In an editorial, Jersey City Board of Education President Dejon Morris says that he would like to “move beyond public critiques” of the school board and work together as a cohesive unit.
As the president of the Jersey City School Board, I approach this response to Glenn Smith’s op-ed, “Building Trust & Centering Community in Jersey City’s Public Schools,” with respect, sincerity, and a deep commitment to engaging in meaningful dialogue.
I recognize the care and concern behind his words but must respectfully counter some of the claims that mischaracterize the work of the board and the progress we’ve made.
Mr. Smith’s critique centers on trust and community—values I not only share but hold as central to my leadership. Trust, particularly in public education, is not a given. It must be built with persistence and accountability.
Yet, building trust is a process, not an event, and it requires patience, engagement, and mutual effort. To suggest that this board has failed in that regard oversimplifies the complexities of our role and dismisses the strides we’ve made.
Let me be clear: transparency and community-centered leadership are priorities for this board.
In recent months, we’ve taken deliberate steps to involve the community, from public town halls to collaborative initiatives with parents, educators, and local organizations.
These efforts may not yet meet every expectation, but they reflect a board striving to bridge the gap between governance and the people it serves.
The claim that the board does not center the community also warrants correction.
Jersey City is one of the most diverse municipalities in the nation, and as a Black man deeply rooted in this community, I understand the weight of representation.
I have worked alongside my colleagues to ensure our policies reflect the lived realities of the families we serve—families who face economic challenges, cultural barriers, and systemic inequities.
These are not abstract issues to me; they are personal, and they are urgent.
I also believe we must address the systemic challenges that constrain our work. Budget cuts from the state have forced difficult decisions, ones that weigh heavily on this board.
These challenges are not unique to Jersey City but disproportionately affect urban districts serving scholars of color and working-class families. Criticism without context risks oversimplifying these realities and unfairly characterizing our efforts.
What I do appreciate about Mr. Smith’s piece is the shared desire to do better. We agree that our children deserve schools that uplift, empower, and prepare them for a bright future. Where we differ is in how we frame the narrative. I believe in acknowledging progress while remaining committed to improvement. I believe in highlighting challenges without discrediting the hard work of those striving to overcome them.
To Mr. Smith and others who share his concerns: let’s move beyond public critiques and toward direct engagement. My door is open.
Let’s sit down, exchange ideas, and work together to ensure our schools reflect the excellence our scholars deserve. Criticism, when paired with collaboration, can be transformative.
I’ve witnessed the power of community in action—the power of people coming together to create change. This is the spirit I bring to the Jersey City School Board and the spirit I invite you to join.
Let us remember that we are on the same side, striving for the same goal: the success of every child in Jersey City.
Together, we can build trust, center our community, and move our schools forward.
With respect and resolve,
Working together we can always achieve more
Dejon Morris
President, Jersey City School Board
This gentleman is the best thing that has happened to the jersey city school system!
I say this as I have experienced his empathy, commitment and unbiased approach to more Equity, Inclusion, and Acceptance. He took a serious challenge by addressing a well known homophobe and bully (“ bishop “ Militinia Bland), and was not afraid of her baseless threats of retaliation. Her organization BITE had a stronghold on the school’s previous board and even the chancellor, Dr Fernandez. She( Militinia)operated with impunity and disregard for the negative impact to the residents. She left a garden blighted and left owing over 240k in arrears to the school district! These are our tax dollars! Mr Morris, was the only one to take this intrenched bad situation without fear.
He, in my opinion, and many of the affected residents, is a true leader!
Thank you, Sir, for your dedication to acting in the best interest of the school children and the residents of Astor Place.
I wish you continued success snd hope that others in positions of power will mirror your actions.
This gentleman is a true leader and man of integrity. He took a bad situation made worse by the inaction and complicity of the previous board president (Gerald Lyons), and the schools chancellor. He took a great risk in order to correct it.
He evicted the BITE organization and the notorious bully and homophobe, “Bishop” Militinia Bland. This organization acted with impunity, due to the aforementioned group tasked to “manage” what happens on school grounds ( please visit the school boards public meeting for context). The previous board had plenty of complaints and many residents severely affected made suggestions, but ultimately, they were all ignored, until Mr Morris came on board. He acted in the best interest of the students and the community. By doing so, he also affirmed Equity, Acceptance and Inclusion, for all.
He is a leader and I hope others in position of power will mirror his actions.
Continued success, Mr Morris
How dare the taxpayers question the system they obligated to fund !
It not like anyone else is supervising them and their multi-million dollar budget.
As long as student proficiency in stem subjects are excellent there is no problem> Right ?