Debate Gets Heated Over $241M Hoboken High School Proposal

HOBOKEN, NJ — The next forum on Hoboken's $241 million Hoboken High School project is scheduled for Thursday at 7 p.m. in person at the Hoboken High School Auditorium, 800 Clinton St. There was no virtual option scheduled for that date.

Residents who are both for and against the plan have asked questions in community Facebook groups, where debate has sometimes become heated. They've also posted letters on local media (including on Patch). To post a letter about the project on Patch yourself, follow the set of instructions here for posting an article.

A referendum is slated for Jan. 25.

Here are two of several groups/websites formed to discuss the plan, for and against:

• Friends of the New Hoboken High School
• Vote No On January 25

READ MORE: Hoboken School Board Posts Q&A On School Project

So far, Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher has publicly endorsed voting no on the project, giving an extensive breakdown of facts, costs, and enrollment numbers, noting, "I am not a yes vote on the New High School as currently proposed. I ... would like to know if there is a different proposal that is a better fit (more affordable but still amazing) and determined based upon a process that is more transparent and involves input from many public stakeholders, not just a small few."

She added, "I actually support the need for a new high school, but my current view is a 'not this/not yet/no on this proposal, and please try again.' The BOE gave us this path by saying if this proposal is not approved, they would bring another proposal back in a year. Let’s take them up on that offer."

Councilwoman Emily Jabbour supports a "Yes" vote.

"Now is the time to make this critical investment," she wrote in a message, "to meet the needs of our expanding student population and prepare our students to be the best. Brandt Elementary School ... is over capacity. Connors Elementary School is nearly at capacity. Hoboken Middle School is busting at the seams in one of the oldest buildings in the district."

She added, "If you need more information to make your decision, I encourage you to
take the time to review the detailed project proposal (including an FAQ page) that the Hoboken Public School District has made available on their website (http://www.hoboken.k12.nj.us/). A lot of great questions have been asked over the past several weeks, and the FAQ document has been updated in real time."

Councilman Phil Cohen sent an email Wednesday reminding residents of Thursday's forum and giving links.

Basics Of The Plan And Questions Asked

The Hoboken Board of Education announced the plan in November to erect a new building at 10th and Jefferson streets, the site of the present high school athletic complex. The new building would include an athletic field on its rooftop.

Hoboken Middle School, in a building over a century old, would move to the high school spot at Ninth and Clinton streets.

The district said it was proposing the project because of rising enrollment and aging buildings.

The board held its first public forum about the project last month, then posted a Q&A on its website.

Residents have asked questions about the proposal, many of which fall under four categories:

-Concerns about costs and taxes. The proposal will raise annual property taxes for a $500,000 property in Hoboken by approximately $500 a year.

-Concerns about timing. Some residents have questioned why the proposal was only revealed after November's Board of Education election, in which three incumbents ran with only one other candidate opposing them. A letter from the state about the proposal is dated Aug. 4.

-Questions about what the district will do to improve academics as they improve the buildings.

-Questions about whether the referendum, slated for Jan. 25, can be pushed back.

READ MORE: Hoboken School Board Posts Q&A On School Project

READ MORE: New Hoboken High School To Go To Planning Board Next Month

Dates Of The Meetings

Three remaining public meetings will be held on these dates:

• Thursday Jan. 6, Hoboken High School (in person)
• Virtual meeting on Jan. 13 at 7 p.m.
• Monday Jan. 17, Hoboken High School (in person)

Video About High School Project

For questions, email: ProposedNewHHS@hoboken.k12.nj.us

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