Hoboken School Board Candidate Profile: Sheillah Dallara

HOBOKEN, NJ — While the focus on Nov. 3 will be on the Congressional midterm elections, several North Jersey towns including Hoboken are seeing contested races for local government and school board.

Four people are running for the Hoboken Board of Education this year.

Three three-year seats are open on the nine-member board.

Incumbents Sharyn Angley and Sheila Dallara are running with Adrian Oxman on one slate.

Past candidate Patricia Waiters is also running under the banner Deep Down Democrat.

The Hoboken school district has a high school, middle school, and three elementary schools.

The three charter schools in town are considered separate districts, although the Hoboken board may influence some decisions regarding the charter schools.

In 2021, the district proposed a $241 million plan to build a new high school and renovate other buildings, but it was voted down in a referendum. The district is now holding community engagement meetings to plan for the future.

Candidate Profiles

Patch is running profiles submitted by candidates via a form. Below are a candidate's biographical details and answers to two questions, verbatim.

To read the other profiles on Hoboken Patch, click here. To sign up for a free daily newsletter of Hoboken area news, input your email address here.

Profile: Sheillah Dallara

Age: 43
Slogan: Nonpartisan / Together for Tomorrow
Government and volunteer jobs:

● Trustee, Hoboken Board of Education (serving 3rd term; seeking reelection);
○ Chairperson for Curriculum (current) and Wellness Committees
● Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG)
● President, Hoboken High School PTO
● Founder, Hoboken Special Needs Parent Group
● Past PTO Volunteer (Elementary and Middle School levels)

Current job: Community Leader / Public Education Advocate

Education: Long Island University

Volunteer work: Hoboken Board of Education Trustee; President of the Hoboken High School PTO; volunteer across elementary, middle, and high school PTOs; Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG); founded and organized Hoboken’s special needs parent support and advocacy group.

Family (whatever you're willing to disclose): Proud mother of three children—two attending Hoboken High School and one attending Wallace Elementary School.

Length of time in Hoboken: 16 years

Longer Questions

What do you think are the biggest problems facing Hoboken Public Schools right now, and how do you hope to help solve them?

One of the biggest challenges facing Hoboken Public Schools is growing enrollment and ensuring we have the space and resources to meet the needs of our students, both today and in the future. Our district serves more than 3,700 students across its Pre-K–12 schools, making long-term facilities planning essential. The district has been working on an updated Long Range Facilities Plan, a demographic study, and a strategic plan to help guide future decisions. These efforts must translate into practical solutions that anticipate enrollment needs and preserve the quality of our educational programs.

We must also balance the cost of educating a growing student population with responsible budgeting and transparency for taxpayers. The district’s 2026–2027 proposed budget identifies enrollment growth, employee benefits, salaries, and mandated charter school tuition as significant financial pressures. My priority is to continue working collaboratively with Dr. Johnson, fellow Board members, educators, and families to plan responsibly, protect academic opportunities, and ensure students receive the services and support they need. We must make thoughtful decisions today that prepare our schools for tomorrow while remaining accountable to our community.

Why do you believe you are the most qualified person for the spot?

Having served three terms on the Hoboken Board of Education, I bring firsthand experience, institutional knowledge, and an understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our district. As Chair of the Curriculum and Wellness Committees, I have worked on issues affecting academic programming and student well-being. My service on the Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG) and my role in starting Hoboken’s special needs parent group reflect my commitment to ensuring that families have a voice and that students with diverse needs receive appropriate support.
As a parent of three children in Hoboken Public Schools, with two at the high school and one at Wallace Elementary, I experience our schools from multiple perspectives. My involvement with PTOs at the elementary, middle, and high school levels has also allowed me to stay connected to families and educators throughout the district.
I believe continuity matters as we address growing enrollment, school capacity, academic achievement, and responsible fiscal planning. I support Dr. Johnson’s leadership and want to continue the work already underway, building on our progress while addressing the challenges ahead. I am committed to thoughtful decision-making, collaboration, transparency, and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.

More About The Race

Are you running or have a letter or release share? Here's how to post candidate releases and letters on any local Patch.

See the New Jersey voter information portal and election timelines here.