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Robert Jackson proudly represents parts of Morningside Heights, Hamilton Heights, West Harlem, Washington Heights and Inwood. A native New Yorker who was born and raised in Manhattan, Robert attended New York City public schools and later graduated from State University of New York at New Paltz. Robert is married and is the dedicated father of three daughters. He and his family have been part of the Washington Heights community since 1975.
Robert's involvement as a leader in the fight to improve our schools began in 1980 when he enrolled his eldest daughter at P.S./I.S. 187. He became an active member and then president of the Parents' Association. His activism led to his 1986 election to Community School Board 6 (CSB6).
In 1991, as CSB6 President, Robert and CSB6 Attorney Michael Rebell founded the Campaign for Fiscal Equity (CFE). With Robert as lead plaintiff, CFE sued the State of New York for failing to properly fund NYC's public schools. CFE asserted that each year NYC's 1.1 million students were being cheated out of billions of dollar and denied the right to a sound, basic education. The trial court agreed with CFE, finding the State's funding formula unconstitutional. The suit and the decision have been hailed as a landmark. (See www.cfequity.org for more information.) Challenged on appeal, the initial findings were upheld in 2003. Prior to that trial Robert walked 150 miles from New York City to Albany to dramatize the case. As a result, Robert and CFE were honored as NY1's "New Yorker of the Year".
Prior to his election in 2001, Robert was Director of Field Services for the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF), a union representing over 55,000 professional, scientific and technical employees of New York State. Robert dedicated over 20 years to ensuring that union members' contractual rights and benefits were protected.
In the Council, Robert serves as Chair of the Education Committee and as a member of the Contracts; Finance; Housing & Buildings; Land use - Zoning & Franchises; Rules, Privileges & Elections; Sanitation & Solid Waste Management and Standards & Ethics Committees. He also is Co-Chair of the Council's Black, Latino & Asian Caucus. Robert describes his highest priority as the safety and well being of his constituents.
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Entered City Council: 01/01/2002
Current Term Expires: 12/31/2013
Represents: West Harlem; parts of Washington Heights, Inwood, Central Harlem and Morningside Heights
Committees: Contracts; Education; Finance; Housing & Buildings; Land Use (Zoning & Franchises); Rules, Privileges & Elections; Sanitation & Solid Waste Management; Standards & Ethics
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