Jersey City School Named After President Barack Obama School
After much anticipation, and a bit of disagreement from a few board and community members, cheers and applause from students, parents, and community leaders echoed through P.S.11’s gymnasium as the Board of Education trustees voted “yes” to their request to name P.S. 34 after President Barack Obama.
The P.S. 34 naming committee, which consists of parents, students, staff, and community leaders, has stood strong in support of the students’ dream to have their school named after the first African American President. During last month’s meeting the naming committee expressed that naming their school–which has always only been a number– after such a prominent figure would boost the esteem and possibly improve the morale of the community.
During the public comments the P.S. 34 community, and naming committee, were able to address board members to express their concerns and to thank them for their decision. They also made it clear to Jersey City Board of Education trustee Lorenzo Richardson that they were disappointed in his decision to abstain from voting on the naming, in which Richardson replied that he did not support the naming of the school but supports education of the children. However, the children that stood before the board and their supporters will celebrate their new school name with the rest of the students and staff this week.
By Afaf Muhammad
P.S.34 students, parents, teachers, and community leaders stand together during public comment at the October 20th Jersey City Board of Education public meeting
Matt Schapiro addresses Jersey City Board of Education board members in support of P.S. 34 during October 20, 2016 board meeting
P.S. 34 Parent Council President Maureen Rios addresses Jersey City Board of Education board members during October 20, 2016 board meeting
Jermaine Robinson addresses Jersey City Board of Education board members in support of P.S. 34 during October 20, 2016 board meeting
Dawud David Williams addresses Jersey City Board of Education board members in support of P.S. 34 during October 20, 2016 board meeting
P.S.34 student addresses Jersey City Board of Education board members during October 20, 2016 board meeting
Graduated P.S. 34 student addresses Jersey City Board of Education board members during October 20, 2016 board meeting
Bertram Okpokwasili addresses Jersey City Board of Education board members in support of P.S. 34 during October 20, 2016 board meeting
P.S.34 student addresses Jersey City Board of Education board members during October 20, 2016 board meeting
HUDINFONEWS 