The Jersey City Education Association (JCEA) is endorsing the “Leadership That Listens” slate over the incumbents and other competitors in a crowded 13-person race on November 3rd.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
That team has Julietta Vogt, Videsh Bahadur, and Fernando Garcia running for three-year terms, while Zebedayo Masongo is seeking the one-year term.
“Jersey City Public Schools are once again at a crossroads, and the decisions made by the next Board will have lasting consequences for our students, educators, families, and community,” JCEA President Ron Greco said in a statement.
“We need trustees who understand that good leadership begins with listening to educators, parents, students, administrators, and the broader community, and who are willing to work collaboratively to find responsible solutions.”
The JCEA further cited the Leadership That Listens team’s collective experience and range of professional backgrounds as particularly important as the district prepares to navigate challenging economic circumstances and decisions involving staffing, facilities, academic programming, and long-term planning.
“The Leadership That Listens team brings a robust combination of skills and experience that we believe the Board needs at this moment,” Greco continued.
“They have demonstrated a willingness to listen, analyze complex issues, work with people who may not always agree, and approach difficult decisions thoughtfully. Just as importantly, they understand that the focus of this work must remain on the children of Jersey City.”
It’s been over a decade since the JCEA endorsed a slate with no incumbents, making this endorsement a significant break from tradition, at least in recent memory.
“An effective Board cannot operate in isolation. Trustees must be responsive and willing to work with everyone from the Superintendent and district staff to educators, parents, and the broader Jersey City community,” Greco added.
“We believe Julietta, Videsh, Fernando, and Zebedayo understand that responsibility, and JCEA is proud to support the Leadership That Listens team for Jersey City Board of Education.”
Trustees Dejon Morris, the board vice president, Alpa Patel, and Dr. George Blount are running with newcomer Vanessa Rodriguez, who is seeking the one-year term.
In 2023, Morris, Patel, and Blount successfully ran with the backing of the JCEA.
“We are incredibly grateful to have the support of the Jersey City Education Association and the educators and school employees who dedicate themselves to our students every day. We know an endorsement comes with a responsibility to put in the work,” Leadership That Listens said in a joint statement.
“If elected, we are committed to building a collaborative relationship with JCEA, listening to the people working in our schools every day, and having the honest conversations necessary to move our district forward. We may not always agree on every issue, but we will always come to the table ready to listen, ask questions, and work together toward what is best for Jersey City’s students.”
This year’s race has a third faction in the form of the “For Stronger Schools,” where Jessica Taube, Chloe Williams, and Danielle Walker are running for three-year terms, and former Trustee Gina Verdibello seeking the one-year seat.
Meanwhile, Yasmine Clark is the only candidate running independently in the non-partisan contest.
