While a Possible Million Dollar Addition to an Educational Fund for Public Education in Hoboken is Announced, a Community Debates Whether Charter Schools Should be Included or Excluded

Columbus Park- Hoboken, NJ

Every good deed or intention seems to have unintended consequences. How should development money targeted for educational improvement best be utilized? That is the question quickly developing in Hoboken, NJ as city leaders and developers work together to figure out how to best help the children of this mile square city. 

Hoboken Main Post Office- 1933

As part of a major hotel and business construction project near the NY/NJ PATH subway station, there is going to be a community giveback of almost $3 million dollars.  These givebacks are not uncommon and is one way that large development projects work with city leaders to improve the community beyond the immediate impact of the specific proposed project. 

It was recently announced that approximately $1 million of this giveback will be directed toward an endowment managed by the Hoboken Public Education Fund, a non-profit organization for the Hoboken district public school system (see picture below).  As currently proposed, it is unclear if charter schools in Hoboken will be included or left out of this generous pool of money for community improvement.

Hoboken's three charter schools ARE public schools.  However, due to accountability issues established by the New Jersey Department of Education, each charter school is considered its own “district.” For many practical concerns, the three charters function as small sized neighborhood schools.  

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Charter students take the same standardized tests as the district.  They follow all of the same educational rules and regulations set by the New Jersey Department of Education.  Their doors are open to all students who apply, and admission is strictly based on a public lottery, with a preference for low-income students and English language learners.  Like all public schools in New Jersey, charters serve students who have learning disabilities and special needs.

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A major disparity is in how these schools are funded. In Hoboken, the traditional public schools are funded primarily via the Board of Education which has the ability to raise needed educational funds via taxation. Charter schools depend on an involved statewide calculation. Importantly, in Hoboken per pupil costs must include rental fees for the use of educational and recreational facilities. 

Much of a district's budget is committed to salaries and benefits on a percentage basis than instructional resources and programs. Every non-profit could use extra money in times of fiscal restraint and that includes public schools. 

The coming weeks promise to be exciting as education in general and public education specifically will no doubt be part of a wider discussion. 


Breaking: Mile Square View reports that the Hoboken City Council Subcommittee Responds to proposed changes on Hotel project and recommends broadening the scope of the $3 million: READ HERE

Some Possible Things to Do in Order to Have Your Voice Heard

1     E-mail your city council members (individual emails here: https://www.hobokennj.gov/departments/city-council) and tell them what you think

2     Come out to the press conference that will be held on Tuesday morning 10/9 at 10:00am at 1300 Washington Street to learn more details

3     Attend the Wednesday, October 17 Council Meeting  at 7:00 pm at City Hall (94 Washington Street) to tell your elected officials your thoughts on an endowment for the public schools of Hoboken.