Hoboken school performance dwindling
Hoboken BoE wastes money on propaganda; Kids failing more than ever
One Hoboken411 reader who is a mother – wanted to shed light on some obvious antics going on within the Hoboken school system and Board of Education.
In a brief, yet concise note she recently sent in, she mentioned a few glaring examples of the difference between “propaganda” published by the BOE, and real-world evidence that doesn’t quite back up the fabulous claims our school board makes.
For starters, take a look at this end of year newsletter that the Hoboken Board of Ed paid for this past summer:
Sure says some nice stuff about our great 150-year history and pride, eh?
Truth in advertising? Kids First failing Hoboken’s children
This parent wanted to know “where is truth in advertising?” as Hoboken has failed to meet the baseline standards for progress year-to-year, and is now deemed a “School in Need of Improvement.”
She added that last year, “the SAT scores in Hoboken were at an ALL-TIME LOW!” and that certain HSPA tests were “dumbed down” (i.e., made easier) so that kids would have a better chance of passing. Way to prepare our kids for the future, right?
Additionally, she asked “with a the school budget accounting for over $50 million tax dollars annually – how can anyone say how great the school is? The only people giving glowing reviews are devout political supporters that don’t even have children!”
“How can you have faith in a school system when Board of Ed members like Irene Sobolov pull their kids OUT and send them to higher-performing county schools?”
Yes I completely agree. Hoboken scores are horrible and need to be changed ASAP. But how do boe members (with no background in education) know the best way to teach a student? & as a taxpayer this is redictulous that my money is going somewhere where education is not getting any better. Focus more on grades and not sports!!
When if ever, were the Hoboken Public schools considered outstanding!!!
Why are they spending money on PR? Because test scores are still down and they have failed to meet average yearly improvement
4 years ago Hoboken received an award for improving scores so that instead of being ranked at the bottom of the state they were ranked in the middle.
Last 4 years Scores have dropped.
Years ago the scores were so bad – The Hoboken school system was taken over by the state
Despite spending as much money per child as Princeton
At one time there were 5 Catholic schools that many Hobokeners chose for their children since the schools were so bad. That is why we have several private schools and charter schools now.
While there are many great teachers in the system Kid First is micro managing everything
And they do not know what they are doing.
Yes some good things were done. Fixing the audit problems and creating legal contracts
But Maureen Sullivan spearheaded these.
Despite legal counsel and Maureen’s voice of reason KF has continued to break laws make gargantuan mistakes and create a fearful atmosphere in the schools among teachers and staff.
They are being investigated by the State and a number of kids are in court regarding bullying .
No, Irene does not have three kids in the district. She does have two right now, but probably not for long with St. Peter’s beckoning. Her oldest was switched to High-Tech High over the summer. After Irene voted to fire Paula Ohaus, she evidently decided that Hoboken High had suffered far too much damage from the long fight to save the drama program to send her own kids there.
Yes, the schools are certainly failing the kids, not to mention the taxpayers. Under Kids First the scores have plummeted and the taxes have risen. Other than that, KF has done a fine job.
HOB: Yes Irene does have children in the district, three to be exact and however if you are speaking of “CG” as Carmelo Garcia, he does have a son in the district.
Improvements definitely need to happen. However, Irene does have kids in the district schools., CG does not. Based on test scores from the spring, they are supposed to be developing instructional strategies for students who need additional support. This is not happening.