most diverse and dynamic cities in New Jersey. Our schools should be equipped to match that energy and provide every student with the resources they need to succeed,” added Saleh.
“Public education opened doors for both of us. We’re fighting to make sure today’s students have even more opportunity, and that begins with fair, adequate, and sustainable funding,” noted Ramirez.
