Newark's fight to take control of schools from state hits snag over new numbers
Published: Sunday, July 08, 2012, 8:15 AM
NEWARK — It was a glimmer of hope in a community that has longed for home rule for close to two decades.
Last year, when the Newark Public Schools passed four out of five requirements for restoration of local control from the state, many hoped they would begin to assume control over city schools — control held by the state since 1995.
So when it didn’t happen, Newark’s Education Law Center and a bank of community groups filed suit against the state in August 2011.In the intervening months the Attorney General’s office has declined to respond to the district’s appeal for local control.
Now, a week before the state approaches its fourth deadline to answer the appeal, the Department of Education has released new interim numbers gauging Newark’s fitness for local control. In areas