This week’s Jersey City Board of Education election results have shaken up the local education scene again. In a crowded race, voters re-elected President Noemi Velazquez and Trustee Afaf Muhammad. Former Trustee Lorenzo Richardson also grabbed a seat, blocking a clean sweep by the teachers union-backed slate.
These results flip the script from last year’s board election and show how political and community alliances keep shifting here.
Easy booking across hundreds of accommodations from luxury high-rises to unearthed brownstone treasures.
Browse Accommodations Now
Election Overview
The November vote drew a lot of attention from parents, educators, and local officials. Noemi Velazquez, running on the “Education Brings Solutions” ticket, led the way with 17,522 votes—about 17% of the ballots in a seven-person field.
Her running mate, Afaf Muhammad, also won, taking the third seat with 15,735 votes. Lorenzo Richardson from the “For Stronger Schools” campaign landed in second place with 16,004 votes.
Breaking the Slate
Richardson’s win stands out, since it broke up the union-backed ticket’s push for all three open seats. That ticket’s third member, Christopher Tisdale—the board’s vice president—ended up in sixth place. Voters really do change their minds from year to year.
Back in 2022, Richardson’s team took two seats while a union-backed candidate snagged the third. Board politics here just seem to go in cycles.
Find available hotels and vacation homes instantly. No fees, best rates guaranteed!
Check Availability Now
Other Candidates and Support
Brendan Doohan and Aimee Sharrock, also from the Stronger Schools team, finished fourth and fifth—close, but not quite enough. They had some big-name endorsements, like Councilman James Solomon, former Governor Jim McGreevey, former Board President Mussab Ali, and Council President Joyce Watterman.
The Independent Run
Independent candidate Sumit “Sam” Salia came in last. His campaign didn’t catch fire, but independent runs can still push candidates to talk more about issues like curriculum, resources, and the district’s future.
Impact on Jersey City Schools
This election matters because the nine-member volunteer board shapes curriculum, budgets, and big policy decisions for Jersey City’s public schools. With Velazquez staying on as president, her experience will probably guide a lot of what the board does next term.
Richardson’s return brings another voice to the table, and that could mean a more balanced conversation between union priorities and other views.
Community Engagement
The turnout and vote split show just how invested the community is in education policy. Parents, teachers, and activists see BOE elections as crucial—especially with state funding formulas changing and neighborhoods shifting across different city districts.
Tying Back to Jersey City
Whether you’ve lived here forever or you’re just checking out where to stay in Jersey City, it’s worth knowing how the Board of Education shapes the city’s vibe. Good schools lift neighborhoods, attract families, and open up more economic opportunities. That all plays into local development and even the rise of Jersey City hotels and tourism.
Education’s Role in Local Life
Board decisions don’t just stay inside classrooms. They touch things to do in Jersey City for families and kids—from arts programs to museum partnerships and new rec spaces. Neighborhoods with strong schools tend to thrive, while those struggling academically can have a harder time drawing in new residents and businesses.
Getting to Jersey City
Getting to Jersey City is pretty straightforward. You can hop on PATH trains, catch ferries, or use the light rail—lots of options, honestly.
This easy access makes it a breeze for anyone interested in local civic matters, like Board of Education elections. Since the city sits so close to Manhattan and has strong transit links, changes here often ripple out into the whole region.
Find the perfect hotel or vacation rental. Instant booking, no fees!
View Top Stays
Here is the source article for this story: Velazquez & Muhammad re-elected to Jersey City BOE, Richardson spoils sweep
Getting Around Jersey City, NJ
Plan Your Stay in Jersey City, NJ
Things to Do in Jersey City, NJ
