PCUE Demonstrates at School Board Meeting

Jersey City Parents and Communities Demand Healthy Schools

By PCUE member, Jennifer Fasulo
April, 19, 2008

Parents and Communities United for Education (PCUE) the most exciting new development in Jersey City citizen action, pulled off an impressive demonstration on Thursday, April 17. About 60 parents, children and communities members showed up to the Jersey City School Board meeting, wearing stickers and carrying signs about their discontent with the city’s slow action on the toxic conditions in JC public schools. Signs in English and Spanish read: Get the Lead Out! Health and Safety Report Card Now! And “Clean water, Clean air, Better Education! Act Now, No more promises! See some of the beautiful photos below.

PCUE member Telissa Dowling addressed the school board during the open comment section and reiterated the group’s four-point proposal to improve health and safety conditions and ensure parent involvement and oversight. She also presented the board with a petition urging Superintendent Epps to adopt the four-point proposals that was signed by about 700 parents and JC residents, including parents from over 30 Jersey City Public Schools.

Even though the event was covered by the Jersey Journal, reporter Paul Koepp only wrote one sentence about our powerful protest. But we who were there know that the real action in the room was the wall of waving signs that filled the bleachers.

Many parents were appalled to learn that while Dr Epps drags his heels and delays taking concrete action to ensure the safety of Jersey City school children, his salary is being increased to the tune of $268,000!!!! As one parent pointed out, “How can he be earning this kind of money, while our children are suffering in the schools? It’s a disgrace!”

PCUE learned the strength of numbers on Thursday. We all felt good and strong taking a stand together. Now we must continue to press our demands until Dr. Epps, the school board and all JC officials know that PCUE means business!

It was great to participate in this action. Thank you to everyone who helped make it happen. Special thanks to New Jersey Action 21 for bringing so many people out from the Heights!