newjerseynewsroom.com

BY SHARON HARRIS-ZLOTNICK

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

A 39-page “Strictly Confidential Draft Work Product” proposal, obtained by The Newark Star-Ledger, reveals that many Newark schools may undergo major changes by early September. The draft and transition follows the January resignation of former Superintendent Clifford Janey.

Newark school officials have begun considering a moving out, or consolidating, of several public schools to clear space for 11 charter schools. The reshuffling could impact thousands of students. The charter school system presently educates 14 percent of Newark’s students, according to NJ.com.

Earlier today, Kelly Heyboer of The Star-Ledger reported that Rochelle Hendricks, acting state deputy education commissioner overseeing the city schools’ transition team, confirmed the private nature of the proposal. Hendricks called it a first draft, not ready for public view. Global Education Advisors, an outside consulting firm hired by Newark Mayor Cory Booker and paid with donated funds, wrote the proposal.

Several Newark school principals received the written recommendations at a meeting quickly convened on Friday, February 18. They learned that students attending several struggling schools, whose low test scores have repeatedly placed them on the list of “schools in need of improvement”, could be transferred to other buildings. Their schools would be phased out, and schools with low enrollment would be consolidated into one building.

Charter schools, not subject to the Newark school district’s authority, would then lease the new space. It is uncertain if they will pay any rental fees.

Hendricks emphasized that no decisions have been finalized about moving or consolidating schools. She said they aim to offer Newark’s students more choices while maximizing the use of the district’s buildings.

While the charter schools’ plan is unclear, according to Heyboer’s report, it is definite that there will be five new public schools. The news was announced tonight during a 6 p.m. meeting of the Newark Public School Advisory Board. Each new school will be housed, or share space, within an existing building.

Some will address special needs. Specifically, gay and lesbian students may attend the new Harvey Milk School. YouthBuild would serve students out of jail or confronting other problems.

Leah Owens, a former Newark teacher and nonprofit advocate for city students, urged parents to attend and protest any changes that could result in overcrowded classrooms or longer commutes.

The Newark schools have received much media and public attention recently. According to NorthJersey.com, the schools will undergo an overhaul, thanks to a $100 million grant from Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. The contribution was announced on September 22, 2010.