Since moving to Hoboken 13 years ago, I've been impressed with its sense of community, as well as the economic and ethnic diversity of this square mile city. Having been born and raised in New York's Spanish Harlem, I was reluctant at first to leave New York City. However, the friendliness and warmth of "Hobokenites" (both old and new) have made my family and me feel welcomed. We are committed to continuing to make Hoboken our hometown.
As a believer in parent participation in the educational process, I continue to be actively involved in my daughter's education from chaperoning school trips and volunteering in class in her Pre-K at Connors in the past, to being involved in the PTO and serving on the Board of Trustees, ultimately as Chair, at the Elysian Charter School of Hoboken where she is currently in 5th grade. In addition, I am an active member in my church, Hoboken Fellowship Chapel, currently service as treasurer.
My decision to run for the Hoboken Board of Education is a natural progression in my service to the community and commitment to educational excellence for all students. As a product of a public school system, I am aware of the challenges faced in providing educational opportunities that address the needs of all students. I will use the insight and experience gained while serving as a board trustee of the Elysian Charter School as well as my skills as an attorney to serve the needs of all public school students. I am not a proponent of using standardized tests as the only measuring tool to assess our schools' performance and student achievement; therefore, I would advocate for programs that instill a love and desire to learn in our students and programs that address the needs of the whole student. This would entail working collaboratively with teachers, parents, students and the community.
United for Education, I am running with James Farina and Theresa Burns, two incumbents who have demonstrated their commitment to education and to working collaboratively to advance the best interest of the students of Hoboken. I look forward to the challenge of serving all of Hoboken's public schools if elected.
Magdalena Porrata
Candidate for Hoboken Board of Education
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