Jersey City Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Norma Fernandez says the district is in the process of identifying students that are enrolled illegally.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“This letter will confirm that, in order for your child to be registered and enrolled in the Jersey City Public Schools, you and your child must be residents of and live in Jersey City,” Fernandez said in a letter to parents and guardians.
“This letter will likewise confirm that the Jersey City Public Schools is currently engaged in the process of identifying students who are not legally entitled to be enrolled in and to attend the District’s schools. This is a District-wide project and involves students currently enrolled for the 2021/2022 school year from Pre-k through 12th grade.”
She continued that state statute allow them to remove any non-residents from the district programs, including their early childhood care providers.
“In addition, please be advised further that a determination that a student was not eligible to a free education from the Jersey City Public Schools may result in a parent being assessed tuition for the entire period of time the student was ineligible. This assessment may span multiple school years.”
Fernandez’s letter did not provide any specifics as to what spurned the investigation and/or what schools were being heavily impacted.
However, a source with knowledge of the situation, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, said that the preschools were the area of the greatest concern as it pertains to fraudulent enrollments.
Fernandez did not return a call seeking further comment this afternoon.