Hoboken Board of Education reports growth in advanced courses
The district now offers 24 Advanced Placement courses, and 85 students earned scores of 3 or higher on AP exams last spring.
Two hosts walk through the week’s edition in conversation — superintendent’s report, business administrator report, and what’s coming next. Generated by Aware, from this week’s verified summaries.
The superintendent said challenging courses must come with support so students feel they belong in those classes and can prepare for what follows.
A new school year opened with more routes into advanced classes. In a report to the Hoboken Board of Education, the superintendent described a strong start to 2026–2027, with students back in classrooms and on athletic fields. The superintendent credited teachers, counselors, nurses, custodians, security staff and other employees for the work that went into opening schools.
The superintendent recognized a high school senior named a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist. The student participates in student government, a model congress program and varsity tennis. At the high school, the Advanced Placement program now includes 24 courses. Last spring, 85 students earned scores of 3 or higher on AP exams; the schoolwide average was 3.5, above the state and global averages cited in the report.
Access was a second focus of the report. The superintendent described AVID as a program that gives students academic support and challenging work, including those who may not initially picture themselves in demanding courses. More information about AVID is expected throughout the year. The superintendent thanked a local education foundation for full or partial funding of AP and AVID offerings, SAT preparation and dual-enrollment courses.
Business Administrator Report: School Lunch Applications Reminder
The Hoboken Board of Education heard a reminder that school lunch applications do more than determine who qualifies for meals. The district’s business administrator asked families to complete them even if they think they will not qualify. Application information can help with districtwide statistical evaluations and grant opportunities.
Families can apply online at mealtimeapps.com or through a link on the district website. Paper forms are available in English and Spanish at school buildings. Families with questions can turn to school administrative assistants or business office staff for help completing an application.
The Hoboken Board of Education president encouraged families to use the online form, describing it as a process that takes only a few minutes. For families who prefer paper, forms remain available at school buildings. Either way, completed applications provide information the district can use in statistical evaluations and when seeking grants.
Wellness Committee outlines staff and student programs
The Hoboken Board of Education’s Wellness Committee reported that staffing searches continue, while the district plans optional on-site flu shots for employees. It reviewed food service quality and student wellness programming and described a new online spirit wear store that will return 10% of proceeds to participating school groups.
Staff vaccination plans and food service discussions affect school routines; spirit wear sales could raise money for participating groups.
District plans science trips and student competitions
The Hoboken Board of Education heard plans for an October 20 estuary trip for middle school students and an October 28 visit from an astronaut. The superintendent highlighted student-grown produce slated for sale at a local farmers market, a drone competition and high school aviation students’ summer discovery flights.
The planned trips and competitions give students ways to apply science lessons beyond their classrooms.
Student-of-the-month honors await next meeting
The Hoboken Board of Education president said there were no student recognitions at this meeting. Student-of-the-month honors are expected at the next meeting, when the president said students and families would be welcomed back.
Families whose students receive recognition can expect the honors at the next Hoboken Board of Education meeting.
Finance Committee reports school audit underway
The Hoboken Board of Education’s Finance Committee reviewed its agenda and recommended approval of the finance items presented. It reported that the 2025–2026 audit is underway, with auditors expected in the business office daily over the next two months.
The audit will keep reviewers in the district business office regularly as they examine the past school year.
What we didn’t fit in this Sundays edition
Hoboken had 4 more items this week. Here are sixfour — the rest are on Aware.
- GOVERNANCEProject Lead The Way (PLTW) Recognition Presentation: Distinguished Schools and Distinguished District. A presentation was given on Project Lead The Way (PLTW) and the district’s recognitions. The district reported that five schools earned PLTW distinguished program distinctions and that Hoboken Public Schools earned a PLTW Distinguished District designation for implementation across K–12.
- GOVERNANCESuperintendent’s Report: District Traditions and Community Events (50-Yard Line Friends; First Responders Night). Dr. Johnson described the “50-yard line friends” event bringing together kindergarteners and seniors, and reported on a first responders recognition night, thanking staff for coordination and emphasizing community relationships.
- GOVERNANCEPublic Comment (Agenda Items): No Speakers. The Board opened public comment on agenda items, reviewed rules and legal limitations on censoring comments, and then proceeded without any agenda-item speakers.
- GOVERNANCEBoard enters executive session and returns to public meeting. The Board voted to enter executive session for attorney-client privileged matters, estimating the closed session would last about 30 minutes and stating no action would be taken. It later voted to return to the public meeting.
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