BOE Candidates Debate Issues

The seven candidates for the Hoboken School Board debated each other in two sessions on Monday night, talking to only a handfull of people on the Stevens campus.

The event was hosted by the Quality of Life Coalition and the Hoboken Family Alliance. , moderated the discussion.

Among the topics discussed were the difference between the International Baccalaureate Programme (which was abolished at the high school) and Advanced Placement program (which was implemented instead of IB), attendance at meetings and how to improve the district in a hands-on manner.

The Kids First slate currently holds a majority on the school board.on April 27.

A slate made up of incumbents Frances Rhodes Kearns and Carmelo Garcia together with newcomer Peter Biancamano are trying to fill the seats, too. Involved citizen Patricia Waiters is running as an independent for the second year in a row. Waiters arrived to the debate late, and only participated in the last 20 minutes. 

Carmelo Garcia, who has been on the board for nine years and is running for his fourth term, said that what sets him apart from the Kids First majority is "a pulse" for the community. Garcia also serves as the Hoboken Housing Authority's executive director.

"I'm there hands-on," said Garcia, who is a self described "proud product of the Hoboken public schools." "You can be hands on as a school board member," he said.

Biancamano, 25, is running for office for the first time. Biancamano, a self-described "deli boy" from Hoboken, does not have any children in the school system and attended catholic schools.

Biancamano said that his experience growing up in the streets of Hoboken, tutoring for many years and his travels around the country qualify him for the position. Biancamano works for msnbc in Manhattan.

"The students of Hoboken need somebody to inspire them," Biancamano said.

Rhodes Kearns received some tacit criticism for missing closed session during her time on the board. She explained during her closing statement that—because she works for the schools and is a member of the union—she can't attend some of the closed sessions because of a conflict of interest. Rhodes Kearns grew up in Hoboken and attended Hoboken High School.

"I'm commited," she said. "I hope you'll re-elect me for Board of Education."

The Hoboken School Board , keeping the tax levy flat. Although the budget will be on the ballot on April 27, the board will not be able to lower taxes, because the budget is at the lowest amount allowed.

As far as qualities he'd bring to the board, Feinstein said he is a "good listener" and that he would be "very deliberative" when making decisions on the board. His Kids First running mate Godfrey said "It's time for a new, fresh set of eyes to be placed on our school budget."

Godfrey, the father of a 14-month-old daughter, said he would like to send his daughter to the Hoboken public schools in a few years. Godfrey added that he would like to "find new ways to work together" and find a "winning strategy" for Hoboken's students.

During her closing statement, Mitchell said it's important for board members to show up to meetings. "I don't show up late," she said, "I have perfect attendance."

Among the accomplishments of the current school board is the .

For independent Patricia Waiters, the school board is about keeping children in the Hoboken school system. "We're losing a lot of good kids," she said. "I'm very disappointed in what's happenining."

The debate wasnt' well attended, with only a handfull of people scattered throughout a classroom at the Stevens campus. Most people were either affiliated with the Board of Education—members Irene Sobolov, Leon Gold, Theresa Minutillo and Rose Marie Markle attended—or there to support candidates.