N.J. State Lawmaker Tries to Bolster Local Control in Troubled Newark District
Newark, N.J. schools have a troubled history that stretches back decades, but the battle has only gotten more intense recently. As my colleague, Lesli Maxwell, over at District Dossier wrote last week, Superintendent Cami Anderon's "One Newark" proposal for the state-run district, which would expand the presence of charter schools while shutting down some low-performing schools, has triggered a significant backlash.
A few principals have claimed they were improperly suspended due to their opposition to Anderson's plan, and have filed a federal lawsuit against her. Another explosive moment came during a community forum, when a speaker brought up Anderson's "brown baby" (her biracial son), prompting her to exit the meeting.
Now state Sen. Ronald Rice, a Democrat who represents Newark, is wading into the controversy. He has introduced legislation establishing new requirements prior to a school closure. Senate Bill 966 applies to a "state district superintendent," which includes officials like Anderson who run districts for the state. Although the district is controlled by New Jersey officials, Rice's proposal