Dear Editor,

As a mother raising two children in Hoboken, I am deeply interested in the health of our public school system. In fact, this concern was the main reason I became active in our city's civic life over 10 years ago, and today it remains a main driving force for my activism.

I have often noted that in my opinion teenagers may be the most underserved group in our city. That is just one reason why I am so pleased that Theresa Minutillo has decided to run for the Hoboken Board of Education. As some readers may know, Theresa is a businesswoman who volunteers to organize and direct Senior Prep Day, an annual event where business people coach Hoboken High School Seniors as they prepare to join the workforce. Over half of the students graduating Hoboken High go directly to the job market so this training fills a great need.

Theresa is now increasingly concerned that our community resources are not benefiting students in a direct way in many, many cases. With so much funding devoted to our school district, why are there still so many students that do not apply to college? And why is the district not offering programs to help those not college-bound to become productive members of society with good jobs that can support a family?

My son will become a teenager in a few short months. While I will encourage him to go to college, I want Theresa to be on the Board of Ed to make sure that the district serves his needs and his peers' as well as those of younger students. If you, like me, are committed to raising your family in Hoboken or living here for any period of time you may find yourself raising a teenager here too. Theresa deserves the opportunity to serve on the Board of Education so that our school and community resources benefit all the children. I hope you will join me in voting for Theresa Minutillo, 4A on the ballot this Tuesday, April 19th.

Inés García Keim