Hoboken School Board Addresses 'Misinformation' About High School Referendum In Release

HOBOKEN, NJ — For Tuesday's Hoboken referendum election results, click the results story here: Results Coming In From $241M Hoboken School Referendum.

As Hoboken school administrators share details about a $241 million project to reconfigure the public schools and build a new Hoboken High School, the school board issued a press release addressing what they called "misinformation."

Residents of the mile-square city can vote either yes or no Tuesday on funding for the proposal — which the district says addresses enrollment trends and aging school buildings (ranging from 60 to 110 years old).

The release issued over the weekend encourages "factual discussion" (see the full release below). A document was also posted called "Addressing Misinformation."

Meanwhile, the rhetoric in the debate has gotten more heated. Some residents complained this week about comments made at a forum by a "yes" voter who publicly criticized a female "no" voter's personal life, including the fact that the latter doesn't have children and "didn't do IVF" (see below).

What The Project Entails

The project will involve building a new Hoboken High School building at 1000 Jefferson St., on the site of the current district athletic field west of Columbus Park. The new building would include a rooftop athletic complex, and an ice rink and pool.

The current HHS building at Ninth and Clinton streets would become the city's new middle school. The existing middle school — a 110-year-old building on Fourth Street formerly attended by Frank Sinatra — would be turned into an elementary school.

The district has been updating a list of responses to frequently asked questions, adding number 22 on Wednesday, "School Choice."

Complaints And 'Sexist' Comments

Since the project was announced two months ago, supporters have said they trust the school administration and that the plan is long needed, while critics have said it requires more than two months' public discussion and will raise taxes for homeowners and some renters ($491 per year on average for property owners).

At recent public forums, language has gotten heated and sometimes insulting. One man at a recent forum complained that a woman advocating for a "no" vote doesn't have children. In remarks caught on video, he said, "We have an advocate who doesn’t have any children, not married, didn’t do IVF, didn’t adopt, doesn’t foster, doesn’t coach a team, and we’re going to listen to her on this nonsense? She can come to my house; I have four kids.” The comment stirred rebukes on social media, with some pointing out that he didn't make the same comment about any of the childless or single men advocating for either side, and a woman commented, "To imply that a woman's vote only matters if she has kids is some next level #handmaidstale."

But most of those who spoke at meetings have shared information on the plan, on current school enrollment, and on student achievements or test scores.

Below is a press release from Vision Media, a public relations firm, supporting "factual discussion" about the project and below that, a response from a leader of the "No" side of the debate.

Also below is information on how to submit a letter to Patch, and links to letters already posted.

Press Release

<blockquote>Hoboken Board of Education Seeks to Dispel Misinformation Regarding Upcoming Referendum Vote/BOE Encourages Factual Discussion of New High School Project Proposal

The Hoboken Board of Education is seeking to dispel misinformation being circulated in the community regarding the upcoming referendum vote on the district’s plans for a new Hoboken High School.

Recently, text messages have been circulated from a group calling itself “Hoboken For Public Schools” with messages critiquing the proposal for the new school and creating a false impression among some residents that the school district is supporting its students by advocating against the proposal. The Board of Education wants to make it clear that it has no affiliation with the group.

The Board has also been made aware of a statement provided in the written materials from another group that the bond will “result in a 20 percent TAX INCREASE.” This statement is false and misleading to the voting public. As set forth in FAQ’s on the District’s website and as has been explained at the Board’s previous public information sessions, the actual tax increase that would result from approval of the bond is in the amount of approximately 6 percent on those Hoboken taxpayers who pay school taxes on an annual basis.

“There are a range of opinions and perspectives surrounding this proposal to build a new high school, and respectful disagreement is a keystone value of our democracy,” said Sharyn Angley, Hoboken Board of Education President. “The board is committed to ensuring that everyone’s voices are heard and the residents of Hoboken are able to cast an informed vote on Tuesday, January 25th.”

The Board of Education has presented a Long Range Facilities Plan and a $241M referendum during a period of historically low interest rates for the construction of a new high school and to position the district for future enrollment and academic growth. For a detailed explanation of the referendum and its impacts, the Board encourages Hoboken residents to visit the District website and attend the last of four public information sessions on Monday, January 17th at 7:00 PM at Hoboken High School, and to cast their vote on January 25th based on what they believe is best for the city and its students. Residents can apply for an absentee ballot until January 18th, and can find their polling place to vote on Election Day by using the Polling Locator or the District’s FAQ.

</blockquote>

Below Is A Response From Those Encouraging A 'No' Vote On Tuesday's Referendum

From Jerome Abernathy:

<blockquote>

Hoboken Residents Respond to the Board of Education’s Statement on the January 25 School Referendum

Since the $241 million school bond referendum was announced in late November, it has been our goal, as a coalition of Hoboken residents, to increase awareness of the special election. In response to these efforts, the BOE issued a press release accusing us of publishing misinformation about the referendum.

Specifically the BOE states we are inflating the project’s effect on taxes. What they are not saying is that the 20 percent school tax increase that they are proposing is the largest school tax increase in Hoboken history, even though Hoboken residents' overall tax bills would “only” increase 6 percent.

Here are some other facts about the new high school:

• It will be the most expensive high school ever built in US history on a per-student basis (more than $500,000 per student based on the current enrollment number)
• It will be the most expensive public works project in Hoboken history
• Hoboken taxpayers will bear 100% of the cost. Unlike most large school projects, it will receive no state funding.
• The BOE has not released what the ongoing operating costs of the new facility will be, and how or if Hoboken residents will be asked to bear those costs.

Our students deserve the best education in facilities that provide the most supportive learning experience. Where we differ from the BOE is that we believe the current proposal is designed with too many costly amenities that are not proven to enhance learning. Voters deserve to understand what this luxury project will cost them now and in the future, and they also deserve to have input into what would be the most expensive public works project in Hoboken’s history.

Hoboken public school students deserve our support for the education that they need and deserve, and we want to work with the BOE to see that happen. That can only happen if voters say NO on January 25, so that we can create a project together that meets the students’ and community’s needs.

</blockquote>

Past Patch Coverage, Letters, And Voter Information

• Post a letter: How To Post A Letter About The Hoboken School Project On Patch
• Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher And Emily Jabbour Explain Their Stances: Councilwomen Weigh In On Opposite Sides
• Councilman Ruben Ramos Jr. Supports 'No' Vote
• Jan. 11 Board of Education meeting: Watch It Here
• READ MORE: More Residents Submit Letters
• District Q&A: The district has answered 22 questions from the public about the project, including about costs and timing. Click here.
• The district released a new video about the project over the weekend. Click here.
• Check the school district webpage for updates.

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