An online petition organized by the group Jersey City Parents for Accountability has collected over 1,000 signatures opposing the renewal and/or extension of Superintendent of Schools Dr. Norma Fernandez’s contract ahead of next week’s special meeting.

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

“We have lost confidence in Superintendent Norma Fernandez’s leadership. The Jersey City Board of Education should not renew, extend, amend, renegotiate, approve new terms, or allow automatic renewal of the Superintendent’s contract while major accountability questions remain unresolved,” the Action Network petition says.

“Families across Jersey City have raised serious concerns about district leadership, including special education services, nonpublic school services, overcrowding, facilities, student safety, bullying, technology and spending decisions, transparency, and public accountability.”

They also cite the recent special education audit being referred to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office (HCPO) that was not released to the board or the public due to the ongoing investigation as another reason Fernandez doesn’t deserve a new deal.

Fernandez first received a three-year contract in June 2022, with a three-year extension that tops out at $341,200 approved in August 2024, which then-Ward E Councilman James Solomon – now the mayor – panned for a “lack of transparency,” all as HCV first reported.

“A contract renewal is a vote of confidence. Right now, that confidence does not exist. Do not renew, extend, amend, or allow automatic renewal of Superintendent Fernandez’s contract. Full accountability first,” the Action Network petition concludes.

As of 1:30 p.m. this afternoon, the online effort has collected 1,148 signatures.

The Jersey City BOE has called a special meeting for Thursday, July 16th at 5:30 p.m. at the district’s central office, 346 Claremont Ave., where the board “intends to take action to renegotiate, extend, amend, or otherwise alter the terms of its contract with Dr. Norma Fernandez,” according to a public meeting notice.

An earlier version of the notice which has since been removed from the BOE website said the vote would be to extend Fernandez’s contract through June 30th, 2031.

Fernandez did not return an inquiry seeking comment on Tuesday.