Hoboken School Referendum Fails Amid Lopsided Results

Updated at 6 a.m. Wednesday.

HOBOKEN, NJ — Hoboken officials said Tuesday night that according to preliminary results, a $241 million bond referendum for Hoboken's schools has failed by a vote of 2-1.

On Tuesday after 10 p.m., the County of Hudson posted updated results:

• NO: 4,929
• YES: 2,542
• Ballots cast: 7,472
• Voter turnout: 17.19 percent

While late vote-by-mail votes must still be tabulated (they could have been mailed as late as 8 p.m. Tuesday night), the results are likely too lopsided for them to make a difference, insiders said.

"This was a tough election for Hoboken around a critically important issue, our students," said 2nd Ward Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher — one of the few elected officials to publicly endorse a "no" vote — after the votes were tabulated.

Fisher had characterized her stance as "No for now," citing the need to have more discussion on the major project, which was made public two months ago.

Those on the "no" side ranged from homeowners who were concerned about taxes to tenant activists who worried that the impact of rising rents could outweigh the advantages of the plan.

"Every one of us wants to see our student thrive," Fisher said. "I hope we can work together as a community and support the Board of Education on an amazing plan we can call get behind ... Thank you to everyone who came out and voted and advocated on all sides."

Matt Majer, who founded a group called Concerned Citizens Information Exchange (which largely supported the "No" vote), said, "I want to thank all my teammates who helped shed a light on this 6-week referendum and get the vote out. But our efforts don't end tonight on a couple of major fronts — one of them being to work collaboratively with our neighbors on an improved plan focusing on our priorities over privilege, and academics over athletics. I thank everyone who came out today during a pandemic in the middle of winter and exercised their right to vote."

Mayor Ravi Bhalla released a statement late on Tuesday night:

"As of last night, the voters have spoken. While the will of the voters has made it clear that the Board of Education's current proposal for the new high school will not move forward, I sincerely believe that the effort to improve our public schools will continue. I thank each and every resident who went to the polls to make their voices heard, and those who spoke up, and engaged in thoughtful, civil debate on both sides of the issue. With the vote now over, it is my hope that stakeholders will work on a revised plan collaboratively, that will meet the needs of our growing school population, and reflect resident feedback.

"Let’s also all pledge to engage in thoughtful, respectful debate as we all work to address the clear and increasing need to develop our beloved city's educational infrastructure. I am confident that working together we will make this happen because I believe in this community and its dynamic people. I believe in the goodness of our neighbors, and I wholeheartedly believe that we are the best City in NewJersey to live and raise a family. I truly believe for Hoboken and our children, the best is yet to come."

Want to talk about the results? Email Hoboken Patch or Post your own letter on Patch using these guidelines for posting an article. High school students did it; you can, too!

What Was The Referendum About?

The Hoboken referendum asked voters to decide on a $241 million bond to build a new Hoboken High School with rooftop athletic complex, and move Hoboken Middle School to the existing 60-year-old high school building. The century-old middle school building would become an elementary school.

Read more about that plan, and letters from students and others, here.

During the two months of debate, parents came out on both sides, as did architects, activists, educators, and even Hoboken High School students who wrote letters in the last few days. There have also been personal attacks, which prompted Fisher and others to call for more civility in discussions.

More About The Plan

The $241 million project was introduced to the public in November.

The district said the proposal was long needed to address enrollment trends and aging school buildings (ranging in age from 60 to 110 years old).

Critics said the plan needed more discussion and would raise taxes for homeowners ($491 per year on average) and on some renters, including those under rent control. (The city's longstanding Rent Control Ordinance allows landlords to split tax and utility increases among their tenants).

Past Patch Coverage, Letters, And Voter Information

• Post your own letter on Patch using these guidelines for posting an article.
• Board addresses 'misinformation': Read more
• 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.

Did you know? You can get a free 6 a.m. newsletter with news in Hoboken, or just get breaking news alerts: https://patch.com/subscribe