When my partner and I moved to Ward E in May 2021, we were drawn to Jersey City’s spirit, a city that showed resilience and unity through the darkest days of the pandemic. This community, with its rich mosaic of cultures and stories, exemplifies what it means to stand together. But as I look at our public schools, I see a different story—a system that fails to honor the promise of opportunity for all our children, no matter their background or zip code.As someone who has devoted my career to education, now serving as an Assistant Director at New York University Stern School of Business, I know the power of a good education. It can change lives, build communities, and uplift entire generations. Yet, despite Jersey City having the largest school budget in New Jersey, our district remains in the bottom 25 percent statewide. This is more than a statistic; it is a painful reminder of the systemic inequities that hold back our students from underrepresented and diverse communities.Recently, the Board of Education approved a new three-year contract for Superintendent Dr. Norma Fernandez, which will pay her up to $341,200 a year. While some may say this is on par with other districts, the process lacked transparency, leaving many in our community without a voice. We need to ask ourselves if these decisions truly reflect our commitment to closing the achievement gaps and supporting the students who need it most.We must start with a commitment to equity if we want to create meaningful change. Here’s how:First, our budgeting must be transparent and focused on fairness. Every dollar should be spent with the goal of reducing disparities and creating opportunities for all students. That means investing in smaller class sizes, modernizing our facilities, and expanding programs that nurture the diverse talents of our young people.Second, we need targeted support for our most vulnerable students. Many of our children, especially those from minority and low-income communities, face barriers that stifle their potential. We need robust tutoring, mentorship programs, and mental health resources that meet their unique needs. Equity demands that we recognize these challenges and tackle them directly.Finally, we need to rebuild trust by engaging our entire community in the decision-making process. The lack of public involvement in renewing the superintendent’s contract only deepens the divide between the board and the people it serves. We deserve leaders who listen to parents, teachers, and students and act with their best interests at heart.This is a moment of choice for Jersey City. As we begin the new school year, we have a chance to build a school system that truly reflects the diversity, resilience, and strength of our community. We must demand more from our school board and work together to create an education system that empowers every child, regardless of their background or circumstances.The time to act is now. It starts with each of us.The post Letter: We Need a School System That Empowers Every Child appeared first on Jersey City Times.