Saturday, September 19, 2026 · Serving all of Hudson County since March 2011Governor Appoints Longtime, Former UCBOE President To NJBOE
Jeanette Pena, who spent 18 years as a Union City Board of Education Trustee, more than half, 13 in total as its President, was recently nominated and subsequently sworn in…
Jeanette Pena, who spent 18 years as a Union City Board of Education Trustee, more than half, 13 in total as its President, was recently nominated and subsequently sworn in by Governor Phil Murphy to the 13 member, New Jersey Board of Education.
The Union City native has also served as a trustee of Hudson County Community College for the last 12 years.
Post school news
A graduate of the former Emerson High School, Pena earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from Rutgers University and a Professional Diploma in School Psychology from New Jersey City University. She also was awarded a Masters degree in Education-Psychological Studies from Seton Hall University.
Prior to joining the Union City faculty, she served as a school psychologist in New Jersey’s three largest school districts; Newark, Paterson and Jersey City.
Mayor/State Senator Brian Stack, who nominated Pena for the New Jersey Board of Education position, praised her appointment.
“Jeanette Pena has played an integral role in the improvement of our schools as a board member and as president, and I am confident she will be a tremendous asset to the State Board of Education.”
Pena’s appointment is for six years.