7 Major Updates From The Union City Board Of Education NJ: What Parents And Residents Need To Know For The 2025-2026 School Year

The Union City Board of Education (UCBOE) is at the forefront of educational excellence and community safety in Hudson County, New Jersey, continuously implementing policies and initiatives that directly impact students and residents. As of December 17, 2025, the district is preparing for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year with a significant budget, celebrated academic achievements, and renewed focus on student welfare, including groundbreaking health and safety measures. Understanding the UCBOE's recent decisions—from massive state rankings to critical health policies—is essential for parents, teachers, and taxpayers who want to stay informed about the direction of Union City Public Schools.

This in-depth analysis breaks down the most critical, recent developments from the Union City Board of Education, highlighting the financial landscape, academic triumphs, and key administrative figures driving the district's success. The Board’s commitment to a safe, supportive, and high-achieving educational environment is evident in its latest actions and future planning, securing its reputation as a leader in urban education within New Jersey.

Union City Board of Education Leadership and Key Trustees (2025)

The Union City Board of Education is governed by a dedicated group of trustees and led by a veteran Superintendent, whose collective vision guides the district's strategic planning, financial oversight, and educational philosophy. This stability in leadership is often cited as a cornerstone of the district's consistent performance and ability to implement major initiatives effectively.

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• Superintendent of Schools: Silvia Abbato. Ms. Abbato is a long-standing figure in New Jersey education, having also served as an Advisory Board Member for the NJ Statewide Systemic Initiative (SSI), overseeing multi-million dollar grants.
• Business Administrator/Board Secretary: Anthony N. Dragona, Ed.D. and Justin Mercado (Board Secretary).
• Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum: John Bennetti.
• Current Board Trustees:
  • Ydalia M. Genao
  • Alicia Morejon
  • Carlos H. Vallejo
  • Joseph Isola
  • Maria Hurtado-Urrea
  • Kennedy Ng
  • Alejandro Velazquez
• Key Entities: Union City School District, Hudson County, New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE).

Academic Excellence and Elite State Rankings: The Gilmore Academy Success

One of the most significant and celebrated pieces of news for the Union City School District in the current period is the remarkable performance of the Sara M. Gilmore Academy in statewide rankings. This achievement underscores the district's commitment to providing a high-quality education that competes with the best suburban schools in the state.

Sara M. Gilmore Academy Rises to the Top in 2025

The Sara M. Gilmore Academy has been recognized as one of New Jersey's top educational institutions by U.S. News & World Report, a global authority on education rankings.

• 9th Best Public Elementary School in New Jersey (2025): Gilmore Academy secured a spot in the top ten, a monumental achievement for the district.
• 14th Best Public Middle School in New Jersey (2025): The school also received high honors for its middle school program, demonstrating consistent excellence across multiple grade levels.

These rankings are a powerful reflection of the dedication from teachers, administrators, and the students themselves. The metrics used by U.S. News & World Report typically focus on student performance on state-required tests, considering both proficiency and how well schools serve their diverse student populations. The recognition highlights the effectiveness of the district’s curriculum, instructional quality, and support programs, which are overseen by the Board of Education and the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, John Bennetti.

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Critical Health, Safety, and Student Welfare Initiatives

In addition to academic focus, the UCBOE has proactively addressed modern challenges in student health and safety, introducing several forward-thinking policies. These initiatives demonstrate a commitment to creating a secure and supportive environment for all students, addressing issues from opioid overdose prevention to athletic eligibility.

The Narcan (Naloxone) Installation Policy

In a crucial move to combat the ongoing opioid crisis, the Board of Education has installed naloxone (brand name Narcan) kits in key locations across the district.

• Location of Kits: The life-saving kits have been strategically placed at Union City High School and the ACCE building.
• Purpose: This policy ensures that staff are equipped and trained to respond immediately to an opioid overdose emergency, potentially saving a student's life. This proactive measure aligns Union City Public Schools with best practices in public health and emergency preparedness, showing the Board’s focus on student safety over all else.

The "Test To Play Initiative" for Athletics

The district has also announced a new "Test To Play Initiative" for students who participate in athletics.

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• Scope: This program establishes new guidelines for student-athletes, likely focusing on ensuring academic eligibility, health standards, or compliance with substance-free policies before they are cleared to compete.
• Impact on Student Life: The initiative reinforces the importance of balancing athletic participation with academic responsibility and personal wellness, ensuring that student-athletes meet necessary criteria to represent the district. The Board views this as an integral part of holistic student development.

These two policies—the Narcan installation and the Test To Play Initiative—highlight the Board's comprehensive approach to student welfare, addressing both immediate medical emergencies and long-term health and eligibility standards. This dedication to student wellness is a hallmark of the current administration.

Financial Stability and the 2025-2026 Budget Outlook

The financial health of the Union City School District is robust, supported by significant state funding and responsible fiscal management. The Board of Education’s oversight of the budget ensures that resources are allocated to maintain high-performing schools, fund new initiatives, and manage essential infrastructure projects.

Adequacy Budget for the 2025-2026 School Year

The state's financial projections show a substantial budget allocation for the district. The determined adequacy budget for the Union City School District for the 2025-2026 school year is a massive $241,788,996.

• Financial Context: This large budget reflects the district's status and its need to provide comprehensive educational services to a large, diverse student body in Hudson County. The funding is crucial for maintaining staffing levels, supporting specialized programs like Gifted and Talented Education, and ensuring proper facilities maintenance.
• Interlocal Service Agreements: The budget also includes provisions for interlocal service agreements with the City of Union City, such as for solid waste removal, demonstrating collaborative municipal governance.
• Infrastructure and Facilities: Prior financial activities, such as the use of bond sales by the Hudson County Improvement Authority, have supported major projects like the construction of the Uptown Middle School and related parking facilities, indicating a long-term strategy for infrastructure improvement.

The Board’s continuous management of these significant funds, led by the Business Administrator, ensures that the district can sustain academic excellence, invest in technology, and continue to offer a wide range of academic and extracurricular programs. The large adequacy budget provides the financial stability needed to plan for the future, including potential expansion of programs like the "ConnectUC" digital inclusion initiative.

Future Focus and Community Engagement

Looking ahead, the Union City Board of Education continues to prioritize community involvement and professional development. The district regularly schedules special meetings and hosts events aimed at connecting with parents and prospective employees. The announcement of a Special Meeting scheduled for August 18, 2025, and a welcome back message for the 2025-2026 school year from Superintendent Abbato confirm the proactive planning and communication efforts.

The UCBOE’s focus on fresh, relevant initiatives—from the academic recognition of Sara M. Gilmore Academy to the implementation of critical health policies like the Narcan program—positions the Union City School District as a model for urban education in New Jersey. Parents and residents can expect the Board to continue its commitment to fiscal responsibility, academic rigor, and student well-being throughout the 2025-2026 academic year.