Chapter 3:

Child-Friendly Bayonne & Education Building a City That Works for Families A city that works for children is a city that works for everyone.

A Loyad Booker administration will make Bayonne a more child-friendly city by directly addressing everyday quality-of-life issues that affect families — safety, cleanliness, affordability, access to services, and neighborhood stability.

 

This approach aligns public safety, education, recreation, infrastructure, and family services around one goal: giving every child the opportunity to grow, learn, and succeed close to home.

 

Child-friendly policy is not just about schools — it is about the environment children live in every day. Strong Public Schools as a Cornerstone Public education is central to Bayonne’s future.

 

While respecting the independence of the Bayonne Board of Education, a Loyad Booker administration will be a proactive partner by:

 Supporting shared-use agreements for facilities and programming

 Coordinating infrastructure, safety, and transportation planning near schools

 Advocating for state and federal resources for Bayonne students Strong schools strengthen neighborhoods and stabilize the city.

 

Safe Routes, Safe Neighborhoods Children learn best when they feel safe — at school, at home, and in the community.

 

This administration will prioritize:

 School-zone safety enforcement

 Traffic calming and pedestrian improvements near schools and parks

 Coordination between police, schools, and families

 

Public safety policy will always consider its impact on children and families. Parks, Play, and Positive Programming

 

Access to safe, clean parks and structured activities is essential to childhood development.

A Loyad Booker administration will:

 Invest in park maintenance and upgrades

 Expand youth recreation, arts, and cultural programming

 Partner with community organizations to provide affordable after-school and weekend activities

 

Well-programmed public spaces reduce risk and increase opportunity. Health, Wellness & Environmental Responsibility Children’s health is shaped by their surroundings.

 

This administration will support:

 Clean air and water initiatives

 Infrastructure investments tied to the Long Term Control Plan

 Safe playgrounds and recreational spaces Protecting children means protecting the environment they grow up in.

 

Supporting Working Families Bayonne’s families depend on reliable city services and affordable living.

 

A Loyad Booker administration will:

 Coordinate city services to reduce barriers for working parents

 Support affordable programming and family-friendly scheduling

 Advocate for childcare access and family-support resources

 

A child-friendly city respects parents’ time and needs.

Youth Engagement & Civic Pride Young people should feel invested in their city.

This administration will encourage:

 Youth leadership and advisory opportunities

 Civic education and service-learning partnerships

 Programs that connect students to Bayonne’s history and future careers Engaged youth become engaged citizens.

 

Measuring Success Progress toward a child-friendly Bayonne will be evaluated through:

 Safe school zones and reduced traffic incidents

 Expanded youth programming participation

 Strong coordination between city departments and schools

 Improved quality-of-life outcomes for families

 

Closing Principle

Bayonne’s future depends on the choices made for its children today.

Under a Loyad Booker administration, Bayonne will be a city where families feel supported, children feel safe, and education is treated as a shared civic responsibility.

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Loyad Booker for Mayor – 2026