The Hoboken Board of Education responded to last night’s $241 million referendum being voted down, stating in part that “our aim is to create an equitable educational experience.”
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“We believe that local, long-term investment, which includes community involvement, in our education system, is important and necessary, and we look forward to discussing our plans moving forward,” the school district said in a statement to parents and guardians this afternoon.
“We will continue to reinforce that our aim is to create an equitable educational experience, with minimal financial impact, including shielding residents in the HHA or in PILOT’d properties from the impact altogether. We also want to reassure our pre-k population that this, or any project like it, would not threaten the free pre/k program.”
They also acknowledged the “support and dedication” of the Hoboken Public School District staff, as well as telling those who voted no or were unsure of the plan “we appreciate your concerns and feedback.”
The referendum was voted down by a 2-1 margin last night, with the electorate deciding that large amenities like a new football stadium, ice skating rink, black box theater, gym, and two auditoriums were not worth the $496 annual tax increase.
Many who voted no also indicated that they could not support a plan, which was first submitted to the state in September 2019, that did not have robust public input.
Since the plan was voted down by the community at large, the BOE cannot unveil a new school project for at least one calendar year.