Analysis: Assessing 22 Years of State Control as Newark Votes for the Board to Take Back Reins of City Schools
Twenty-two years ago, Newark Public Schools, the largest and most troubled district in New Jersey, was taken over by the state. Administrative Law Judge Stephen G. Weiss made the decision to implement immediate state control due to the district’s severe issues. However, after a generation, Newark’s education system has significantly improved. This week, voters will select three new trustees who will become part of the authoritative Board of Education. The transformation of the district raises important questions about the lessons learned and how the school board will balance parental demands for improvement with the district’s instability.
Many observations can be made from Newark’s journey from an "abysmal" district, as described by Weiss, to a district with improving student outcomes and empowered parents. The saying that when you hit rock bottom, the only way to go is up perfectly encapsulates the situation of Newark’s old school system. In 1993, a Comprehensive Compliance Investigation revealed a range of problems including low student test scores, high dropout rates, mismanagement of public funds, and deteriorating school buildings with safety hazards. At that time, only half of Newark students graduated from high school, and SAT scores were well below average.
The investigation conducted by Sally Ann Fields, a senior state deputy attorney general, found that the Newark Public School system failed to fulfill its obligations to enrolled children. School board members were also found to be misusing district funds for personal gain. The dysfunction in the district was likened to a candy store used as a cover for illegal gambling activities. Corruption was not only prevalent in the municipal landscape of Newark but also within the school district itself.
When the state took control of Newark Public Schools in 1995, the concept of top-down accountability was relatively new, with a greater focus on regulatory compliance rather than student outcomes. It wasn’t until 1987 that the state received the authority to intervene in school districts with severe deficiencies. The introduction of the No Child Left Behind Act in 2001 further highlighted the failure of Newark and other urban districts to provide quality education to underprivileged students.
In the same year as the district takeover, the state passed a charter school law, allowing nonprofit organizations to establish independent public schools. The sole authorizer of these charter schools is the state commissioner of education. While this system may not adhere to best practices, it has proven to be effective. Presently, there are 84 charter schools in New Jersey, with many seeking authorization due to the favorable political climate. Although the number of students attending charter schools in New Jersey is relatively small compared to the total student population, Newark has a significant presence. Approximately 31 percent of Newark pupils attend highly regarded public charter networks, such as KIPP and Uncommon Schools. Additionally, 36 percent of Newark students enroll in magnet schools, which have restricted admissions. The demand for these schools greatly outweighs the available spots.
The implementation of accountability measures and the availability of school choice options, including charter and magnet schools, have led to improved student achievement throughout the district. As stated by Superintendent Chris Cerf, these reforms have positively impacted Newark’s education system.
Transformation stories are never as straightforward as they seem. The massive Newark Public Schools (NPS), which receives a yearly budget of $1 billion to educate 50,000 students in traditional, charter, and magnet schools, is facing significant financial strain. Last year, they experienced a deficit of $72 million. In order to regain financial stability, the district may have to close some schools, a decision that can be emotionally devastating. An attempt to close Weequahic High School in 2014, for instance, faced strong opposition from alumni, despite the fact that the school only had 332 students enrolled and none of them met college readiness benchmarks on the SAT or ACT.
The newly restructured Newark School Board will have to tackle a range of challenges, including limited funds, downsizing facilities, laying off teachers, and finding a new superintendent. It is a heavy burden for these newly appointed board members. However, there is no turning back; the parents of this city will not tolerate a school system that fails to provide for their children.
Accountability and choice have permanently changed Newark Public Schools.
Laura Waters, an education policy and politics writer, regularly contributes to publications such as NJ Left Behind, New York School Talk, and Education Post. She recently completed a 12-year term serving on her local school board in Lawrence, N.J., nine of which she served as president.
Receive stories like this directly to your inbox by signing up for Newsletter.
