[This transcript was generated automatically from audio using AI and hasn't been reviewed by a person -- it can contain mistakes, including plausible-sounding sentences that were never actually said. Treat it as a starting point, not a verbatim record.]

[0:24] Public hearing, Thursday, July 16, 2026. We thank all of you for being here.
[0:37] We appreciate
[0:39] that you've all taken of your very, I'm sure, busy, hectic, beautiful summer to sit with
[0:49] us this evening and we do respect that you are here, each and every one of you, because
[1:01] you find our issue today to be of the utmost importance.
[1:06] So thank you very much for being here.
[1:09] Let's please stand and pledge allegiance to the flag.
[2:23] Do we enroll call this evening?
[2:25] Please thank you.
[2:27] Good evening.
[2:28] This meeting is being held in conformity.
[2:31] I'm sorry, Mr. McBride is the assistant, the acting BA.
[2:38] Thank you.
[2:38] Thank you.
[2:39] Good evening, this meeting is being held in conformity with the Open Public Meetings Act.
[2:44] NJSA, 10 call, and 4-6 at sec.
[2:48] Proper public notice of this meeting was caused to be sent to Eldiario.
[2:52] La Pranza and the star ledger newspapers and posted on the district's official website.
[2:56] I will now take the roll call.
[2:59] Trustee Dr. Blum.
[3:00] President.
[3:02] Trustee Iofi.
[3:03] President.
[3:04] Trustee Muhammad.
[3:06] President.
[3:07] Trustee Patel.
[3:08] Trustee.
[3:09] Trustee Resabala.
[3:10] President.
[3:11] Trustee Richardson.
[3:13] President.
[3:14] Vice President Morris.
[3:16] President.
[3:17] President Velasquez.
[3:18] Here.
[3:19] We have a quorum.
[3:20] Thank you very much.
[3:23] Our council is going to communicate how we're going to open this meeting today because we have a couple of items, a couple of voting items and we're going to start with the candidates.
[3:39] Good evening. So the board president has asked me to read the names of the individuals who submitted resumes to fill the board vacancy which I will do so.
[3:50] So I'll read those names so that if those individuals are here we're going to ask that you identify yourself and you'll have an opportunity to speak to the board for three minutes.
[4:02] Once I conclude listening to names and then the board will convene into executive session and there'll be a discussion regarding executive session items and then come back out and address.
[4:17] Yes, the remaining items on the agenda which have to do with the superintendent's contract,
[4:22] as well as potentially filling and addressing the vacancy that's on the board.
[4:26] Okay, so would you just read, if anybody is here that have submitted, we have seven resumes.
[4:33] They were submitted by yesterday.
[4:37] If you're here and you submit it, you'll have an opportunity, as the council said, to speak
[4:44] I'm three minutes, so please call the name and if they're not here, that's okay as well.
[4:49] We're going to move with the business at hand nonetheless.
[4:54] That's your after
[4:58] allow it, please the speakers and then we will communicate with the board, the speakers I just ask.
[5:05] I have the resumes in front of us, we are going to address the resumes in close session.
[5:12] I'm putting it on the record before the names come out.
[5:14] put anything you want on record, we're not going to start this meeting with your drama.
[5:20] Let's go ahead. Please, first of all, if I didn't see the resumes, I had a time.
[5:30] I said that's a thing. No, let's move on.
[5:36] No, none of us actually meet. Mike, Mike, microphone,
[5:40] check. One, two. For everyone that's been here, in order to speak at the meeting while you're
[5:47] sitting as a board member, you have to be recognized by the board president.
[5:51] So I'd ask that you adhere to our bylaws and our rules for running the meeting.
[5:56] So just wait to be recognized.
[5:57] And if you're not recognizing that you're not able to speak as a sitting board member.
[6:02] And I'll just remind members of the public that that haven't been here is that we do ask that
[6:06] you try to be as quiet as possible while we're convening the meeting.
[6:10] And that you also please refrain from speaking out or being disruptive because it's hard for
[6:15] for us to hear each other and maintain order the meeting.
[6:19] So the first name is Vanessa Rodriguez.
[6:21] If you are here, please raise your hand.
[6:23] There's Vanessa.
[6:24] Please step up.
[6:25] You want to start?
[6:26] Yes, please Vanessa.
[6:37] It should be on.
[6:39] Good evening, members of the board.
[6:41] My name is Vanessa Rodriguez.
[6:42] And I'm here to request to be considered
[6:44] for appointments that they entrust you in position.
[6:46] I believe I offer a unique combination
[6:48] of professional experience, a lifelong commitment
[6:51] engineering city and a first-minute experience as a parent navigating our public school system.
[6:57] Professionally, I put my career in public service over seeing budgets, personnel, operations,
[7:02] and regulatory compliance. Every day of the decisions that require transparency, accountability,
[7:08] collaboration, and responsible use of public resources. Those are the same principles that
[7:13] brings this forward. My children are the fourth generation of our families to attend to
[7:18] to see both the schools. This district helped shape me and now it is shaping my children.
[7:23] That legacy gives me an appreciation for where we've been and strong to the community and
[7:28] to where we're going.
[7:29] I also bring a perspective that is deeply personal as a parent as a child with special needs.
[7:34] I have experienced our school system through a different lens.
[7:37] I understand the importance of individualized support, inclusive classrooms, collaboration
[7:42] between educators and families and ensuring every child regardless of their abilities has
[7:47] as the opportunities to succeed.
[7:49] Those experiences have taught me patience, perseverance,
[7:51] and the value of listening before making decisions.
[7:55] My experience as a public servant,
[7:57] adjective instructor, a parent, and an advocate
[7:59] allow me to see issues from multiple perspectives.
[8:02] I understand the importance of balancing educational excellence
[8:05] and fiscal responsibility because both are essential
[8:07] to providing students with the opportunities they deserve.
[8:11] If selected, I will ask the hard questions,
[8:13] make data-driven decisions
[8:15] and always keep students at the center of every vote.
[8:19] My goal is simply not to serve on the board but to help strengthen, trust, improve outcomes and ensure our district remains strong for future generations.
[8:27] I am not seeking this position for politics or recognition, I am seeking it because I believe in giving back to the community that helps shape me.
[8:35] Serving on this board would be both an honor and a responsibility that would be taken very seriously.
[8:39] Thank you for your time.
[9:02] I'm sorry, can you speak the answer?
[9:04] Yeah, now it is.
[9:06] Thank you.
[9:06] Thank you, everybody.
[9:07] To save something brief.
[9:09] My name is Brendan Duhan.
[9:10] I grew up in Jersey City.
[9:12] I live up in the Heights.
[9:13] My son is a student at PS28.
[9:16] We're Dr. Hernandez-Gutter-Start.
[9:19] I'm running, I put my hat, my name in the ring,
[9:22] to fill match-nighters shoes.
[9:24] One, because the children's education is very important to me.
[9:27] I think now more than ever, many good independent leadership to help make some tough decisions so that our kids can have great outcomes.
[9:36] I'm not doing this for political gain or for any kind of other advantage.
[9:41] More just doing it because really from the bottom of my heart, I really feel for these children.
[9:45] And they deserve a fair and great education that I know this administration can give them.
[9:51] So I know, you may have some ideas about who I am, but just from Jersey City, I'm trying
[9:57] to do the best I can.
[9:59] And if I was granted the position, I would feel the big shoes of match-nighter and be
[10:04] as objective and as hard-working as I could be.
[10:07] Thank you.
[10:10] Thank you very much.
[10:12] Next.
[10:13] Next up, Patrick Sprinkle.
[10:19] Again, Patrick Sprinkle, seeing none, moving on.
[10:24] Next up, Melanie M. Cruz-Burgos,
[10:31] Melanie, nope.
[10:38] Scott Mittman.
[10:41] Scott Mittman,
[10:45] Christina Mamonging-Kiss Evans.
[10:51] Okay, please pronounce it for us, and we apologize for messing it up.
[10:57] Can you hear me?
[10:59] please don't apologize. My students called me Miss M for a reason and my husband
[11:04] said you could have had it so easy but you chose not to. I have I'm clearly a
[11:10] newcomer compared to others who are asking to fill this slot. I've been in
[11:16] Jersey City for 15 years and I want to raise my kids here long term. I like
[11:25] others before me have slightly different experience. I am an educator. I taught for six years at Livingston
[11:34] High School. I'm an English teacher. I adjuncted for a year at Essex County College in between having
[11:39] my two kids. I have a almost two-year-old at home and I have a five-year-old. We just moved from
[11:48] PS3 where she attended pre-K4 and we moved. We all know what it's like in the rental market.
[11:53] to Cordero's district, we'll be, she'll be going to kindergarten in the fall.
[12:02] I might not be the most experienced one here, but as an English teacher, my goal has always
[12:08] been to teach my students how to think critically, how to read critically, how to listen critically,
[12:18] how to write critically, and that's missing so much, that's missing from so much of our
[12:25] discourse today, not only in the classroom but in spaces like this, to say nothing of needing
[12:30] to bridge the divide. It's quite apparent that there's a divide. And if I've learned anything
[12:40] from being a teacher, from being a parent of little children, it's about patience,
[12:46] It's about picking your battles and it's about compromise and finding common ground because at the end of the day
[12:52] We are all here for the same reason. We are here for the children of Jersey City
[12:59] Who all deserve a quality education every single one of them
[13:05] So I asked to be considered because I care because I have unique experience
[13:11] because if you talk to anyone who know me I do everything 110% to my own
[13:16] detriment and I would love to be able to serve my community in this way.
[13:22] Thank you for your consideration. Thank you very much.
[13:28] Sandra Robinson Green.
[13:34] She's here.
[13:48] Good evening everyone. My name is Sandra Robinson
[13:52] in Green, I am a lifelong resident of Jersey City,
[13:56] born and raised in Book of Sea Washington
[13:58] apartment.
[13:59] I am currently the founder and CEO
[14:02] of the Connective Iron Mentoring Support Organization
[14:05] and also on the Advocate for Educational Advocate
[14:09] for the juvenile justice commission
[14:12] and parent advocate for truancy court.
[14:16] So to the president and trustees,
[14:21] I am asking that you make a, I'm sorry, I'm asking that you please, if you would, postpone the decision for the superintendents contract?
[14:42] I'm sorry, why should your recommendation for being on the board?
[14:51] Not recommendation on the board is basically to bring forth transparency when you earn.
[15:00] To public trust, you definitely will have the opportunity to speak with them and allow informed
[15:10] decisions, transparency, and also allowing them to ask the right questions. The board of
[15:20] trustee is to our trust and belief in the fact that knowing that we're doing the right
[15:26] thing when it comes to parents, when it comes to teachers, when it comes to the budget,
[15:31] when it comes to funding across the board, not allowing any uninformed decisions to
[15:38] be made and not allowing mismanagement and misappropriation of funding.
[15:43] And as we can see, the students and the youth that I see in the community, there's a large
[15:48] population that is being left out.
[15:50] I actually grasp the kids that are graduating from high school and or in detention and they
[15:58] come out and they're not allowed back in school.
[16:02] So just trying to transition them back into the public school system has been trying.
[16:09] I've even requested transcripts from detention centers to find out if what type of scaling
[16:16] they use in order to grade the child so that when they do come out that would give me an idea of
[16:24] where they are 9th grade 10th grade 11th grade or 12th grade. We cannot gauge that because what
[16:30] I did find out is that the transcripts are non-existent. So part of that is trying to
[16:37] implement some type of system that where all children are inclusive and no child is left behind.
[16:46] I am the youngest and only living child of Betty Ernestine Robinson and of course, thank you.
[16:55] Okay, thank you very much Miss Robinson.
[16:59] I think this concludes our list and we will take a few minutes to go in close session,
[17:06] go over the resumes and come out and choose a candidate.
[17:11] And we want to be very clear that the invitation was sent to everyone.
[17:18] But again, this is summer, people are on vacation, people are out with their children.
[17:25] People have other things they have not planned for this.
[17:30] Therefore, everyone, be here or not, will have the same opportunity and
[17:37] And the same chance to be chosen.
[17:40] Thank you all, and can we have motion to go into closed session, please?
[17:46] Secretary.
[17:51] You have to call the vote.
[17:53] I mean, not the vote, I'm sorry.
[17:58] Pursuant to the Open Public Meetings Act, NJSA, 10 coal and 4-12.
[18:04] Jersey Board of Education will now be going into closed session for the purpose of discussion.
[18:08] Please call a roll, Mr. Bright.
[18:14] Trustee Dr. Blum.
[18:16] President.
[18:18] Trustee Iofi.
[18:19] President.
[18:20] Trustee Muhammad.
[18:22] President.
[18:24] Trustee Patel.
[18:26] Trustee Resabala.
[18:28] President.
[18:29] Trustee Richardson.
[18:31] President.
[18:32] Vice President Morris.
[18:35] President Velasquez.
[18:37] Here.
[18:38] We have quorum.
[18:39] Thank you.
[18:41] Okay.
[18:42] Okay, once again, thank you for waiting.
[18:46] We did discuss and length our two issues of the evening, one being the superintendents contract and
[18:58] the other being the new appointed member to our board.
[19:04] We're going to be for public speaking.
[19:09] We're going to move 5.01 up to number two so that we can vote on the appointed member.
[19:21] And then we'll have public speaking prior to voting on the superintendent's contract.
[20:01] Mr. Vice President, we're waiting for you.
[20:06] That's okay.
[20:07] It's still daylight.
[20:08] To
[20:14] change.
[20:16] To change.
[20:18] Okay.
[20:19] So
[20:23] do you have to go over the issue with regards to the new board member and then, okay?
[20:38] No, the superintendent will be after the speakers, this is the new board member and then we
[20:44] We will vote on a new vote member and we'll move on.
[20:48] Okay, so on the agenda at 5.0 is the appointment of a board trustee that's been moved up.
[20:53] There are requirements in our bylaws that require that there be a motion and a second to advance a candidate.
[21:01] If that candidate does receive a second, there can be brief discussion.
[21:05] But once the members vote, if that member receives a five affirmative vote that new person receives five affirmative votes,
[21:11] They are then appointed to fill the vacancy, and that concludes the process of filling the vacancy.
[21:21] So I will take nomination for a candidate, yes, Ms. Ayofi?
[21:28] Through the chair.
[21:29] Yes.
[21:29] I would like to nominate Melanie Cruz-Burgos for the vacancy.
[21:33] Second.
[21:35] Now we call the vote.
[21:37] Discussion.
[21:38] Discussion?
[21:40] Any discussion further?
[21:42] Yes.
[21:45] I ran in 2024 against Melanie and it was a pleasure to do so, she is phenomenal, she is
[21:53] extremely smart, she comes with a very great legal background and she can hold her own.
[22:00] But I am not going to lean in that direction because while Melanie is a phenomenal and brilliant
[22:07] person, I just was a little bit more gravitated to Brendan Duhin, who is a parent at PS28.
[22:14] He is the president of the Riverview Neighborhood Association, he is very active in our city.
[22:20] He's been here for 15 plus years.
[22:22] He recently raised a large sum of money for a student in our district that lost their life.
[22:30] And so that's where I was, but I wanted to say this because I don't want to take away from
[22:36] the person that Melanie is, which is a phenomenal person.
[22:41] Thank you.
[22:42] Anyone else?
[22:44] Any other discussion?
[22:47] Yes, Mr. Richardson?
[22:48] Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair.
[22:50] I also agreed that I will be voting against the candidate.
[22:55] I feel that all gone a little biased because Brendan ran with me.
[23:01] And we didn't know each other, but we got to know each other as we campaigned.
[23:05] And the two things that stuck out for me, you know, in considering him was one, he's a parent in the Jersey City Public Schools, so he's invested, completely invested.
[23:18] And number two, he also ran in the most recent election.
[23:23] Thank you. Anyone else?
[23:25] Through to Chair.
[23:26] Yes.
[23:26] Yeah, and I just want to piggyback on what my colleagues said and I thank you very much for your comments and for your counters as well
[23:32] It is important and I hope everyone understands that we did discuss
[23:35] Genuinely every single candidate that was
[23:38] Presented so full disclosure. I ran with Melanie Cruz-Burgos in the
[23:42] 2024 election for the school board for the office of the school board. She was the next runner-up
[23:47] in that particular school board election she received 18,000 votes and that's not the only reason why I am
[23:54] qualifying her in this case, or nominating her in this case, and we will have an opportunity to also add reasons as we provide our votes, but I think it's important to acknowledge our relationships and the way that we value our running mates and the people who established themselves during these races and the way they dedicate themselves for this particular role.
[24:15] Thank you.
[24:16] Thank you, anyone else?
[24:21] Okay, Mr. McBride, please call the vote.
[24:25] Trustee Resabelle?
[24:27] No.
[24:28] Trustee Iofi?
[24:30] I vote yes, because I believe that Melanie Cruz-Borgos is extremely qualified.
[24:35] She is a corporate attorney.
[24:37] We've all had a chance to review her resume.
[24:39] She handles things like corporate mergers.
[24:42] She has very strong operational knowledge to, not just my knowledge, but to public knowledge.
[24:48] She is a public school student from Perthambois.
[24:52] She is a kind of a story that we like to tell about our students here in Jersey City.
[24:57] And I know that she will put her heart and soul into serving this district as best as she can, for the time that we give her.
[25:03] Thank you.
[25:05] Yes.
[25:06] Trustee Richardson?
[25:09] No.
[25:11] Trustee Muhammad?
[25:12] Yes, I believe she will be on bias perspective to the board trusty Patel. Yes, and I think we need a person an outsider looking into our dress dress. So I vote for Melanie.
[25:29] Dr. Blunt?
[25:30] Trustee Dr. Blunt?
[25:32] I vote yes.
[25:33] She has a very serious legal background.
[25:37] She attended Duke University,
[25:39] as well as Rutgers University.
[25:41] I think on this board we need as much legal help as we can get.
[25:45] And so I will vote yes.
[25:48] Vice President Morris?
[25:50] I vote yes, because obviously I just think she's a better candidate than what we've seen.
[25:56] And not only that, but the public thinks so as well because she came in number fourth in the last election that she ran in.
[26:03] So based on the totality of the vote from the community and based on the resume that we reviewed,
[26:09] I think that she would be the best suitable person for this position.
[26:13] So I vote aye.
[26:17] President Falsquence.
[26:18] Thank you.
[26:20] First of all, let me thank everyone that took the time to submit an application,
[26:27] a resume, and you're desired to actually continue to serve your community.
[26:34] Thank you again for that.
[26:35] Every resume was outstanding in its own value, however I lean towards Melanie as well.
[26:48] My vote is yes for Melanie, because of her professional background, I think that she would be
[26:53] and ask it to this board.
[26:55] I also think that her life experience
[27:01] is something that many of our children are also experiencing.
[27:06] And coming from the background that she comes from
[27:10] and the district that she was raised in
[27:14] and to have such a prestigious position today in life
[27:19] It is really a testament of what public schools do for children and our children need to see that kind of success.
[27:30] So, it's an eye for Melanie.
[27:34] Motion passed.
[27:38] Congratulations.
[27:40] Congratulations, Melanie, wherever you're at.
[27:47] We,
[27:50] thank you all.
[27:51] We, oh my goodness, or you know what it is when y'all clap my phone that it finds itself.
[27:59] I'm sorry.
[28:01] That's how I find it at home by clapping.
[28:04] I'm sorry.
[28:14] Anyway.
[28:16] Anyway, we will not obviously be swearing in Melanie this evening, but make sure that you're
[28:26] at the next meeting in August.
[28:28] That'll be the first thing we do then.
[28:30] Thank you all.
[28:31] And again, I also want to thank the board members
[28:34] because the discussion that we had was very professional.
[28:39] We looked at every single resume without bias
[28:44] with a lot of respect.
[28:47] And I think we were pretty much all on the same page
[28:52] as far as how we want this board to, what is the kind of person that we need on this board and how we want this board to proceed.
[29:01] So thank you again to all of the board members.
[29:11] Yes.
[29:19] We're going to have now public hearing and after the public hearing, we will hear presentation by the superintendent.
[29:29] We should have her presentation first.
[29:31] You would rather?
[29:33] Oh, you don't have a presentation, I thought.
[29:36] I'm sorry about that.
[29:37] Okay.
[29:41] After then we will vote on the superintendent's contract.
[29:45] So please read the preamble.
[29:49] So this is the required public hearing relative to the law regarding the contract
[29:57] but the superintendent as well as general public.
[30:00] I will comment for any item as a subordinate. I'm going to read the public comment statement.
[30:06] Speakers will be called to the microphone in order that their request is received. All statements are
[30:10] comments shall be directed to the chair. It is the expectation of the board that comments will remain positive and focused around the
[30:17] best interests of students and the district as a whole. The board will not condone comments that can be received as harassing,
[30:24] insulting threatening or lacking in respect for civility.
[30:28] The chair reserves the right to A, interrupt, warn in or terminate a participant statement or comment when it is too lengthy.
[30:33] Be interrupt or end or warn a participant when their statement is, or comment is abusive of seeing or maybe defamatory.
[30:40] C, request any person to leave the meeting when that person does not observe reasonable decorum or
[30:45] present themselves as a danger to others in the building.
[30:48] D, request the assistance of law enforcement officers in the removal of a disorderly person.
[30:53] When that person prevents or disrupts the meeting with an act that obstructs or interferes with a meeting,
[30:59] including threats by words, actions or objects, e-colour recess or an adjournment to another time,
[31:04] and the lack of public deployment interferes with an orderly conduct of the meeting.
[31:06] And F, wave these rules when necessary for the protection of privacy or to maintain an orderly operation on the board meeting.
[31:13] Thank you.
[31:16] First speaker is Darren Martin,
[31:21] and Julie Prakash.
[31:32] Okay, before I address the contract vote, which is why we're all here, I'd like to address
[31:37] the meeting itself. Tonight, parents are being turned away because the room is too small
[31:42] to accommodate everyone who wants to attend. Members of public who took the time to physically
[31:47] show up are being denied the opportunity to participate in public meeting about one of the
[31:52] most important decisions the board will make and a lot of them signed up to speak. So I
[31:56] don't know how we're going to deal with that. I have to ask, is this what transparency
[31:59] If routine board meetings can be held in bigger space, surely a meeting involving a five-year
[32:05] superintendent contract, an extraordinary public interest merits the same level of public
[32:10] access and not closing the meeting at 5.29 that was supposed to begin at 5.30.
[32:18] Jersey City has schools, auditorium, facilities that could accommodate much larger space yet many
[32:24] members of the public are left outside looking in and the shades are still down.
[32:30] So I don't know if you recall in 2018-2019 before COVID, we used to hold meetings in MS4,
[32:36] Dickinson Snyder, PS22, A Harry Moore building.
[32:41] Trustee Lorenzo, you were on the board and at that time, surely you can validate that piece
[32:45] of history, we would move equipment, we would live stream, we would take virtual comment.
[32:51] Transparency is not just about complying with the law.
[32:53] It's about ensuring meaningful access to the public, and with that I'll talk about tonight's vote.
[32:59] Over the last several months, parents have repeatedly come before this board to raise concerns about all kinds of things, special education, financial oversight, communication, leadership.
[33:09] We've watched outed findings emerge.
[33:12] We've learned more than two million in state aid intended for non-public school students was returned.
[33:18] We have seen findings serious enough to be referred to law enforcement.
[33:21] at the same time at the time of speaking,
[33:23] 1,890 parents and community members have signed a petition
[33:28] asking this board to not renew extend the contract
[33:32] until there is greater clarity and accountability.
[33:35] Tonight is not about whether Dr. Fernandez
[33:38] remains superintendent tomorrow morning.
[33:40] It is about whether this board should grant
[33:43] a five-year vote of confidence today.
[33:46] The responsible course is not to rush ahead.
[33:48] the responsible courses to pause, allow the facts to come fully into view and earn back public trust.
[33:55] Thank you.
[34:02] Bill Jean-Cadae FC.
[34:14] Bill Jean-Cadae FC.
[34:26] Debbie?
[34:47] Why am I time started?
[34:51] I haven't started yet.
[34:54] Would you reset?
[34:58] Senior minister, please hold
[35:06] on.
[35:07] Reset the time.
[35:08] It's mainly whether Dr Fernandes deserves it.
[35:11] Reset the time.
[35:11] It is valid, this board will exercise independent judgment before replacing a contract with one
[35:18] year remaining with a maximum five year agreement through 2021.
[35:24] Starting at 341,000 and rising by 10,000 each year, before you vote, answer one question.
[35:34] What exactly are you rewarding?
[35:36] Serious issues remain unresolved, special education, and non-public services, student
[35:43] outcomes, overcrowding, facilities, safety, spending, transparency, and months of parent
[35:48] requested without clear owners, dates or answers.
[35:53] This is not one small group, more than 1,800 people signed the petition by now, spending
[36:00] all six awards and 38 Georgia City Public School and Early Childhood Communities. This
[36:07] is citywide public concern. I support Georgia City teachers. They deserve respect,
[36:15] safe working conditions, competitive pay and a fair contract. But a fair contract cannot
[36:22] depend on granting one superintendent five more years if it does something is deeply wrong
[36:28] with this district's governance.
[36:31] Is it argument really that the Jersey City cannot negotiate fairly with its educators unless
[36:36] Dr. Fernandez remains superintendent?
[36:41] Is the district's labor relationship depend on one individual rather than lawful, competent
[36:48] institutions, discussions to everyone here?
[36:55] Six current trustees were elected with J.C.E.A.
[37:00] Today, the public will see whether they exercise independent judgment or carry out
[37:07] Jersey City E.A. wishes.
[37:11] This foreseers the entire district, not one bargaining agreement.
[37:16] So answer plainly, are you trustees for Jersey E.A. or trustees for Jersey City's children,
[37:23] families, staff and taxpayers?
[37:26] If the votes were counted before the public entered this room, this is not a hearing.
[37:33] It is a theater.
[37:35] Prove it is not.
[37:36] Listen.
[37:37] Question the proposal.
[37:39] Demand the performance evidence.
[37:41] Vote independently.
[37:44] You are also feeling a vacancy without a citywide election.
[37:48] That calls for restraint.
[37:50] Not a five-year commitment the public cannot reverse.
[37:53] The dignity of this office, the independence of this board and the public's ability to trust you are tied to what you do tonight.
[38:02] If you want, yes, all in it. You need questions or unresolved. You heard more than 1700 petition signers and you choose five more years anyway.
[38:11] Teachers deserve fairness.
[38:20] Excuse me.
[38:21] Neha Sobris.
[38:25] Excuse me.
[38:27] Excuse me.
[38:27] And we gave you extra time.
[38:33] Next speaker is Neha Sobris.
[38:48] Good evening.
[38:49] My name is Neha Sobris.
[38:50] And I'm a Jersey City parent and resident.
[38:53] Like so many parents and members of this community,
[38:56] I am confused and honestly baffled by what seems to be
[38:59] a self-imposed urgency to discuss the renewal or extension
[39:03] of superintendent, Norma Fernandez's contract at this time.
[39:07] At a time, as you're all aware of where, when there are serious concerns about special
[39:11] education services, non-public school services, overcrowding, technology, spending decisions
[39:17] and most concerning of all, and ongoing investigation.
[39:21] At the last board meeting, most of you expressed shock at both the contents of the report and
[39:27] the timing of its release.
[39:28] These concerns deserve meaningful answers before the Board considers committing to another
[39:33] five-year extension or a three-year extension.
[39:36] Even if your bylaws allow you to hold this meeting and make a decision, just because
[39:41] you can, doesn't mean you should.
[39:44] This is your prerogative, not an imperative.
[39:47] So the question is why and why now?
[39:50] Why not wait until the investigation is complete, until the public has answers, until we know
[39:55] what corrective actions are being taken?
[39:57] why does this decision need to be made today? Please exercise your responsibility. Please put students
[40:04] in dress first. Please help rebuild stress with this community by doing the right thing. More than
[40:10] 1700 community members have already signed the petition asking you to pause any action on the
[40:16] contract. Please respect these voices. A contract, so pretend this contract is more than just an
[40:23] employment agreement. It is a vote of confidence in the leadership of our school district.
[40:29] And right now, the confidence has been deeply shaken. So please, I urge you to pause any action
[40:36] on this contract, and the investigation is complete. The findings are fully understood,
[40:40] and the public has confidence that meaningful accountability has occurred. Thank you.
[40:47] Next speaker is Jessica Taube.
[41:08] Okay, good evening. My name is Jessica Taube, and I am the parent of two children in Jersey
[41:12] city public schools. I want to begin by addressing a narrative that is becoming increasingly
[41:17] divisive. I am not a downtown parent. I live in Ward B. I organize with parents from
[41:23] every ward in our city. Some parents attend these meetings more than others for various reasons.
[41:28] But those of us who come here are for all children, not just our own, and we carry the stories
[41:32] of others with us. I have spent years working or volunteering in schools across Ward A,
[41:37] B and F, and I have seen inequities throughout our district. I've also seen the very real
[41:41] challenges facing downtown schools, including severe overcrowding and facility issues.
[41:46] I've provided training for staff from every single school in this district.
[41:50] All the issues are connected and they require connected strategies to address.
[41:54] I've watched parents from every part of Jersey City come before this board or post social
[41:58] media to advocate for their children, and many educators and other staff share similar concerns
[42:03] with me privately because they fear retaliation.
[42:06] That should concern every one of us.
[42:08] Attempts to pit parents against teachers and other school staff is also distracting and
[42:12] unhelpful to our students.
[42:14] I am proudly pro-union and I fully support fair contracts for our education workforce
[42:18] across all areas of service.
[42:20] I love our school staff and many people in this room and people not in this room have supported
[42:25] me through incredibly challenging times with my child.
[42:28] They've held me when I cried when my child was in crisis.
[42:32] This should not be parents against educators.
[42:34] However, supporting our workforce does not require us to ignore inequity, corruption, retaliation,
[42:40] deteriorating facilities, failures and special education, or lack of positive school climate in some of our schools.
[42:46] We can and we must do both.
[42:48] As this board considers extending the superintendent's contract, I ask that you just slow down and
[42:53] allow the public to see the full picture.
[42:55] Dr. Fernandez, with whom I have a positive relationship, has served as superintendent since 2022 and was deputy superintendent for years before that.
[43:03] The recently released Special Education Procedures Report examined 2022 through 2024 during the current administration's leadership.
[43:11] In a punitive environment, accountability sometimes feels like punishment or a personal attack, but it is not.
[43:17] Asking the board to delay extending this contract is not a personal attack on superintendent Fernandez.
[43:21] It is simply a call for accountability.
[43:24] The public deserves answers, have all individuals involved in fraud or misconduct been identified and removed.
[43:29] What happened with the CASPER audit when another director was walked out?
[43:32] Will that report be presented publicly?
[43:35] Has there been an audit of Title I because we've seen some disturbing things about the way the money's being used?
[43:40] And where is the most recent evaluation of the superintendent and what evidence demonstrates that extending the contract now is in the district's best interest?
[43:48] Finally, if the board does choose to move forward with an extension which they may do if they vote on it, I am not in favor of a salary increase.
[43:55] I am always in favor of paying people fairly.
[43:58] But we have teachers on the ground who are not making enough.
[44:01] We have vacant positions that are not going to be filled this year.
[44:04] And we have directors who are already making six figures who were given increases at the last meeting with absolutely no opportunity for public comment.
[44:13] Those things were put on the agenda at the last minute.
[44:15] Thank you.
[44:18] Next speaker is Gina Verdebello.
[44:33] Good evening.
[44:36] President, members of the board and members of the community.
[44:38] My name is Gina Verdebello and I'm a former member of this Board of Education.
[44:44] I'm a former parent, my second daughter just graduated from McNair, oh thank you and but
[44:52] I'm also a taxpayer and I'm here tonight and I want to also say that this is not a personal
[44:58] attack on anybody. I'll.
[45:00] I have really good relationships with a lot of everybody in this room, but it's more of a concern of what I've been seeing. And I know I haven't been here in a while, but I have been following what's been going on. And to be honest, it's not good. And this is an example of what I always fought for was facilities. And the fact that your elevator's broken, there's no air conditioning in here is already telling me lots of things. Anyway, my first, I'm here to express my opposition to renewing
[45:29] this contract. Only because my question is why now. The current contract doesn't expire
[45:35] until next year. If there is no urgency, why is the board rushing to approve a new
[45:39] fire contract tonight? The public deserves a clear explanation for why this decision
[45:44] cannot wait. The proposal also sends the wrong message to taxpayers. The board recently
[45:50] voted to raise taxes, explaining that the district needed additional resources to serve
[45:54] our students. Yet now we are discussing another long-term contract with more than a million
[46:00] dollars while administrators continue to receive raises. Whether or not this is legally
[46:03] permissible, it's difficult to justify the families who are paying more and expecting
[46:07] measurable improvements in student outcomes. The real question is not whether the superintendent
[46:12] is entitled to a contract. The question is whether the district's performance justifies
[46:16] it. And we're all on continuous decline. Student achievement remains below where it should
[46:20] be. Graduation rates below the state average. These are not statistics that are represented
[46:24] that the opportunity is available to our students.
[46:27] Before extending a contract years in advance,
[46:29] the board should be able to point significant
[46:31] measurable progress.
[46:33] When I served on this board,
[46:34] we made difficult decisions including raising taxes.
[46:36] We did so because our community supported it in our schools
[46:39] and because the district fully needed those resources,
[46:42] but with that investment came an expectation
[46:44] of accountability and responsible stewardship.
[46:46] Today, taxpayers deserve the same accountability.
[46:49] In the nonprofit sector where I work,
[46:51] we do more with less every day.
[46:53] Leaders understand that compensation increases are earned through demonstrated results.
[46:58] Imagine the message it would send to the superintendent voluntarily to
[47:01] client to salary increase until the district demonstrated stronger academic outcomes
[47:05] and financial stability. That would reflect a shared sacrifice in leadership.
[47:10] Instead of proving a fire contract now creates the appearance that decisions are
[47:13] predetermined rather than carefully evaluated. The board's responsibility is not to simply
[47:18] approve recommendations as responsibility to exercise independent oversight on behalf of
[47:22] students, families, and taxpayers.
[47:23] This community visitors transparency, accountability,
[47:26] and leadership that earns public trust,
[47:28] and that earns this board to postpone the vote.
[47:30] Thank you.
[47:32] Thank you.
[47:33] Next speaker is Renee Perna.
[47:40] Joel Carwas.
[47:45] Diane McKay.
[47:56] Good evening, members of the board.
[47:59] My name is Joel Carwas.
[48:01] I stand before you tonight, not just as an executive board member of our union,
[48:06] but as a proud product of the Jersey City public school system.
[48:10] I grew up in the heights and graduated from PS28 and McNair Academic.
[48:16] I have had the privilege of serving this community as a teacher for the past 22 years.
[48:21] I know this district inside and out.
[48:24] This is why I am here tonight to strongly urge you to renew Dr. Fernandez's contract.
[48:30] In fact, Dr. Fernandez, her phone might start chirping, Dr. Fernandez is one of us.
[48:39] And by us, I mean those that have deep roots here in Jersey City.
[48:44] She has dedicated her entire career to the children of Jersey City.
[48:49] She didn't just parachute into her current position.
[48:53] She walked the path from the classroom to now leading our entire school system.
[48:58] She understands a unique heartbeat of our city, the challenges our families face, and the immense potential of our students because she has lived it alongside us.
[49:10] We are here today because of the outside noise calling for a national search.
[49:15] Let me be clear, we do not need a national search when the exactly we need is already doing the work.
[49:23] And
[49:30] we should all do ourselves a favor and recall what a national search brought because we have been down this road before.
[49:40] So what happens when outside interest driven by a desire to tap into our district's public funding rather than a commitment to our kids try to plant their own person at the top?
[49:52] We remember a specific, previous superintendent who didn't even bother to visit our 40 plus
[49:59] schools to meet the stakeholders, that fundamental disrespect and disconnect, as well as with
[50:07] other reasons, forced us onto the picket lines.
[50:11] We had to strike to protect our students from an administration that didn't know us and
[50:18] quite frankly didn't care to.
[50:21] We cannot afford to go backward. Right now, what our district needs most is stability.
[50:27] Under our current superintendent, the morale of our staff and our students is strong.
[50:33] There is a trust in our buildings because our educators know they are being led by someone
[50:39] who has stood in their shoes.
[50:43] outsideers. They see a budget to be managed or exploited. We, the collective here, we see our
[50:52] hometown, our children's futures. I urge you to reject the
[51:04] next speaker is Diane McKay.
[51:15] Good evening. Board members, Dr. Fernandez. Imagine dedicating 44 years of your life in a career in
[51:24] in the same city, moving up the ranks, teacher, supervisor,
[51:28] VP, principal, assistant superintendent, superintendent.
[51:32] It's rare to see, which makes it so impressive.
[51:35] A Latina woman, the head of the second largest school district
[51:39] in the state.
[51:41] Now, I know I've heard of the petition,
[51:44] 1600, 1800 signatures, cute, but not impressive.
[51:49] In a district with 29,000 students,
[51:52] That doesn't even reach 10%, but I'm all for petitions, your tax payers, you have a right to question where your money goes.
[52:04] I encourage it, as you sit here, outraged, are you outraged with the $200 million that went to charter schools?
[52:14] Where is their accountability?
[52:18] One of the questions put forward is Dr. Fernandez's salary, $1.5 million over five years, which will end 49 years of service.
[52:33] That's for considering at City Hall just hired five new positions and it's to $1.5 million.
[52:42] dollars.
[52:45] First year jobs. Solomon appointed a deputy mayor at $200,000. And we're talking
[52:54] track record. She just bolted from a West Orange school district where there were 77 ESPs laid
[53:01] off and a complete cancellation of all middle school sports. How many layoffs this year under Dr.
[53:09] Fernanda's zero and she didn't and she didn't beg Trenton for a bailout. Look I
[53:21] could go through how her pros outweigh her cons but I'll let you Google it.
[53:26] Better yet speak to some of the educators and the power professionals here. Is she
[53:32] perfect? No and I'd be the first to criticize as superintendent. But are any of us
[53:38] Is this perfect?
[53:39] No.
[53:40] I just know I picked someone familiar with the city, the staff, most important, the students
[53:46] over a nationwide search.
[53:48] We've been down that road before.
[53:51] Now I hear you say the JCA gives retaliations to teachers who speak out.
[53:57] I want you to know that is not true.
[54:00] You have an option to be a member of a union.
[54:03] You don't have to be.
[54:04] The crumbling schools, that's not nearly what it was, because more facility repairs in the past three and four years than every four of the Dr. Fernandez.
[54:15] We know.
[54:25] Next speaker is Kevin Reed.
[54:32] Next speaker is Terry Fox.
[54:45] One simple question. Why the rush?
[54:48] Why are we rushing to renew the superintendent's contract and improve a significant salary increase at this time?
[54:55] This decision deserves careful review, transparency, and meaningful public input, not an accelerated timeline.
[55:04] With three board seats up for election in November, I believe it would be more appropriate to allow the next board
[55:09] or at the very least a broader cross-section of the community when families return to the fall to participate in a decision of this magnitude.
[55:18] Delaying this vote would give more parents, teachers and staff the opportunity to be heard,
[55:24] and would allow the public to review a comprehensive performance evaluation before any long-term
[55:29] commitment is made.
[55:31] Many families have experienced ongoing issues within the district that they feel have gone
[55:36] unresolved.
[55:37] We continue to hear concerns about accountability, communication, and the overall direction
[55:43] of our schools.
[55:44] These concerns deserve attention before rewarding leadership with a new contract and a higher salary.
[55:51] This proposal also comes as the district continues to face serious questions following the recent special education audit,
[55:59] which reportedly identified significant issues requiring further review with law enforcement.
[56:06] At a time when public confidence needs to be rebuilt, rushing a contract renewal sends a wrong message.
[56:12] This is not about one contract, it is about trust, transparency, and putting students, educators, and taxpayers first.
[56:21] I respectfully urge the Board to postpone this decision at least until fall, when more families can participate.
[56:28] When we could get a bigger room, y'all, it is hot in here.
[56:32] The superintendents' performance can be fully evaluated in public at that time, and that this community can have confidence that the decision being made
[56:40] in the best entrance of Jersey City's children.
[56:43] Thank you.
[56:47] Oh,
[56:51] no, you didn't have a minute left.
[56:53] I just want to let you know and let everybody know
[56:55] that we did evaluate the superintendent
[56:58] as it's our duty to do on a yearly basis
[57:01] and she did really well.
[57:04] Thank you.
[57:08] Next speaker is Ron Greco.
[57:15] The attorney can speak with regards to the evaluation.
[57:19] It is not public.
[57:20] So through the chair and we normally don't go out of order like this
[57:23] But I think the board president's one to address an item that's come up the superintendents evaluation has to be done by June 30th of every year
[57:30] And it was done. It is a personnel document. It's a confidential document that is not released to the public like many other personal records
[57:38] So but it that's the law that requires that and protects us as well as protects our rights. Thank you
[57:47] Ronnie
[57:49] All right good evening
[57:50] excuse me. Good evening, President, Velazquez and the members of the board. I see the cabinet
[57:59] here, members of the community, and folks that have come out, educators and parents. It was said
[58:05] earlier, but thank you for coming out on a hot, smoky night because the democratic process is
[58:09] important. It's important to have civil discourse, and it's important to hear everyone's side and how
[58:16] they feel. Everybody wants to be heard in society. In the world of social media and tweeting
[58:24] an Instagram, you could put your thoughts out in a minute, including whoever occupies
[58:29] the White House, whether you agree with them or not. But that is the world we live in.
[58:35] So everyone's opinions should be respected. Everyone's opinions should be valued. And again,
[58:41] Again, the people that came out on this unhealthy evening, I give you kudos for doing that and speaking your part no matter what position you have.
[58:51] I will say in terms of the funding in the taxes here, I'm also a taxpayer here in Jersey City.
[58:56] And I have some elderly relatives, not many left, but who are suffering under the burden of taxes.
[59:02] The city's bankrupt, we need a bailout from Trenton, from 1,600 Pennsylvania Avenue in D.C.
[59:09] to West State Street in Trenton, to 280 Grove Street.
[59:14] No matter who the politician is, no matter who the party is,
[59:17] no matter who the affiliation is, they're after public tax dollars in education.
[59:22] It's a pot of money that everyone wants to grab.
[59:24] From investment companies to pension profiteers to consultants to the medical group to charter school chains.
[59:34] I can say here what we've done this year, and I had the ability, I had the opportunity to sit with human resources and the superintendent and a lot of other staff to come to zero layoffs as a miracle.
[59:48] With the budget cuts that we have faced, I was here in 1998, I was here in 2009, I was here in 2012 and 2019.
[59:58] Again, went down.
[1:00:00] Thousands of parents and many of you could test that, marched in the streets with educators for reform and to oust superintendents from the outside. Now, as my time is running short, whether you agree with me or not, this is my piece what I have to say. Norma, Dr. Fernandez started here in 1982. She has longevity here. Sometimes people you say when the hell they're going to retire. It's not her time yet. She walks the walk. She talks the walk. She's in the school buildings.
[1:00:28] She's in many of the communities in the churches.
[1:00:31] Yes, there are people that are not going to like her.
[1:00:33] There are some days that I don't like her.
[1:00:35] But we agree to disagree.
[1:00:38] My opinion is, and most of the educators here
[1:00:41] and across the district, right now,
[1:00:44] Dr. Fernandez is the woman to lead us.
[1:00:47] This is her time and this is her place.
[1:00:50] Thank you.
[1:00:55] Next speaker is Renee Pernah,
[1:01:01] Renee Pernah,
[1:01:05] next speaker is Sandra Robinson Green,
[1:01:22] she's in the hallway,
[1:01:26] seven, she was in the hallway.
[1:01:28] Okay,
[1:01:35] Mr. Okay, what we'll do, Mr. McBride, after Mr. Renee speaks, if anyone is not here when you call their names, let's just go through the whole list and then at the end, we'll call again for those that may have just return. Okay? Thank you.
[1:01:52] Next speaker Sandra Robinson-Green.
[1:01:57] Good evening once again.
[1:02:02] I came before the board earlier
[1:02:06] in regards to the repositioning or appointment of the of Matt Schneider. Now I come before
[1:02:17] you speaking on behalf of the Board of A contract.
[1:02:25] I stand before you today respectfully.
[1:02:27] As this board asking this board to postpone the vote on the superintendent's contract until further notice.
[1:02:36] This request is not about any one individual.
[1:02:40] It is about honoring the process, demonstrating good governance, and maintaining the public's trust.
[1:02:48] The Jersey City Board of Education is entrusted with making decisions that shape the future of our students,
[1:02:54] educators and taxpayers. A superintendent's contract is one of the most significant decisions
[1:03:03] this boy will make. It deserves careful consideration, adequate public review, and thoughtful
[1:03:10] discussion, not an accelerated timeline. When major decisions are made before the established
[1:03:18] or expected timeframe, it can create the perception that outcomes was predetermined or that the
[1:03:27] public's voice is an afterthought. Even if that is not the case, perception matters. Public
[1:03:35] confidence is built when boards follow transparency procedures and allow significant time for questions,
[1:03:44] feedback and informed decision. Postponing this vote does not prevent the
[1:03:50] board from fulfilling its responsibility. It demonstrates a commitment to
[1:03:56] accountability, fairness and transparency. It sends a message that the board
[1:04:03] values due diligence over expenditure and welcomes meaningful public
[1:04:08] engagement. Our students deserve leadership that begins with integrity.
[1:04:13] our educators deserve confidence that decisions are made thoughtfully and our
[1:04:20] community deserves to know that its elected representatives respect both the
[1:04:27] process and the people they serve. I respectfully urge the boy to postpone the
[1:04:34] superintendent's contract vote until further notice so that the important
[1:04:40] decision is made with transparency, deliberation, and public conflict it deserves.
[1:04:47] Thank you so much for your time and your consideration.
[1:04:51] And as stated before, I honor the landmark case of Robinson versus Christmas.
[1:05:02] Next speaker is Sarah Gaural.
[1:05:08] Next speaker is Eunice Barcooch.
[1:05:16] Next speaker is Lenny Shulgan.
[1:05:46] Good evening, Board. My name is Lenny Shogun. I live in Ward F. I'm here to discuss
[1:05:54] Superintendent Fernandez's five-year extension. I personally have not seen her performance evaluation,
[1:05:59] so you know what? I'll do my own evaluation. And since Dr. Fernandez is a former teacher,
[1:06:06] it only makes sense to give her a report card. So you have been the CEO of the school district for
[1:06:10] four and a half years, so we're holding responsible, completely directly accountable for the following subjects.
[1:06:16] Reading, 45% of students in the Jersey City School can read a grade level, compared to 53% statewide.
[1:06:25] That is a D.
[1:06:28] Math, 31% compared to 41% statewide.
[1:06:32] That's another D.
[1:06:35] A graduation rates, 78% compared to 92 statewide, third D in a row.
[1:06:41] So,
[1:06:44] okay, economics, the budget is over $1.1 billion per year.
[1:06:51] Spending per student is up 68% in the last six years, all coming from taxpayer pockets.
[1:06:58] That's not a D, that's an F.
[1:07:04] A law, it took you five years to start a special education audit, three more years to finish it,
[1:07:10] and the results are so bad that it's going straight to law enforcement, that's an F.
[1:07:17] Communication, I have repeatedly seen you discourage public comment and fail to engage
[1:07:22] with constructive feedback, clear F.
[1:07:29] Respect, arresting and charging a single mom for advocating
[1:07:34] for her special needs child and her community is all that needs to be mentioned.
[1:07:39] F,
[1:07:43] overall, you get a D minus.
[1:07:49] And that's being generous. To quote a previous speaker,
[1:07:52] That's not impressive.
[1:07:56] Now, would you graduate a student with a report card that looks like this?
[1:08:01] Why are we even considering retaining, let alone extending and giving a raise to a superintendant like this?
[1:08:09] Thank you.
[1:08:13] Next speaker is Casey Hauer, next
[1:08:23] speaker is Melissa Keary,
[1:08:29] next speaker is Sabrina Herald.
[1:08:31] Good
[1:08:43] evening trustees and members of the public.
[1:08:46] Today, tonight you're being asked to take formal action extended Superintendent Fernandez's
[1:08:51] contract for five years through June 30th, 2031.
[1:08:56] Before you vote, I want to raise two things.
[1:09:00] One procedural and one substantive.
[1:09:02] First, the procedural problem, under state law, a board must give at least 30 days public
[1:09:08] notice before acting to extend, amend, or alter a superintendent's contract.
[1:09:13] The legal notice for tonight's hearing was published on June 17th.
[1:09:18] 30 days before tonight is June 16th.
[1:09:22] That notice was published one day late.
[1:09:26] Superintendents, Fernandez's current contract doesn't expire until June 30th of 2027.
[1:09:33] She was only two years into a three year term.
[1:09:36] This isn't a routine renewal of an expiring agreement.
[1:09:39] It's an early extension on defective notice and it deserves to be done right, not rushed.
[1:09:45] Second, the substance and what you're being asked to reward.
[1:09:50] 41 days ago, a superior court judge permanently affirmed the jury's finding that this district's
[1:09:55] leadership engaged in intentional, especially egregious retaliation against a whistleblower,
[1:10:02] executed with actual malice, that finding was unlimited to one employee.
[1:10:06] It describes conduct unauthorized at the highest levels of this organization.
[1:10:13] In the weeks since that ruling, this district has not paused to reflect on it.
[1:10:18] A 3.78 million payment went out the door in 2024 without proper documentation or board
[1:10:24] approval under Superintendent Fernandez's direction, according to the district's own
[1:10:29] former business administrator.
[1:10:31] A special education audit set on the shelf for over a year before this board ever saw it.
[1:10:38] And three weeks ago, this board promoted the HR director at the center of that mallet
[1:10:42] finding to assistance superintendent on the superintendent's own recommendation
[1:10:47] through an agenda item that told the public nothing until after the vote was already taken.
[1:10:53] I'm not asking you to make a decision about superintendent for Nandis' character tonight.
[1:10:59] I'm asking you to do something much simpler, follow your own notice requirements, and take the time to actually weigh what's happened in this district over the last year before locking in five more years on a rushed timeline.
[1:11:13] Delay this vote, cure the notice defect, give the public and yourselves the time this decision actually deserves that's not too much to ask before committing millions of taxpayers dollars for the next five years.
[1:11:27] Thank you very much, have a great evening.
[1:11:32] Next speaker is Danielle Bider.
[1:11:38] Next speaker is Mike Greco.
[1:11:48] Good evening.
[1:11:50] I am here to express my strong support for extending the contract of Dr. Norma Fernandez,
[1:11:55] a superintendent of the Jersey City public schools.
[1:11:58] I do so not only as an educator with more than 22 years of experience,
[1:12:02] who is fortunate enough to educate in the community where I grew up,
[1:12:06] but also as a proud Jersey City public school father.
[1:12:09] I have witnessed Dr. Fernandez's leadership from both perspectives, and I firmly believe
[1:12:14] she is leading our district in the right direction.
[1:12:17] Dr. Fernandez inherited a district facing significant challenges.
[1:12:22] She took the helm following years of instability while our schools were still grappling with
[1:12:27] the academic learning loss and mental health struggles brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
[1:12:33] At the same time, the district has continued to face the devastating effects of New Jersey's
[1:12:38] unfair state school funding formula forcing difficult decisions.
[1:12:43] Despite these obstacles, Dr. Fernandez had slid with professionalism, integrity, and compassion.
[1:12:49] She has restored confidence and significantly improved staff morale throughout the district.
[1:12:55] Her leadership has empowered educators to do what they do best.
[1:13:00] Teach with empathy, build meaningful relationships with students and
[1:13:04] and focus on educating the whole child.
[1:13:07] Unlike previous administrations that often placed an overwhelming emphasis on standardized
[1:13:12] test scores, Dr. Fernandes recognizes that our students are more than just data points.
[1:13:17] She understands that true educational success comes from supporting students academically,
[1:13:24] socially and emotionally.
[1:13:25] By fostering a culture that values the whole child, she has helped create learning environments
[1:13:31] where students and educators can thrive.
[1:13:33] The progress our district has made under her leadership has been achieved despite circumstances that would have challenged any superintendent her steady leadership vision and compassion or the reason why you have a room full of educators here in July saying that we want Norma Fernandez as the captain of our ship.
[1:13:53] For these reasons, I respectfully urge the Board of Education to extend Dr. Norma Fernandez's contract as superintendent,
[1:13:59] and then continue her leadership and to finish the work
[1:14:03] which we as a team started and which we will gladly finish
[1:14:07] with her as our leader.
[1:14:08] For those of you saying, why the rush?
[1:14:11] I think that's clear.
[1:14:13] City Hall has made its intention clear.
[1:14:16] When you, not a point, because when you a point you vote,
[1:14:19] you anoint someone from a community far away
[1:14:22] who can't even find PS15 on a map.
[1:14:24] This is why we're rushing the search.
[1:14:27] We will not go through that again, thank you.
[1:14:36] Next speaker is Cheryl Mays,
[1:14:42] next speaker is Kevin Zahn.
[1:14:44] She's right there, and she's right there.
[1:14:52] Tonight I just want to talk about out of title, Assign Instance and how it affects the budget.
[1:14:58] Tonight I want to address what I'm-
[1:15:00] I believe is a long-standing issue involving how to title assignments and the improper use of custodial employees. As custodians, we already have a tremendous workload during the summer. Yet despite this workload, custodians are routinely expected to paint still else and other areas of our buildings. Even though painting is not a part of the civil service law specification for a custodian, the district employee's painless, whose title specifically includes painting, duties and whose compensations reflect those specialized skills.
[1:15:29] the district will also maintain an overtime budget for painters to perform this work.
[1:15:34] It painters, it painters overtime funds exist, but it not being utilized, it is difficult
[1:15:40] to understand why custodians are expected to perform painted duties at custodian wages.
[1:15:46] This is not merely a staffing decision, it is a compensation issue and a fairness issue.
[1:15:51] Recently, I raised a concern with my union and was advised that painting is not a part
[1:15:55] of the custodial specification in these assignments raised legitimate out of concern, out of titles.
[1:16:02] I'm sorry, out of title concerns.
[1:16:03] At the same time, the school where I currently work, PS15, remains grossly understaffed by five
[1:16:09] custodial positions at night. custodians are always stepped, custodians have always stepped up and done
[1:16:15] what was needed to get the schools ready for students for the new year.
[1:16:20] But there comes a point where helping out becomes sub substitute for another title or together on a personal level
[1:16:28] I believe custodians have been exploited in this regard for many years
[1:16:32] Respecting
[1:16:32] Draw titles protects employees tax payers and
[1:16:36] Protects the integrity of the system itself if the district needs painters then the painless should paint if additional work
[1:16:42] For this then the painless overtime budget should be utilized and if it's not we're so money going and if employees are expected to
[1:16:49] before I'm due these outside of the title,
[1:16:51] then they should have their compensation provided
[1:16:53] for under the under title provisions
[1:16:56] because there is something in our title.
[1:16:58] I mean, it's something that I've booked this Saturday.
[1:16:59] And I also want to say something about this broken system.
[1:17:02] It's not broken because if it's fixed,
[1:17:04] all these bad practices couldn't continue.
[1:17:08] So trust, it's not broken.
[1:17:09] It's working exactly the way y'all want it to work, please.
[1:17:15] Next speaker is Kevin Zon.
[1:17:21] Next speaker is Elena Little.
[1:17:22] Hello.
[1:17:35] Hi.
[1:17:36] Good evening.
[1:17:37] My name is Elena Little.
[1:17:38] I am a wardee council person for the City of Jersey City, but I'm speaking tonight in
[1:17:42] my personal capacity.
[1:17:44] I am here to propose the rush to oppose the rush five-year contract renewal for the superintendent.
[1:17:51] I want to first thank everyone here who is here tonight to participate in the democratic process
[1:17:56] whether we disagree or agree on this issue.
[1:18:00] This is what community engagement looks like.
[1:18:02] And I want to be clear, I fully support the teachers who are here tonight, they deserve
[1:18:07] a fair contract, but that is a separate question from the question at hand.
[1:18:13] A vote to extend the superintendent's contract for five years, more than the previous renewal
[1:18:17] of three years, is a commitment to the same direction for the Jersey City public schools
[1:18:22] from now until 2031.
[1:18:24] It is a vote of confidence.
[1:18:26] And while I thank her for her decades of service, in my opinion, the significant ongoing issues
[1:18:31] in the district do not warrant a rushed five-year commitment.
[1:18:35] They deserve careful and thoughtful consideration.
[1:18:39] Less than a third of our students are proficient in math,
[1:18:42] only 41% are proficient in English language arts,
[1:18:45] and our high school graduation rate is only 78%.
[1:18:48] And the latest part of the special education audit
[1:18:50] that was delayed for seven years was so bad,
[1:18:53] it was sent straight to the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office.
[1:18:57] Further, the Jersey City Board of Education has increased their tax
[1:19:00] It's levied by over $200 million in just the last two years.
[1:19:03] Our superintendent is currently the second highest paid in the state, and I believe this five year contract will make her the highest paid in the state earning nearly $400,000 a year.
[1:19:13] No?
[1:19:15] So, well, that was based on what I looked up earlier today, so in any case, I urge the board not to rush, to take your time and
[1:19:27] And to make sure that the decision that is being made is the best decision for the very real issues are district faces.
[1:19:33] Thank you.
[1:19:39] Next speaker.
[1:19:40] I'm sorry, Mr. B.A., could you just hold for a second?
[1:19:43] I just have to make this perfect hooker.
[1:19:46] I find it absurd that you will come in here, Madam Councilwoman, and
[1:19:53] criticize our governmental process on renewing our superintendent's contract when you voted in favor of the
[1:20:01] 200,000 dollar contracts is for the deputy of education who does absolutely nothing compared
[1:20:06] to education.
[1:20:10] In addition to that, you talk about seven years of failure that we had, well how about
[1:20:18] you're supporting an initiative for a mayor that's trying to do a 20% increase and now 15%
[1:20:26] to the council and then you have the audacity to come up here and try and tell us what we're
[1:20:30] supposed to be doing when you admit it on the record that you would vote for 20%, so you have the
[1:20:36] audacity to do that. I think you need to tend to the business of the city and let us tend to the
[1:20:41] business of the Board of Education.
[1:20:48] Excuse me, sir, you're out of line. You can't do that. You gotta go.
[1:20:52] You gotta leave. You gotta leave. You gotta leave. Goodbye.
[1:20:58] You can't do that. You can't do that.
[1:21:04] Ms. Little, Ms. Little, Councilwoman, give me a second, please.
[1:21:09] And we usually do not,
[1:21:17] we usually-
[1:21:18] Wait a minute, before you continue, what's happening over there?
[1:21:22] And is he being arrested again?
[1:21:25] The police are over there, they can handle it.
[1:21:27] The police are over there, they can handle it.
[1:21:29] I just want to communicate, I just
[1:21:37] want to communicate,
[1:21:38] miss little that it's not the norm that we break into your conversation and to
[1:21:47] discuss or to rebuttal but because you guys did not even stay here had the
[1:21:53] decency to listen to us the last time that we had a meeting you guys spoke we
[1:21:59] allowed it we smiled and when it was our time to speak to you you all left so
[1:22:05] I'm allowing this board to take it upon themselves and communicate with you before you decide to run away again. Thank you.
[1:22:16] Let's move on.
[1:22:19] Next speaker is Sam Solia.
[1:22:22] Thank you.
[1:22:35] All right, all right.
[1:22:37] What a drama, right?
[1:22:39] It's everything is scripted.
[1:22:40] Perfect.
[1:22:41] Pictures.
[1:22:43] We have producers.
[1:22:44] We have directors.
[1:22:45] Actors.
[1:22:47] Everything is scripted.
[1:22:49] before this meeting begin right they know what's gonna happen they have to select
[1:22:55] one person to appoint it as a broad trustee everybody show up here to and they
[1:23:03] pitch them why they need to be selected and they selected one person who didn't
[1:23:06] show up here and she's not even a mother she don't have kids in the public school
[1:23:11] this is what happened here because you know what it was all scripted swear
[1:23:18] God put a hand in your heart, tell me that he didn't receive any instruction from the union bosses who we go into select
[1:23:25] We all know that
[1:23:27] We also know that and of no matter what we say here
[1:23:31] You still gonna extend the contract which is absolutely not necessary
[1:23:36] but I will still ask you some questions and
[1:23:40] Our my question is
[1:23:41] This contract is $2 million altogether approximately and she gonna come in the control for more than
[1:23:48] a $6 billion for next five years for our taxpayer money.
[1:23:53] So the question is and we know that why you're doing it because in January everything going to change.
[1:23:59] This color is going to change. There are four seats up for the election which is 45% is going to change and that's why you are doing it.
[1:24:06] So my question is trustee Patel.
[1:24:09] What's going to happen after January, if we decide to put a motion, no confidence on
[1:24:16] a superintendent, what are you going to do with the $2 million?
[1:24:18] Is she going to walk away with the $2 million?
[1:24:21] Did you have this question?
[1:24:22] Did you have a thought?
[1:24:23] No, right?
[1:24:24] I don't think so.
[1:24:24] You think about it.
[1:24:26] I want to ask you a lot of things about the trustee Iofi.
[1:24:28] She came yesterday, sitting home meeting and telling that, oh, we are so transferred and
[1:24:33] honest.
[1:24:33] We let people to speak.
[1:24:35] Speaking is not important.
[1:24:36] Thank you for giving us a three minute listening listen to us listen to your heart
[1:24:40] What we are trying to tell you you give us a reason one and a half year ago to raise a superintendent salary because she is not
[1:24:47] And top-file making super in a salary. Bayon superman is making more money than heart
[1:24:52] That was a reason that superhuman intelligence reason that we can't understand that only she understand that she tried to explain
[1:25:00] The budget line. She was reading nobody's explaining my son can read all the budget line the numbers
[1:25:06] Telling council person to love our own councilwoman early on a little they understand no, they don't understand that
[1:25:12] They are just listening it. Please don't use that. She has a reason just telling us
[1:25:17] You know, we cannot put their conditioning because you know our electricity is sold so now 15 second lab
[1:25:24] I want to tell you God bless all of you and make God
[1:25:29] Forgive you what you are doing today. Thank you very much
[1:25:31] The
[1:25:41] last speaker, Frances Whitman, submitted an email in your folder that exhausts the speakers list.
[1:25:53] We thank you for providing the email.
[1:25:55] We don't read the emails, but we'll accept it, thank you.
[1:26:00] And
[1:26:04] please call on those that we're not here when you first call them.
[1:26:08] If they're here, we'll hear them now, and then we'll move on to our vote.
[1:26:13] Darin Martin,
[1:26:19] Renee Perna,
[1:26:22] Kevin Reed,
[1:26:25] Sarah Garal,
[1:26:29] Eunice Farcouche,
[1:26:33] Casey Hauer,
[1:26:36] Melissa Kirin,
[1:26:39] Danielle Byter,
[1:26:42] Kevin Zon,
[1:26:46] that concludes the speaker's list.
[1:26:48] Thank you.
[1:26:52] Okay.
[1:26:53] Yes, I am now open to board comments, please.
[1:27:00] Madam President.
[1:27:01] Yes.
[1:27:01] Yes, I just want to say, you know, we've heard several members from the community talk about the vote of confidence for our super attended.
[1:27:12] After we did the superintendent's evaluation, and I know, I'm going to just say this, I know it's personnel, but her evaluation was close to almost amazing because the board
[1:27:30] with the exception of a couple of impediments,
[1:27:33] agreed that our superintendent is not perfect,
[1:27:36] but she is dealing with the, she's dealing
[1:27:39] with what she has and she's making the best of it.
[1:27:41] We talk about this special education investigation
[1:27:45] and all of the corruption that was revealed
[1:27:47] through the review and the audit,
[1:27:50] but you fell to realize that the superintendent,
[1:27:53] under my presidency, she initiated this audit
[1:27:59] because she came in contact with some information that said, hey, something's not right here and she took the initiative to start that investigation.
[1:28:07] It wasn't easy because obviously we knew who was involved.
[1:28:11] So let's be very clear about this superintendent's leadership and what she's done so far.
[1:28:18] I hear people talk about this petition with all of these signatures that was online.
[1:28:22] Those signatures are not verified that they are actually Jersey City residents that signed that petition.
[1:28:27] And further, a petition does not even exist if it's not presented to the people who are actually making the decision on what's going to happen with the superintendent.
[1:28:35] So it's great that you have a petition.
[1:28:37] Congratulations, but unfortunately, you didn't give it to the people that are actually supposed to have it.
[1:28:43] Personnel matters don't need public review.
[1:28:47] So in regards to the assistant superintendents, that is a decision of the board, which is why we did it in closed session.
[1:28:56] And then I heard someone talk about an inheritance.
[1:29:00] The superintendent did inherit a mess.
[1:29:03] You think this special education just started two days or two years ago?
[1:29:07] No, it was inherited.
[1:29:08] But she handled it with tenacity and she made the decision for it to go to the prosecutor's office.
[1:29:14] Maybe she didn't let the board know but at the end of the day I would have preferred that she did that and tell us later
[1:29:19] then to allow people who have committed corruption to continue to exist.
[1:29:22] So you talk about leadership and what she's done. Let's pay attention to what she's done.
[1:29:27] The only thing that I hear in our board meeting that has been spared with nuts about negativity is all of the negativity about
[1:29:33] special education, but none of you came out prior to even knowing about the investigation and also some information being leaked from
[1:29:42] insiders. So let's be very clear. And most of you that get up here and talk about the special education, I don't recall any of your
[1:29:50] scholars losing any funding any funding to support their initiatives and you know
[1:29:56] how I know that because when I was president I signed over 400
[1:30:06] So, let's be very clear. We're doing this today because we know that the superintendent is not only qualified and to echo Mike Greco. She's homegrown. She came from preschool teacher all the way up to the superintendent. And I would rather have that than have somebody from out of town to mess up our school district again.
[1:30:26] Any,
[1:30:41] uh, yes, Ms. Patel, did you want to say?
[1:30:45] I just want to say, you know, I find it insulting that we had one person saying that just
[1:30:52] because someone isn't a parent or have children that they're exempt from running for the board,
[1:30:57] nowhere nationally anyone exempt from that, anyone can run for the board.
[1:31:03] That is our right nationally, so it's insulting when someone says that, second, when I ran
[1:31:10] for the board and everything. I'm an outsider looking in. There's nothing wrong with that.
[1:31:15] I went to private schools from Christian schools and everything. And many of the
[1:31:19] Heights residents as well as other awards supported that because you need someone from outside
[1:31:24] looking in because they're sometimes ton of vision and everything. And when I met Dr. Fernandez,
[1:31:30] I heard a lot of good things about Dr. Fernandez. Remember, I never went to public school.
[1:31:35] So the only time I went to public school was when I had to vote.
[1:31:42] School number 27, I knew nothing about that facility.
[1:31:46] So I had to learn from scratch about this.
[1:31:49] And how do I learn about it from everyone in the community and every war, parents, teachers,
[1:31:54] instructors, principals, superintendents, board trustees, and anyone else.
[1:31:58] And also I participate in conferences within the state of New Jersey and
[1:32:03] outside because I'm because I want to improve our school district. So it's
[1:32:08] insulting when people criticize outsiders. That is not right. Everyone has to
[1:32:14] write to run for the board nationally. Women are not exempt. People are
[1:32:19] calling out exempt. People from different colleges or schools. They're not
[1:32:24] exempt. We the people have the right. So it's insulting. And you know what? I voted
[1:32:31] for Melanie Cruz because she is an outsider. She is an outsider. We need people that are going to look
[1:32:37] at the district. So this is all I have to say. But I support our Jerry City Public School as an
[1:32:44] outsider who went to Christian schools from kindergarten all the way to college. So that says
[1:32:50] something right there. So I want to say that I support our public schools nationally. 100 percent.
[1:33:05] I've had the pleasure of working and I call to the pleasure of working with Dr. Fernandez.
[1:33:11] When I like she answers every phone call, she visits every school.
[1:33:18] She is a home grown as you would say, coming from teaching to administration to assistant
[1:33:25] superintendent, deputy superintendent, and then she probably becomes superintendent of schools.
[1:33:29] She is just what we need. She has been a serious servant.
[1:33:35] We respect her and so does this community respect her. And so my vote for her is going to be because of the way in which she works.
[1:33:44] The way in which other people see her and one person made a comment that
[1:33:49] We've been down that road of going outside trying to get someone else. We need to stay home and support Dr.
[1:33:58] Thank you for that. Thank
[1:34:03] you a five to the chair. Is that guy, the last speaker, the one that took our flyer and put his face on it when we were running for the board?
[1:34:15] That's that same guy. So we're fraudulent, but he's not. All right scripted. I think not. We think for ourselves here. Pretty much.
[1:34:28] And Dr. Fernandez, it takes time to see the results of either destruction or building
[1:34:39] or when it comes in education.
[1:34:41] We've watched in this city, I'm from Jersey City, born and raised here, been through Jersey City Public Schools,
[1:34:47] through grammar school, through high school.
[1:34:49] Maybe with a little bit of assumption going to a parochial school for a year or a same
[1:34:54] just for my last two years of grammar school.
[1:35:01] That special education audit and all
[1:35:05] these things that they're talking about where reading and math has failed. The
[1:35:10] students are failing in these topics. This is long before you even got to your
[1:35:14] position. And the things that you put in place, phonics, reading help for
[1:35:21] dyslexic students, and also many other things. The mental health services. We never
[1:35:27] had that growing up. We had to go through school, bullied, and going through life, traumatized
[1:35:33] by everything. Nobody to support us when we got back to the school. And not only that,
[1:35:38] probably even get more teased because you went through something. And I appreciate your work.
[1:35:45] I admire it.
[1:35:48] There's people that have been coming up with the problem, coming up with problems
[1:35:54] and making a solution and also nominate a solution when they both show up together there's a problem.
[1:36:02] I just want to say that dogs don't bark at parked cars, so I'm with you.
[1:36:16] Thank you a far and I tell you I
[1:36:23] wasn't sure if we're going to go in a circle so we're having
[1:36:25] discussion now basically we're having our discussion yeah as well as response to public comment might as
[1:36:30] well. So I was at the City Council meeting as it happens and I know one of our
[1:36:35] speakers said today, you know, they had to be in a hallway where it capacity. So I
[1:36:38] showed up at City Council yesterday at 6.10. I stood in a hallway for almost two
[1:36:42] hours because they were at capacity. They had a hot meeting too yesterday, as you
[1:36:46] know. And I was signed up to speak. I was number 54. And thank you for the
[1:36:52] minute. How you say, very selective quote, Mr. Celia, but I spoke about a lot
[1:36:56] more than just transparency. I made a point of, you know, congratulating the Council
[1:37:01] of finally receiving their budget from the administration, you know, we received
[1:37:05] their budget from the administration, or at least the preliminaries, conversations
[1:37:09] between February, March, and then at least three public hearings on the budget. But the
[1:37:14] fun fact that I shared with the Council, and I think it married, it's also sharing today
[1:37:17] with our educators. So the City Council, the mayor announced their budget at $886 million.
[1:37:23] total. Well, everybody knows that our budget is $1 billion, $96 million. However, if you take away
[1:37:30] the charter school payout of $210 million, we end up with the same $886 million. So currently,
[1:37:38] the Board of Ed and City Council matches in their budgets. And I also, you know, mentioned yesterday
[1:37:43] day that our $886 million goes to pay for almost over 5,000 employees, six bargaining
[1:37:52] units, 30,000 students, 50 plus buildings, more than half of which are over 100 years
[1:37:58] old and then some. Not to mention operations, facility maintenance, and everything, transportation,
[1:38:05] special education and on and on and on and on and on and on. So having said that, I want
[1:38:10] to remind everyone who perhaps have forgotten. I've seen things, the level of misinformation
[1:38:15] that has been circling around prior to this meeting has just been astounding. Starting
[1:38:21] from the hype headlines of a million and a half dollar salary, you know, which is obviously
[1:38:26] over five years, but still you put that in a headline, it kind of sends a message. So a few
[1:38:33] days ago, someone opened the city salaries. As some of you may have noticed and they created
[1:38:40] and eat little spreadsheets, you know, listing all the salaries and I'm not necessarily knocking
[1:38:44] those salaries. That's not my purpose here. But first of all, the fact that someone had to
[1:38:49] over them is indicative because all of our laundry is out there, which is what allows the public
[1:38:55] to constantly criticize us. And that is a good thing that is part of the democratic process,
[1:39:00] whether there is a raise or a contract, everything is out there for all the world to see and to examine
[1:39:06] in to dissect and that's a good thing. So thankfully the folks who
[1:39:11] operate the city salaries I noticed that if you add up the entire municipal
[1:39:16] council budget which encompasses the city council members and their staff is
[1:39:21] approximately $1.4 million. Again I'm not knocking that number in itself they're
[1:39:25] people they have staff but I also want to put it on record because I'm not sure
[1:39:29] how many people take it for granted from the public is that this governing body
[1:39:33] does not have a salary or staff or offices or cars or anything we get a
[1:39:39] tray of sandwiches and a takeout for our monthly meetings which is fantastic
[1:39:44] we also get compensated for training and sodas for training conferences which
[1:39:52] is what keeps us knowledgeable knowledgeable about our job we're mandated to be
[1:39:57] trained and so having said that you know one could also argue that by not getting
[1:40:01] paid, this governing body saves the taxpayers $1.4 million a year. So if we're saving the
[1:40:07] taxpayers $1.4 million a year, surely we can afford a million and a half over five
[1:40:12] years for our one employee. Literally we have one employee. That's it. That's the only
[1:40:18] person that we can direct communicate with and ask things off. So a lot of people made a
[1:40:23] point why she's so highly paid. She spent 44 years as an educator. And that makes her pretty
[1:40:30] much. If you, you know, Google, what have you? Dr. Fernandez happens to be one of the longest
[1:40:35] serving educational administrators in the state of New Jersey. Hence the salary. Do you know what I mean?
[1:40:41] It's not some arbitrary number that this board just draws on the white board this side. Do you know what?
[1:40:46] We're just going to bestow this bag of money on this person. It's the years that come with the salary.
[1:40:50] That is the public sector system in not just in the state, but in the nation if you will. We don't make
[1:40:59] with it and we multiply it on the merits and the evaluations. And I do want to speak to the evaluations.
[1:41:05] And thank you for the explanation of how evaluations are not published. They've never been published.
[1:41:10] Why suddenly, after all these years of board meetings, people are demanding to see the evaluations.
[1:41:15] Which other superintendent has been asked the same demand? But nevertheless, people ask a fair question,
[1:41:21] what are the criteria? How do we evaluate this individual? You know, people talk about being
[1:41:26] being careful, being thoughtful.
[1:41:28] Why are you rushing into this?
[1:41:29] Do you really think that this governing body
[1:41:32] is arbitrarily bestowing awards on an individual
[1:41:37] without going through a rigorous process?
[1:41:39] We are governed by a body too, which is the NJSBA.
[1:41:42] And I urge you, it is a publicly available document,
[1:41:46] NJSBA.org.
[1:41:48] There is a link describing in detail the criteria
[1:41:51] to evaluate every single superintendent in the state.
[1:41:54] And that is the criteria that we follow.
[1:41:57] Now whether or not we agree each of us to which extend this to print and meets that criteria,
[1:42:02] that's a separate story, but clearly, as the Vice President point out, the majority
[1:42:06] of us to agree sufficiently to move this individual to the next level.
[1:42:12] Now, I want to speak to a very important operational point in history with regard to Dr. Fernandez
[1:42:18] that no one remembers, and that's another astounding fact because again,
[1:42:23] and everything's about money and taxes and everything hurts.
[1:42:26] So Dr. Fernandez became permanent superintendent in 2022.
[1:42:32] She, after that, she presented two subsequent budgets
[1:42:36] to the board, both of those budgets.
[1:42:39] The 2023-24 budget and the 24-25 budget
[1:42:43] had absolutely no tax increase.
[1:42:46] And if you don't believe me because last time I said this
[1:42:48] in our budget town hall, profanities were hurled at me.
[1:42:51] I urge you to look up Jersey City Times article from April 26, 2024 that says B.O.E. passes
[1:42:58] budget with no tax increase for second year.
[1:43:02] So don't take my word for it, take our own press.
[1:43:05] It's also reflected in our budget presentations, which is another thing I mentioned to the council.
[1:43:10] We are transparent enough.
[1:43:12] You may not like us and that's okay.
[1:43:14] You may not like our process and that's okay.
[1:43:16] Please run for the board.
[1:43:18] Sit with us.
[1:43:19] take our seats. We are expendable temporary people. That much is true. You know, please come
[1:43:25] take our place. See for yourselves what this is like. You know, enjoy the sandwiches.
[1:43:31] No. And the warm soda. But the bottom line is that we know what we've been working on for the
[1:43:40] last four years. And so people ask why the latest increases for the last two years, right?
[1:43:48] Let's
[1:43:49] tenure. Let's focus on the worst, the ugliest possible thing, the increase, the tax
[1:43:55] hike. Well, why? I'll tell you why. For those who have been paying attention, and
[1:43:59] for those who have been following our meetings, prior year, the state cut equalization
[1:44:04] aid of $98 million. Almost immediately after, they added $50 million additional
[1:44:11] tab on an existing charter school payout. That's something that comes, if you think of
[1:44:16] how much money the state gives the school district,
[1:44:19] which is $125 million,
[1:44:21] and then makes us pay $210 million out of that $125.
[1:44:26] Consider where your tax levy really goes.
[1:44:28] Consider where your payroll tax goes,
[1:44:30] where the bank cap is not even gonna cover
[1:44:33] our charter school bill at this point,
[1:44:34] on top of the state aid.
[1:44:36] So that is the bottom line.
[1:44:38] I wanna talk about the money
[1:44:39] because this is what people have come to here.
[1:44:40] I'm almost done.
[1:44:41] That's literally the last point I'm trying to make.
[1:44:43] Okay, the last thing,
[1:44:45] is that continuity. Our teachers talked about that.
[1:44:50] We have comparable school districts in this state, right?
[1:44:53] I know people like to talk about graduation rates, and where do we fall?
[1:44:57] Not only is Jersey City Public Schools
[1:45:00] A district, an exemplary district, and I mean that in, you know, quotation marks, we have been
[1:45:07] the subject of the largest state aid cuts in the state of New Jersey over the last ten
[1:45:12] year, yeah, period, okay? Why and how? That's a separate political conversation, but also
[1:45:19] because of the wealth of our city, or perceived wealth of our city. So, consider being a super
[1:45:24] intended with the largest cuts in the state, who inherits a mess of a business
[1:45:31] department, has to clean it up, has to order multiple audits, see them through,
[1:45:35] introduce, nevertheless, introduce two budgets in a row with no tax increases
[1:45:41] and during that time settle six bargaining units, successfully, that skill and
[1:45:48] that's what we've been observing. And so if you choose to focus on the most
[1:45:53] recent and the most ugliest, the things that stand out to you. I understand why you're
[1:45:58] doing it because it's politics, but you cannot take away from what we have seen and experienced
[1:46:03] on this board. That's it. Thank you.
[1:46:06] Okay. Let's take a breather.
[1:46:10] Did you want to speak also, George?
[1:46:13] No, I'm good.
[1:46:14] Okay.
[1:46:14] Please, let's allow the other two trustees that have not said anything. And then I will come
[1:46:22] back to you. I'm sorry. You're okay. Thank you.
[1:46:30] Trustee Richardson?
[1:46:35] So I'm going to be very brief.
[1:46:38] So I do agree that due to the fear of some board members may not come back and the majority vote
[1:46:49] me or may not be there. That is why this is being done now. I completely agree with that.
[1:47:00] The other thing I'm going to say is, you know, and it's sad because, you know, I've consistently
[1:47:06] been here within this district, you know, whether on this side or on the outside for what, over three
[1:47:15] decades. And, you know, I have to say, I no longer have confidence. I no longer have
[1:47:24] confidence in the superintendent.
[1:47:31] Are you done? That's it. Thank you. Yes.
[1:47:38] Trustee
[1:47:38] Vissa Bella, please. Okay.
[1:47:43] First of all, I want to acknowledge everybody that came out
[1:47:46] here today, whether or not we're on the same side of something on a different side of
[1:47:49] something. It has been a very respectful room, so I appreciate that. I appreciate that.
[1:47:56] No problem. I appreciate that even a few of the people that even if we are not on the
[1:48:01] same side of this have reached out and been very respectful in how they came to their
[1:48:12] decision and what resonates to them. So I'm grateful for every last person that has emailed
[1:48:18] and given a reason why because it's important for us
[1:48:21] to see all aspects of this conversation.
[1:48:25] I've heard a lot about outsiders,
[1:48:28] this person's an outsider, this person's an insider.
[1:48:32] You know, I'm not gonna storytell.
[1:48:35] I feel the same way sometimes.
[1:48:38] I'm born, life resident of Jersey City.
[1:48:42] My mom graduated from 40.
[1:48:44] My grandmother started at Snyder in 1956
[1:48:47] 56 and ended at Dickinson.
[1:48:50] My great-grandfather came here with a second grade education.
[1:48:56] He worked as a janitor back when black people were not being hired to be teachers and
[1:49:03] grateful that when the time came my uncle was able to take a position here as a teacher
[1:49:10] in the 60s being a teacher at Lincoln and a track coach from the relationships that my great-grandfather
[1:49:16] built so yeah my family's been here a hundred years and I can get a little
[1:49:20] territorial too when I think that someone's not doing right by this city. At
[1:49:28] the same time I realized that I had to be judicial in my thought process so I
[1:49:34] just want to work through what I thought.
[1:49:40] So first the academic performance I've
[1:49:43] I've been a teacher in the district.
[1:49:45] I will not, the numbers are not going to diminish the work of the teachers and the staff.
[1:49:50] We know what's happening in the classroom.
[1:49:52] We have had classrooms with 40 students, 10 students do not speak English and multi-language
[1:49:59] learners.
[1:50:00] We have five students with learning language disabilities.
[1:50:04] The classrooms are tough and I'm not going to diminish the work that goes into teaching because
[1:50:09] because it wouldn't be, it would be disingenuous to say that the academic scores are just on teachers.
[1:50:16] It is not, but as someone that did teach in this district, I want to ensure at all times that the people that are above us,
[1:50:26] whether or not it's our administrators or the cabinet are the strongest people to guide because as soon as the curriculum changes,
[1:50:34] As soon as we ask for something, and we don't have it in the classroom, that academic performance falls on us.
[1:50:44] And at some point, there has to be someone that has to take responsibility.
[1:50:49] I don't believe that Dr. Fernandez.
[1:50:53] Let her go, please.
[1:50:57] I don't believe that Dr. Fernandez as the CEO of this district has the power to do that.
[1:51:03] But I hope that she puts in a great executive leadership that takes those concerns serious.
[1:51:10] And for as many people that I have in front of me that are championing,
[1:51:14] I have also teachers that have reached out and
[1:51:17] text and said they don't feel supported.
[1:51:19] So to say that I'm in the middle when it comes to that, I am.
[1:51:23] But I definitely agree that everybody here, teachers, parents are all stakeholders,
[1:51:29] life-long residents, outsiders, without children, everyone is a stakeholder in the
[1:51:34] decisions that we make and I don't get to make it just because and let me get
[1:51:39] this. I think Dr. Fernandez is a lovely person. I would never say a cool word
[1:51:45] about her personality but unfortunately I'm not here to talk about
[1:51:49] personality-wise. I'm just here to discuss what I've seen. So the financial
[1:51:54] Those stewardship, the district invested approximately $935,000 in software implementation.
[1:52:02] We were supposed to see link solve those payroll issues.
[1:52:06] We were supposed to have people not come here and discuss that their overtime was not paid
[1:52:11] out correctly, which is concerning when that money is supposed to stay in an interest bearing
[1:52:15] account and paid out within a certain time frame.
[1:52:18] We found out that that was not possible.
[1:52:21] We ask that the money be recouped, that was never answered.
[1:52:24] We ask what would take place in order to support the people that do work that over time, that we're not getting paid in the correct time period.
[1:52:32] The same way that I will advocate for any teacher, I have to advocate for the people that open the doors for our kids, the security that stands there.
[1:52:41] The maintenance that makes sure that the bathrooms are clean so these students can walk in and not feel scared that there's something lying there.
[1:52:48] I want to be able to advocate for everyone and there has not been one month where one person has not come and said they have not gotten paid their
[1:52:57] They're over time. It's concerning and when I thought we put a system in place
[1:53:02] I vote it yes on that civil service audit
[1:53:04] I vote it yes to the introduction of links and then it just went away and the public found out before we did because somebody in central office told the
[1:53:13] the price
[1:53:15] That's disconcerting
[1:53:17] Financial stewardship is not limiting to balancing one budget.
[1:53:21] I've seen enrollment decline, I look at the numbers.
[1:53:24] We've gone from 27,000 to 25,000.
[1:53:27] We said, this year we're looking at $160 million that we paid out in charter, and
[1:53:32] that's being bumped up to 210 million.
[1:53:36] This is because families are making educational choices for
[1:53:39] whatever reason they're making it.
[1:53:41] And I'm not going to knock a parent for doing what's best for their child because we all want the best education.
[1:53:52] Whether or not it's in the Jersey City Public School District where mine are or whether someone else is at a charter school.
[1:53:58] But my responsibility is to recognize that that enrollment affects revenue, which affects staffing and long term planning.
[1:54:06] And I think that by ignoring the trends, we're not fulfilling our fiduciary responsibility.
[1:54:13] The next thing is the executive leadership.
[1:54:16] Your responsibility is to build that leadership.
[1:54:20] And we don't conduct executive searches.
[1:54:22] We don't ask for national searches or roles.
[1:54:27] But we do evaluate your recommendations.
[1:54:30] and I have to say when I continuously see someone that's already here go from
[1:54:37] acting and then we say we're going to open up a requisition later and then
[1:54:42] eventually some months down the line the person just becomes permanent it makes
[1:54:47] me question if we are truly ensuring that we have the best people possible for the
[1:54:54] roles. I have no problem if they are the best person, but I think we should be
[1:55:00] making sure that the recruiting cycle is an equal opportunity for everyone.
[1:55:06] And again, this comes from people that work already in the district saying they
[1:55:10] didn't have an opportunity. I think that's oversight that requires information and
[1:55:15] that information. It's part of our governance.
[1:55:20] I think that the internal
[1:55:22] controls. We authorized an agreed upon report. How many years ago? Now we're saying it's
[1:55:28] not an audit. It's agreed upon report. It has nothing to do with a whole financial
[1:55:32] evaluation. What we heard was concerning. We still don't know exactly what happened.
[1:55:37] I don't know if it actually went to law enforcement. That's all I heard at the meeting.
[1:55:44] Where do
[1:55:45] you think it went? I don't know what I'm saying. You said the same thing. No, no, no. I never
[1:55:51] said that what I said was I can't believe it went without letting us know I'm asking you
[1:55:57] where you just made a comment about you don't know where it went so where do you think it went
[1:56:01] this is a joke where to go this is a joke right it
[1:56:10] is a joke because I've listened respectfully to
[1:56:13] everybody here without without interrupting them so why am I any different why am I any less
[1:56:19] Yes. Why don't I get the right?
[1:56:24] Is there a reason why should I not respect everyone
[1:56:28] else that got up here to speak? Is it that you're right?
[1:56:33] No. I don't know. We don't
[1:56:35] know what law enforcement it was referred to. Point blank. Another thing, placeholder for
[1:56:42] the contracts. We didn't even, I don't even know what we were voting on until we saw them.
[1:56:47] These, this is a lack of communication, it's a, to me, I just think the way that our
[1:56:54] processes are handled, it can be done much better.
[1:57:00] Another thing, you tabled two food pantries coming to 41 and 15, to schools we know that
[1:57:08] the students are food insecure.
[1:57:10] We went around, we discussed it, it passed, you tabled it.
[1:57:13] For me, food insecurity happens now.
[1:57:18] Whether or not the food was bad,
[1:57:19] that was something that we could have checked the day of,
[1:57:22] but they were also giving out toiletries.
[1:57:24] To me, that goes to community access.
[1:57:29] There has been significant things
[1:57:32] that I think we need more time to discuss and evaluate.
[1:57:37] And at this time, I just don't feel comfortable
[1:57:39] going forward with a special educational audit
[1:57:42] that we do not have all of the information yet for and for people sitting in acting positions.
[1:57:49] I mean one of my recommendations was having a CPA as an assistant BA because our district
[1:57:58] is so large and so complex and that was left that. I think that we better communication,
[1:58:06] better long-term financial planning is needed because as we see in Chicago, as they lay off 700 students and 158 aides over 100 people in central office,
[1:58:21] their financial planning, their long-term financial planning was not where it needed to be.
[1:58:26] And I am scared that next year we will face the same pick up.
[1:58:30] I'm asking that we wait and that we have a better evaluation.
[1:58:37] And again, this is not a knock on a personality or
[1:58:39] believing that the job can't be done.
[1:58:42] It is more of, I see a lot of things occurring in real time that just have not been addressed.
[1:58:49] Thank you.
[1:58:50] Through the chair.
[1:58:51] Through the chair.
[1:58:53] Can I have one comment?
[1:58:54] Okay.
[1:58:55] I'm a former Chicago resident.
[1:58:58] I'll tell you something.
[1:59:00] If Dr. Fernandez was in Chicago, she would turn around that school district better.
[1:59:06] And I've also talked to multiple people, the National School Board Association, multiple board trustees,
[1:59:14] and they have said that they have failure superintendents.
[1:59:17] They have low confidence.
[1:59:19] And I would explain about our superintendents.
[1:59:22] They wish they had her.
[1:59:24] Dr. Fernandez would have even gotten a job in town of Seacorkas because town of Seacorkas
[1:59:30] had multiple turnovers for superintendent and nationally she could easily get a job as
[1:59:36] a superintendent. So I support superintendent Fernandez. I know she's doing an incredible
[1:59:42] job because I do talk to other people from other states and I ask them about how their superintendent
[1:59:48] is doing and people are very truthful. They'll tell you that that superintendent doesn't know
[1:59:53] what they're doing. The teachers have the teachers have lack of confidence and principles and everything, so I support our.
[2:00:00] Thank you. Thank you. Now, I'd like to bring, I'd like to, I'd like to speak. Go right ahead. Go right ahead. I'm sorry. Just two, two other statistical points that I forgot. And I'm sorry. I know. I know. I know. It's all right. Nevertheless, we have comparable districts, as I mentioned, such as Newark or Elizabeth. And so it's important to know because we often hear about
[2:00:29] academic progress and how we're not fast enough or we're not, you know, as good as or, you know, lowest in the nation, lowest in the state, whatever, one of the lowest in both Newark and Elizabeth, who are or Patterson or even Union City for some reason, that's one of our comparable districts.
[2:00:46] There are superintendents for the most part. It have been in their roles for eight years or more.
[2:00:50] Our superintendent have been in a permanent role for only four years.
[2:00:55] Also, she's coming in after one of the largest turnovers that this district has seen in the last 10 years.
[2:01:01] And that is kind of the answer as to why, why rush, why now.
[2:01:05] So that this individual can have an opportunity for some kind of stability, and not just her, but
[2:01:10] the staff and the students involved.
[2:01:13] So that those are my statistical points.
[2:01:15] And the last thing is about the money, I mentioned it at our last board meeting, you may
[2:01:21] have noticed that the position of Deputy Superintendent have been eliminated as part
[2:01:26] of the cuts.
[2:01:27] And the shortfall, well, that position in itself, the amount of salary that it involves,
[2:01:32] that covers the entire raise of the Superintendent's new contract as well as the raises that have
[2:01:39] just transpired with regard to the non-affiliates as well as the new Associate Superintendent's.
[2:01:44] People are making assumptions online that these are new hires.
[2:01:47] These are not new hires, you know why?
[2:01:48] Because benefits are extremely expensive nowadays,
[2:01:51] especially in the state of New Jersey or nationwide or whatever.
[2:01:54] And so this district is saving this board is saving money on benefits
[2:01:58] by adding responsibilities to existing people,
[2:02:02] including the superintendent and giving them less staff to work with
[2:02:06] and having them do more, but also compensating them a little more.
[2:02:09] And that's it, thank you.
[2:02:18] I want to give a closure, go ahead and speak and then I'll give a closure, please.
[2:02:25] Okay, no problem. I want to be careful when we compare districts. Patterson's at 39,000. We're at 25.
[2:02:32] What do you call it, they also have a huge multi-language learning community larger than ours.
[2:02:41] Another thing is, it's never been about, go ahead, please see, I could continue.
[2:02:48] It's never been about the salary because it's always, I believe in fair and
[2:02:54] competitive pay, especially for women when we get paid 80% less.
[2:02:58] So, with that said, I also believe that salary goes with what you are seeing in the district.
[2:03:08] Now, I am someone that reads definitive proxies.
[2:03:11] I read the DF-14A's.
[2:03:13] There are evaluation methods for how we look at a CEO.
[2:03:17] I'm a person that creates decks for ultra high net worth individuals.
[2:03:22] It is not okay to come with maybe this is resolved.
[2:03:26] maybe that's not resolved, it doesn't work that way.
[2:03:30] We have seen GE, we have seen Disney, all take pay cuts when share prices do not a lot to shareholder wealth.
[2:03:39] It has nothing to do with the pay.
[2:03:42] It has everything to do with the systems in place that have taken place,
[2:03:47] that have remained unresolved, to say that we only care about one demographic.
[2:03:53] and sure what other people are saying is okay and then Tia I don't think I
[2:04:00] think this is why we're discussing it you have an opportunity we have an
[2:04:06] opportunity to say how we feel and I know that you feel that it has to be a
[2:04:11] rebuttal but we don't really have to have a rebuttal this is for us to explain
[2:04:16] why we're going to vote the way we're going to vote and then we're going to move
[2:04:20] one. But thank you for that. Now, before we all melt, I'd like to see if anyone remembers
[2:04:31] Dr. Ross, Dr. Pizzett, Mr. Franklin Walker. I mean, Williams, Elena Scambio, Victor
[2:04:43] Jeremy, Frank Sinatra, not the singer, Richard Di Patri, Charles E. F. T. F.
[2:04:58] Marshall Isles,
[2:05:02] Franklin Walker,
[2:05:06] and then came Dr. Fernandez. Well, let me tell you, let me tell you,
[2:05:13] I was here for all of them all of them and I can tell you now one of them even as
[2:05:22] much as we may love Mr. Walker appreciate Dr. F's not one of these people had
[2:05:32] the credentials that Dr. Fernandez has not one. However today and I have to
[2:05:43] to speak to our mayor with his beautiful yet disgusting letter which we've never had
[2:05:53] from any other mayor. We have had disagreements with mayors. We have had mayors who want
[2:05:59] to come and make the district to their image, but we've never had a mayor put such a disgusting
[2:06:07] letter publicly against the Board of Education, a district that is educating their kids, never.
[2:06:16] And I think that was lower than low, can't go any further.
[2:06:25] But nonetheless, in as much as Michelle says when they go low, we go, hi, I'm going to
[2:06:30] hell because I am sick of this whole thing of let's evaluate her we have she's not doing
[2:06:39] this yes she is where have you been where have any of you been when we really had problems
[2:06:46] where were you when the state took over by the way you know what when the state took over
[2:06:52] I was there thank god they did you know why because today had it not been for the state
[2:06:59] And we would not be able to sit at this table.
[2:07:03] No, they didn't look like us at all.
[2:07:06] Very few women and none of color.
[2:07:10] Okay, and here we are.
[2:07:12] But when we have to sit at this table, be it at any position,
[2:07:16] we have to prove ourselves twice as much.
[2:07:19] As a bilingual person, you have to take more tests than anybody else
[2:07:24] and not just take them.
[2:07:25] You have to pass them in a couple of languages
[2:07:28] and some of us in four languages.
[2:07:32] However, nobody says anything about those credentials.
[2:07:37] A person that comes with these credentials,
[2:07:39] that our superintendent has, actually, is value for two people.
[2:07:44] If you really knew what being a bilingual educator is,
[2:07:50] and that's where Dr. Fernandez started.
[2:07:52] But before we're bilingual educators,
[2:07:54] let me tell you that we have to be monolingual educators.
[2:07:56] we have to learn every method and everything in the second language and then prepare
[2:08:04] ourselves strongly in the first language so that we can give the students the opportunities
[2:08:10] that they deserve in this country which is what we have been doing, what Dr. Fernandez
[2:08:16] has been doing all of her life.
[2:08:18] And then she goes on, not just in the classroom, she goes on to prepare herself again another
[2:08:25] credential so that she can become an administrator and another credential and
[2:08:30] another exam so that she can become the superintendent. Therefore if you look at
[2:08:36] her credentials and put them together Mr. Mayor with the person that you want
[2:08:42] to put in her place no matter how many papers the other resume has it does not
[2:08:51] compete at all.
[2:08:56] And let me tell you and let me tell you another thing.
[2:09:03] We continue
[2:09:04] and I will continue as long as I can breathe. Although I've gotten some emails lately
[2:09:11] that tell me to stop breathing but I ain't gonna happen. As long as I can breathe I will
[2:09:18] continue to promote our own. Why do we encourage our children to do their best to be
[2:09:25] their best to grow to be successful. And when they grow to be successful, you say,
[2:09:30] uh-uh, you can't do it, you don't make it, you don't cut it. How dare, how dare everyone
[2:09:40] coming in here from Timba 2 or wherever to tell us that we are not enough. Where have you
[2:09:49] been. Where have you been when we were going through all of our issues here in
[2:09:56] Jersey City? Where have you been when the teachers had to strike with the
[2:10:04] battery and with Marshall Isles? Where were y'all?
[2:10:10] You're sure? Anyways,
[2:10:21] this is not
[2:10:23] This contract, I am rejecting, rejecting everything that is in that disgusting letter sent
[2:10:33] to all the city, the entire city, by a mayor who should be fixing the city hall and stop
[2:10:40] hiring people that aren't even from here, don't know us, know nothing about actual pedagogy,
[2:10:49] can only open charter schools, yes, they're public schools, but they take away from the public district.
[2:10:59] Take away from those same teachers that they went to vote for me, or maybe in Spanish.
[2:11:06] Seis et Puede. No, no, no, no, no, no. We're going nowhere.
[2:11:11] Anyway,
[2:11:17] I strongly stand by Dr. Fernandez, because I respect her as a human being.
[2:11:25] I respect her as a professional.
[2:11:28] I know that she's doing her best.
[2:11:30] I was here when we were not this far ahead.
[2:11:37] We're not perfect as other people have said.
[2:11:40] We're not there yet.
[2:11:43] And you know what?
[2:11:44] We may never get to the peak.
[2:11:47] Very few people do.
[2:11:48] But we are going up that mountain steady.
[2:11:52] And that's what's important.
[2:11:53] look at the things that we have that the superintendent has accomplished in
[2:11:59] this district. Try to be our partners instead of our adversary we have enough
[2:12:06] adversaries. We need advocates we need partners and we need people that are
[2:12:13] really willing to work with the students for the students and with this
[2:12:19] district and teachers, principles, all of you. You have all come from the ranks. I am so proud to say
[2:12:27] that. I was a supervisor for many of you and even a teacher for some of you. Kindergarten
[2:12:34] teacher, as a matter of fact, but I am very proud to say this city is worth working with to continue to
[2:12:44] improve. No doubt we have room for improvement. But criticism, without solution, does not give improvement.
[2:12:57] God bless you all.
[2:12:58] Through the chair, through the chair,
[2:13:04] going to call the vote.
[2:13:05] Oh, I'm sorry, Dr. Fernandez, did you have to, are we calling the voters?
[2:13:10] Through the chair, wait a minute.
[2:13:13] Yes, you want to add the vote?
[2:13:17] Okay, we're going to call the vote.
[2:13:19] Through the chair, I'm speaking.
[2:13:23] And you're not recognized, we're going to call the vote.
[2:13:25] Good, that's the way she speaks to me.
[2:13:28] Yes, yes.
[2:13:29] That's the way what?
[2:13:31] No, I'm not teaching you any motion.
[2:13:35] Remember, you taught in our district and you were fired.
[2:13:38] Motion.
[2:13:40] Motion.
[2:13:41] Go ahead.
[2:13:41] What fired second by blonde it was second by blonde
[2:13:47] Call the vote trusty Richardson
[2:13:51] No
[2:13:52] trusty Patel
[2:13:54] Yes, trusty Muhammad. Yes
[2:13:58] trusty Iofi. Yes, trusty Resabala. No
[2:14:03] trusty dr. Blunt. Yes, vice president Morris. Absolutely. Yes, loud
[2:14:16] yes here
[2:14:17] motion passed if
[2:14:52] I may yes I have to say I am deeply humbled by the Board of
[2:15:00] Education's decision to renew my contract as superintendent of the Jersey City Public School. To my dedicated board trustees, our phenomenal educators, and our school leaders, thank you for your continued partnership oversight and your shared belief in the future of our children.
[2:15:26] Leadership is never a solitary endeavor. I do this with a phenomenal staff. The progress
[2:15:38] we have charted in the significant work Liza had belongs to all of us. Trustees, thank
[2:15:46] you for your governance, your thorough evaluation of the path forward and your confidence in
[2:15:54] my leadership. I respect the gravity of oversight and look forward to partnering with you to
[2:16:03] meet our fiscal goals, enhance transparency, and deliver growth to all of our students
[2:16:11] for all of our students regardless of poverty and family challenges. Educators and administrators,
[2:16:22] teachers, you are the heart of this district. Thank you for your tireless dedication to
[2:16:30] our classrooms every single day. Your daily commitment is what transforms policy and
[2:16:39] works into real-world outcomes for our students.
[2:16:46] This contract is not just a validation of past
[2:16:49] efforts. It's a profound mandate for the future. I hear the voices of our community. As we look
[2:16:58] forward to the horizon, I continue to be committed to working with all different groups to achieve
[2:17:07] outcomes. Our focus will remain on razor shock, on a salarating academic growth. So administrators in
[2:17:17] In August, we'll be talking about that.
[2:17:19] Our focus will remain on boosting academic achievement in all content areas, increasing
[2:17:31] proficiency, and in strengthening the support system for our special education students, and
[2:17:39] many other vulnerable student populations that we welcome into our district.
[2:17:45] Thank you for believing in me.
[2:17:48] I truly appreciate it.
[2:17:50] Thank you.
[2:17:55] Thank you, Madam Superintendent.
[2:17:58] At this time, we need a motion to adjourn.
[2:18:03] Motion by Dr. Blunt, second by Natalia, Mr. Assistant VA.
[2:18:09] Could you call the role please?
[2:18:12] All in agreement?