Our Kids Matter,
Our Taxes Matter!
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About Sam
I’m Sumit “Sam” Salia, a proud US Army veteran, a dedicated pharmacist by profession, a devoted parent to a six-year-old, a small business owner, a homeowner, and a steadfast Jersey City lover who has called it home for 15 years.
A Life of Service
I was raised with a strong sense of responsibility towards the well-being of those around me. My service in the military instilled in me a sense of duty and a commitment to defending our nation, and now, I’m eager to serve my local community. With 20 years of education and multiple degrees under my belt, I understand the importance of a quality education. My own child is enrolled in Jersey City schools, making this issue incredibly personal for me. I am deeply rooted in Jersey City, where I have been a hardworking taxpayer for years. Now, I must stand for the Jersey City School Board Elections 2024 to get the change we need as parents for our children and community.
As a veteran, I have dedicated my life to serving others. Now, I'm ready to serve our community by improving our schools.
A Veteran Committed to Community
With two decades of experience in the education sector, I have the knowledge and insight needed to make a real difference.
20 Years of Education Expertise
Why Choose Me?
As a long-time resident and taxpayer, I understand the concerns of our community and am committed to addressing them.
Proud Jersey City Resident & Taxpayer
Like you, I have a personal stake in the quality of our schools. My child’s future depends on the decisions we make today.
Personal Stake: My Child's Education
For
School Board Elections
My aim is to build a better, brighter future for all children in our community.
Selflessly Building a Brighter Future for All
Our Vision
My goal is to selflessly work toward a brighter future for our community by establishing a school system that truly serves the needs of our children and ensures a brighter, more prosperous future for all Jersey City residents.
How Our Schools Failed?
Ballooning High Property Tax
40% Tax Hike, Over 1 Billion Budget?
In 2017, our school budget was 700 million dollars, which increased to 1.1 billion by 2023. Despite being the highest budgeted municipality in NJ and with significant tax increases (~100 Million) each year, the promised improvements in our schools have not materialized and we still face the same issues!
I WILL
Start with zero base line budget and prioritize the absolute necessary and productive projects. It is about smart spending and not just about funding. I will implement these changes within the first year itself.
Poor
Accountability
Demand Transparency & Third-Party Audits!
There is no accountability regarding the spent tax money and how it is being used. There is not enough third-party oversight, and our school board has failed to implement the findings & recommendations from the audits!
I WILL
Implement independent third-party audits every four months instead of every four years; ensuring detailed and itemized accountability for every cent spent. This system will allow anyone to trace expenditures easily, and I plan to roll it out within the first six months.
Outdated Infrastructure
Outdated Schools, Frustrated Parents:
Most of our schools are a century old and we are still struggling to provide basic facilities like restrooms, security, heat/air conditioning, and potable water despite spending millions of dollars every year and having dedicated full-time maintenance staff!
I WILL
Identify, prioritize and quickly address each school's basic needs before starting any new projects. My plan will resolve these issues within months, so our children no longer suffer from any shortages.
Failed Organization
$1 Billion+ School Budget, Yet No Top 25 Rank:
Our schools have failed to meet the expectations of parents and continue to sink at the lower ratings.
I WILL
Restructure the school system to empower parents with more control and open up school district for special kids. I will nurture students to sharpen their skills in science, sports, and arts while improving school ratings. I will help elevate school district performance and will work on its implementation within a year.
Rewards for Teachers
Teachers need to be rewarded based on their performance:
Currently, we don’t have any plan or system in place that can motivate our teachers, especially those who are working hard but are not rewarded enough!
I WILL
Establish a fair system that evaluates educators on overall student performance and parent satisfaction. A "Teachers Academy" that offers free training and a clear career path (like Police Academy), with ongoing education considerable for merit pay. Implementation will happen within a year.
Leverage School Infrastructure
Utilize the infrastructure for productive means:
Large infrastructure and huge school district facilities are significantly underutilized!
I WILL
Foster partnerships with organizations that invest in our children's future. Utilizing underused school facilities for education, sports, and professional development with local businesses will benefit our students, our community, and generate extra funds.
"I Served Our Nation, And I Want To Serve Our Kids Independently"
- Sumit "Sam" Salia
Join Team Sam
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Create & Be A Part Of The Positive Change Around
Various Critical Issues!
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