Jersey City Ward E Councilman James Solomon is backing the “For Stronger Schools” slate in the local board of education race, stating that they are committed to “remaking” the school board.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Matt Schneider and Tia Rezabala are committed to not just reforming Jersey City’s School Board, but remaking it. For too long, the Jersey City School Board has been focused on egos and power instead of our students, and it’s led to a school system that is not living up to its potential for our kids,” Solomon said in a statement.
“Matt and Tia are running against well-funded opponents who represent the status quo, so it’s time we elect these two important change-makers to the school board.”
Solomon is the third mayoral candidate to endorse in the school board race.
Schneider and Rezabala just received the support of Council President Joyce Watterman on Monday, while Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2) endorsed the “Education Matters” team last month.
Like Watterman, Solomon declined to endorse a third candidate in the race (three school board seats are up for grabs).
“I want to thank Councilman James Solomon for his endorsement. As a fellow parent with children in Jersey City public schools, he understands the need for transparency, accountability, and community engagement with the school board,” Schneider stated.
“Tia and I are running as independent candidates on the ‘For Stronger Schools’ ticket and are committed to change. We’re focused on managing the $1 billion budget responsibly, ensuring every dollar improves student outcomes and that the board listens to the voices of parents and other stakeholders. Together, we can restore trust and make our schools stronger.”
Hudson County Executive Craig Guy, who is also the chair of the county Democrats, along with Councilman-at-Large Daniel Rivera – one of O’Dea’s running mates – have also come out in favor of the Education Matters slate.
“As independent candidates and concerned parents, Matt and I know that change is long overdue on the Board of Education. We’re glad that Councilman Solomon agrees with us and are proud to have his support. We are committed to examining the budget to ensure responsible fiscal management,” noted Rezabala.
“We must direct more resources to where they matter most – in the classroom and addressing our aging infrastructure. Together, we will continue fighting for equity in resources for all students and ensuring that neurodivergent learners have the tools they need to succeed. Together, we can build Stronger Schools for every child.”
As part of their platform, they’ve committed to improving school facilities, restoring meaningful public comment, better parental communication, school safety, more mental health initiatives, and better after-school programs and recreation – among other things.
The downtown councilman going against the grain isn’t shocking, particularly since he has been more vocal about public school issues recently.
In August, he slammed the BOE for their “lack of transparency” around the new three-year contract for Superintendent of Schools Dr. Norma Fernandez that tops out at $341,200.
The non-partisan Jersey City BOE race is on November 5th, where Trustee Natalia Ioffe is the only person seeking re-election. She is running alongside Ahmed Kheir, and Melany Cruz Burgos as the latest incarnation of Education Matters.
Additionally, Sumit “Sam” Salia and Miriam Tawfiles are running as independents.
