Union City Teachers Bear the Brunt of BOE’s Fiscal Mismanagement

In a city flush with over $240 million in state aid, Union City’s Board of Education (BOE) is paradoxically facing a financial crisis that has led to teacher layoffs, program cuts, and a dearth of classroom supplies. Meanwhile, political appointees and administrative positions remain untouched, raising questions about fiscal responsibility and governance.

A Budget in Disarray

Despite receiving substantial state funding, the Union City BOE is grappling with budgetary shortfalls. The district’s financial reports indicate that while funds have been allocated for infrastructure projects, such as a new $84 million middle school and a $2.2 million turf replacement at the Mid-Town Athletic Complex, there is a pressing need for “strong fiscal conservative practices” to align programs and staff with available resources .

Compounding the issue is the impending expiration of federal COVID-19 relief funds (CARES/ESSER II and III) in 2025, which threatens to exacerbate the financial strain on the district.

Teachers and Students Shortchanged

The financial mismanagement has had dire consequences for educators and students alike. Teachers are facing job insecurity, with layoffs looming despite their critical role in student development. After-school programs have been slashed, and essential classroom supplies are lacking, directly impacting the quality of education.

This situation is not unique to Union City. Across New Jersey, over 120 school districts are experiencing state aid cuts, leading to difficult decisions such as job eliminations and program reductions .

Political Patronage Over Educational Priorities

A significant factor contributing to the BOE’s challenges is the influence of Mayor Brian Stack, who has served since 2000 and also holds a seat in the New Jersey State Senate . The BOE, under his sway, has seen appointments of close allies to key positions. For instance, Justin Mercado, a top Stack ally, was appointed as the BOE secretary , and Ydalia Genao, a Stack aide, was appointed as a trustee . The City Commissioners hold administrative positions within the BOE. Retired police officers who are supporters of the Mayor become school officers SLEO III or administrative security positions such as retired Police Chief Paul Hanak, retired Police Inspector Brian Wolpert. Retired Police Chief Rich Molinari was once also held an administrative security position at the BOE and his daughter was favored a position as an educator in previous years. The list goes on.

These appointments raise concerns about the prioritization of political loyalty over educational expertise, especially when juxtaposed against the backdrop of teacher layoffs and program cuts.

A Call for Accountability

The current state of the Union City BOE underscores the need for transparency and accountability in educational governance. While infrastructure projects are essential, they should not come at the expense of educators and students. As the district navigates its financial challenges, it is imperative to reassess priorities, ensuring that resources are allocated to support the core mission of education.

The community, educators, and stakeholders must demand a reevaluation of the BOE’s fiscal strategies to prevent further erosion of educational quality in Union City.