Lettter to Board of Education Request for 2011 Goals

December 22, 2010

The Hoboken Board of Education

1115 Clinton St.

Hoboken, NJ  07030

Dear Board of Education Board Member:

Hoboken Revolt thanks you for another year of service to the people ofHoboken!  As you know, Hoboken Revolt is a community-based watchdogorganization whose mission is to ensure fiscal responsibility andaccountability in Hoboken government.

The approach of a new year provides an opportunity for reflection; a chanceto look back at the events of 2010 while also looking forward to bothplanning for and setting goals for 2011.  In the spirit of transparency weask you to share with our members your thoughts on the attached 6 questionsconcerning various fiscal and scholastic District topics. 

A response is kindly requested by Friday, January 14th.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.  HappyHolidays to you and your family!

Sincerely,

The Hoboken Revolt Steering Committee    

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Hoboken Board of Education

 
2010 Accomplishments & 2011 Goals

 
1. What do you feel were the BOEs major accomplishments for 2010? What do you feel your major accomplishments were as a BOE member? What are your major disappointments for the year? What will be your approach in calendar year 2011 to make an impact on these matters?

2. What do you expect the cost per pupil to be this year? What do you think the right level of expenditure per student should be in Hoboken? Feel free to qualify your answer between cost per pupil with and without state aid.

3. What BoE budget areas, if any, do you feel need further examination for cuts? How do you feel about upcoming teacher contract negotiations and raises given the current economic outlook?

4. The issue of whether the Board and Administration are doing enough to identify and expel unlawfully registered students has been often discussed and debated.
a. What proactive measures has the District undertaken to root out unlawfully registered students?
b. How many students enrolled in the District but who reside elsewhere have been identified and eliminated from our schools in calendar year 2010?
c. How has that impacted the average cost per pupil?
d. Has the District done anything to encourage out-of-town students to register through School Choice? If so please describe those efforts? How successful have those efforts been, ie how much money do we now take in through School Choice v. the year before?
 5. Governor Corzine instituted the Uniform Shared Services and Consolidation Act in 2007 that encourages the consolidation of school districts to ultimately reduce overhead within 5 years. The legislation calls for a public referendum by 2012 to consolidate districts.
a. What is your position on this legislation? Do you see it proceeding and in what timeframe?
b. Do you see it as positive or negative? Why?

6. Although Hoboken Revolt's mission centers around tax reduction and responsible fiscal management, we recognize the importance and urgency of educating our children. There have been mixed comments about the scholastic improvement in the District. Please summarize what progress you feel we have made in improving the quality of education for Hoboken children. Where have we digressed, if at all, and what do you think we need to do to get back on track? Please feel free to provide scores over the last 5 years by grade to support your comments.