Newark Council Monitor by Igor Alves

THE COUNCIL MONITOR | EDUCATION ISSUE

FALL 2011

The urgent need for education reform

ewark has been in the headlines for both its immense challenges and its efforts to address them. Simply no issue impacts and will impact the future of its residents more than the need for education reform. Last year’s contribution of $100 million by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg in funding for the Newark school system garnered lots of attention from pundits and media, both locally and nationally. Indeed, the announced goals of revamping the Newark educational system and of seeking to establish Newark as a national model for urban success are laudable, universally agreed upon aims. This grand donation reinvigorated the passionate and long-standing debate within this community, the state and even nationwide about education policy. We all value the importance of education, but how do we achieve the best results for our children and how do we promote a vibrant, healthy and safe future for Newark? This is the conversation in which the Newark Municipal Council urges you to participate. In this special edition of The Council Monitor, the nine members of the Municipal Council discuss their views and present recommendations for improving the state of education in New Jersey’s largest city and school district. Council members may differ with other elected leaders like Mayor Cory Booker, Governor Chris Christie and even among themselves on how to implement the best education policies, but they all agree that the energy and creativity of local residents must be summoned in meeting this pressing challenge. The entire council also calls for more parent engagement in both the schools and at home - for success can only be achieved with a committed partnership between community leaders, teachers, parents, students, and other stakeholders. You will find education facts scattered throughout this issue. Some of these numbers and statements may surprise you, while others may know them far too well. And behind these numbers are real people, your neighbors, your friends, perhaps even your family. In turn, each person represents a story filled with dreams and frustrations, role models and distractions, victories and losses, and life and death. Indeed, the stakes are high for Newark, but then, so is its potential for greatness. Let’s get to work!  Office of the City Clerk Robert P. Marasco, City Clerk

Room 306, City Hall 920 Broad Street, Newark NJ 07102 ℡ 973-733-3844

Recommended Educational Resources 50 States of the United States - http://www.50states.com Information on state histories, capitals, flags, mascots, cities, schools, etc. Discovery Kids - http://kids.discovery.com Games, puzzles, activities, and sites including the Yucky Science site. Disney Family - http://family.go.com Resources on parenting, child health, activities, entertainment. Exploratorium Museum - http://www.exploratorium.edu An ongoing exploration of science, art, and human perception. Family Education Network - http://www.familyeducation.com Directory of Best of the Internet content for parents, teachers, and kids. Library Spot - http://www.libraryspot.com A free virtual library resource center for educators and students. Kids Know It Network - http://www.kidsknowit.com Directory of free and fun educational resources and websites. New Jersey Historical Society - http://jerseyhistory.org Information on current exhibits, getting involved, teacher resources. Newark Museum - http://newarkmuseum.org Information on upcoming events, family fun, membership, etc. Newark Public Library - http://www.npl.org Information about hours, programs, exhibits, community libraries. Newark Public Schools - http://www.nps.k12.nj.us Announcements, school directories, parent resources and contacts. Scholastic - http://www.scholastic.com Links, games, projects, learning resources from the publisher. Weekly Reader - http://www.weeklyreader.com Tools for teachers, editions and printable materials from the publisher. Yahoo Kids - http://kids.yahoo.com Site for kids' games, music, movies, jokes, sports, study zone, etc.

City of Newark

Cory A. Booker  Mayor

The Municipal Council

Donald M. Payne, Jr., Council President  Council Member-At-Large Augusto Amador, East Ward Council Member Ras J. Baraka, South Ward Council Member Mildred C. Crump, Council Member-At-Large Carlos M. Gonzalez, Council Member-At-Large Luiz A. Quintana, Council Member-At-Large Anibal Ramos, Jr., Vice President  North Ward Council Member Ronald C. Rice, West Ward Council Member Darrin S. Sharif, Central Ward Council Member

The Council Monitor FALL 2011 Education Issue Paid for by the Newark Municipal Council

THE COUNCIL MONITOR | EDUCATION ISSUE

FALL 2011

Council President Council Member-At-Large

o issue is more important and critical to the growth of our City than education reform. I firmly believe that full control of Newark’s education system should be restored to our local citizens. As we work towards this goal, we need all hands on deck.

Currently, our libraries are suffering tremendously from financial cuts. I aspire to see Newark’s libraries become a true source of pride for our city, and to that end, I continually seek support from

“

To raise the educational bar for our students, we must provide them with the necessary tools.

“

Donald M. Payne, Jr.

We lose our kids in the hours they spend outside of home and school. If we focus more strongly on keeping Newark’s children active in a positive way, they would have fewer opportunities to go down the wrong track. The success of our youth depends on the collaboration and support of parents, teachers, community leaders, faith organizations, and state and local agencies. While we cannot legislate parental involvement, we can provide opportunity for involvement. Furthermore, it is incumbent upon us as a community to provide better opportunities for our youth. I am especially committed to raising awareness about the need to save and modernize our libraries.

Did you know?

- During the past five years, the use of Newark libraries has increased by more than 30%

Source: Newark Public Libraries Annual Report

Invest in opportunities for success

left behind. With the restoration of local control and the cooperation of our community stakeholders, we can ensure that our students receive the opportunities and tools needed to excel. 

all avenues that present themselves. To raise the educational bar for our students, we must provide them with the necessary tools. Our libraries need state-ofthe-art computer labs and other learning technologies, Contact Donald M. Payne, Jr.: so that students who do not ℡ 973-733-3753 have home access will not be  payned@ci.newark.nj.us

FALL 2011

THE COUNCIL MONITOR | EDUCATION ISSUE

“

Build upon success 8 points for reform

“

Reform means hiring excellent administrators and teachers, organizing positive community involvement, and maintaining decent buildings. East Ward Council Member

am proud to be part of a group of people who resist the notion that education reform means tearing down the existing system and building a new one involving charters, choice, vouchers, etc. No! Reform means hiring excellent administrators and teachers, organizing positive community involvement, and maintaining decent buildings. Take for example, the case of East Side High School. Prior to the 1980s, through strong bonds built between the local community and the school’s leadership, a pattern of excellence was achieved and East Side High School students did well. The 1980s witnessed the rise of the school job patronage via political influence, “benign neglect,” and ultimately, academic decadence. In response, parents increasingly decided to send their children to private schools or simply moved out of Newark. East Side High School has again achieved noticeable improvement in the last few years. This is no accident. Local leadership and community involvement have made the difference. The fact that the State of New Jersey currently has primary re-

“

Augusto Amador

sponsibility for managing the Newark Public School District should not be an excuse for avoiding involvement in our schools. Let’s instead emulate the example set by East Side High School and other schools throughout Newark. We also need to address our buildings. Governor Christie has halted the construction of new schools in Newark. I wish he would sit in a classroom filled with dust from crumbling walls erected in the 1800s. Understandably, students lose motivation when the quality of their surroundings is given short shrift by society at large.  Contact Augusto Amador:

℡ 973-733-6571  amadora@ci.newark.nj.us

“

We invite the Mayor to participate as a stakeholder in a fully public reform process.

Ras J. Baraka South Ward Council Member

n April 13 and May 19, 2011, respectively, the Newark Municipal Council’s Education Committee held public hearings regarding education reform. Testimony provided by respected education practitioners led the Council to adopt these positions and concerns: 1) The state should return control of our system to the Newark Public School District (NPSD), the latter to be run by an elected school board. 2) Inequity of education quality may exist by ward. We implore the NPSD to address this issue immediately if it holds merit. 3) The greatest issue facing NPSD is violence. We need a stronger police presence and a focus on social and character development in class. 4) The Council appreciates charter schools as incubators of new best practices. However, we request that the state institute stronger oversight in several areas.

5) Schools should be reformed, not closed. NPSD priorities should be: retaining quality teachers and implementing staff development and effective practices - not programs. 6) The search for a new superintendent was not transparent. In the future, we request concerted efforts to involve all stakeholders in the reform process. 7) It is unjust for the Mayor, or anyone, to use money and resources to leverage undue influence on school policies. We invite the Mayor to participate as a stakeholder in a fully public reform process. 8) Global Education Advisors are occupying space and helping direct daily policy at 2 Cedar St. (Newark Board of Education). Their special agenda may become an obstacle to the public’s interest. They must be removed at once! 

Did you know? - Only 40% of students could read and write at grade level by the end of third grade - Only 38% of Newark’s young adults are enrolled in college Source: NCES

Contact Ras J. Baraka:

℡ 973-733-3794  barakara@ci.newark.nj.us

Empower Newarkers

riving through Newark recently, I found myself following a car with a bumper sticker that said: “If you can read this, thank a teacher!” Wow! Yes, reading is necessary for success in every career! Perhaps Gov. Chris Christie has for-

Expand success

Carlos M. Gonzalez Council Member-At-Large

am not directly involved in Newark’s education system, but am keenly interested in the well being of all our students. In the recent past, I have observed as people either defended the status quo or criticized the

“

bilize and demand that deci- ership role here. Once again, sions include its input. We the very capable people who have brilliant people in live here, who care about our Newark who would love to community, and who can do work on solutions. the job, have been If we do not assert overlooked.  ourselves, situations like the current one will continue - for example, Facts: the former president of The four year the Atlanta School high school graduBoard is now coming ation rate is less to Newark to become than 30% the Chief of Staff of The Newark School the Foundation for District includes more Newark’s Future, than 40,000 students the organization started by Mayor Booker, Governor Christie and Mark Zuckerberg. He has Contact Mildred C. Crump: ℡ 973-733-8043 left behind a scandalridden district to take a lead-  crumpm@ci.newark.nj.us Sources: Po Newark Pu litifact New Jersey blic Schoo , ls

Council Member-At-Large

gotten that teachers taught him to read so that he could become the governor of New Jersey. Obviously, teachers need to strive for excellence and expect the same from their students. And if they fail to meet standards of excellence, there should be appropriate consequences. Gov. Christie’s attacks on teachers, however, are unacceptable to me. Certainly, the Newark Public Schools district needs a make-over. Graduation rates and literacy levels in the district must be improved. However, in the 15 years during which time the state has been in control, we have not had the creative freedom needed to solve our own problems. Our community needs to mo-

Our community needs to mobilize and demand that decisions include its input.

We need to prepare our students to either attend college or to find a job directly out of high school.

state of our education system. From my perspective, changes are clearly needed, since the students are receiving an inadequate education. A high percentage of our system’s students do not complete their high school education. And of those who graduate, the majority require remedial courses when they enroll in higher education. I envision a school system that educates our children effectively - whether this occurs in traditional

public schools, charter schools or in any other combination is as important as ensuring that our young people are truly well-educated. We need to prepare our students to either attend college or to find a job directly out of high school, whichever path they choose. Our system, taken as a whole, does not currently accomplish either of these objectives. Where do we begin in making effective changes? I am a believer in studying success. Newark has some

“

Mildred C. Crump

“

THE COUNCIL MONITOR | EDUCATION ISSUE

FALL 2011

schools that are producing truly great results. I invite the Education Committee and School District leaders to talk in depth with the teachers, students, principals, and administrators in those schools. Their successful methods can be analyzed, adapted, and copied to bring excellence to Newark’s entire school system. In this way, all students will receive the opportunity to achieve their full potential.  Contact Carlos M. Gonzalez: ℡ 973-733-6425  gonzalezc@ci.newark.nj.us

THE COUNCIL MONITOR | EDUCATION ISSUE

FALL 2011

Bring the community back in schools

Council Member-At-Large

ewark is facing a series of unprecedented challenges to the quality of life of its residents: high unemployment, crime rates, property taxes, and more. But no single issue impacts the future of our workforce, public safety, businesses, and our city, more than turning around

“

If we fail, we risk betraying our most valuable resource: the promise of Newark's children.

“

Luis A. Quintana

our educational system. If we fail, we risk betraying our most valuable resource: the promise of Newark's children. We need a well-supported educational system able to produce new generations of entrepreneurs, teachers, doctors, scientists, police officers, engineers and artists. I attended local public schools all my life. I am both witness and testament to how public schools can advance a better Newark – because education breeds opportunity, and opportunity is the seed of success. As the mayor and some of my colleagues have mentioned, more accountability is required from principals, teachers and students. More importantly, success requires more interscholastic coordination and community involvement. Parents should be

council. Also, we should preserve the traditional K-8 elementar y school format because it provides parents and teachers with the continuity and trust needed to track and improve a student's progress. This is possible. This is the way forward. 

trusted to work with teachers and school leaders. Power should not be concentrated in the hands of politicians and state bureaucrats: it should rest with the community. Alternate and charter schools can contribute positively, and they should be a significant element in our educational reform. But charter schools should not work in competition and apart from public schools. Rather, public and charter school leaders should Contact Luis A. Quintana: exchange best practices and ideas ℡ 973-733-5882 through a joint committee or  quintanal@ci.newark.nj.us

Strong vision, strong leadership

Vice President North Ward Council Member

s a former board member of the Newark Public Schools Advisory Board and Management Specialist under Marion Bolden, former Superintendent of The Newark Public School District, I had the opportunity to visit schools around

Several of these leaders call Newark’s North Ward home, explaining why this district has high achieving elementary and middle schools. In fact, since my election as North Ward Councilman in 2006, two of our schools have been honored with a National Blue Ribbon Award, namely Branch Brook Elementary and the Robert Treat Academy.

“

Anibal Ramos, Jr.

the city, and learned about the various successful approaches employed by school leaders. I learned that a common thread linking many of the successful schools includes having effective leaders who establish a strong vision for their school. These leaders stay focused despite community, facility, or personnel challenges. Their vision guides them to the decisions needed to create learning environments that promote student achievement. Many of these leaders also assertively reach out to local stakeholders, such as elected officials and business people, to gain support for school initiatives. And they make a point of cultivating parental involvement in their school, even though that process may be difficult at times.

We need to use successful schools in Newark as models for other schools.

Facts: - The Newark student/teacher ratio is 14 to 1 - 7 Newark schools have earned the National Blue Ribbon Award of Excellence Source: NCES, U.S. Dept. of Education

munication and community support. I invite discussion with people from across Newark about our successes in the North Ward in promoting safety, organizing school events to empower students’ learning, and strengthening the North Ward Scholarship Program. 

I believe that recent efforts to reorganize and consolidate schools Contact Anibal Ramos, Jr.: throughout the city met resistance ℡ 973-733-5136 as a result of lack of effective com-  ramosa@ci.newark.nj.us

THE COUNCIL MONITOR | EDUCATION ISSUE

FALL 2011

by the Core Curriculum Content Standards, and we must empower them with creative flexibility. • Increased support for high performing charter schools: Proven charter schools like Adelaide L. Sanford, Rise Academy, North Star, and Marion P. Thomas need to be supported, and their models for success expanded throughout the system. However, poorly performing charter schools should be the first to be closed. Ronald C. Rice West Ward Council Member • Support for other school reform: Replicate the Newark s a former Special Assis- Global Village model, successfully tant to the Chief of Staff demonstrated by Central High to former NJ Depart- School and its feeder schools, ment of Education Commis- across all wards. sioner David Hespe and author of the original Abbott v. Burke reguTo succeed, lations, my views are informed by Newark school reform years of first hand experience with tackling New Jersey and Newark's has to be multi-faceted, education challenges. With that comprehensive, and said, here is what I think are the progressive. most important steps needed to produce real reform in the Newark • Provision of “Wrap-Around” Public Schools system: • Full Abbott funding for Services for Students and ParNewark: Previous governors and ents/Guardians: To turn our legislatures have failed to create a schools into real cathedrals of permanent funding source that learning, government, business, would provide revenue to meet the community based organizations, Court’s requirements (via “sin” health providers, etc. must effectaxes, dedicated fund, etc.). tively collaborate with the school Nonetheless, the state has an obli- community. We must provide gation to provide full funding to all medical and psychological services, special needs districts and we must jobs and job training opportunities, demand that they meet their obli- housing assistance, mentorship programs, and recreational opgation. • More autonomy for excep- tions.  tionally performing school Contact Ronald C. Rice: principals: Such principals run ℡ 973-733-6427 schools whose academic standards  ricero@ci.newark.nj.us exceed those set

Source: NCES

Did you know?

“

 New Jersey has the highest high school graduation rate in the country: 85%

Fix education at school and at home

“

Truth be known, none of our hands are clean with respect to failing our children.

“

A comprehensive way forward

than their counterparts raised by more affluent and educated parents/caregivers? Most of a child’s earliest education occurs as parents talk and read with their son or daughter, building vocabulary and the child’s language, problem solving, critical thinking, and yes, conflict resolution skills. Far too often, young peoDarrin S. Sharif ple are the tragic victims of arCentral Ward Council Member rested development in one or more of these developmental orty-three years ago, the areas. Educating our youth is a “Report for Action,” a study commissioned by parental, community, and disGovernor Hughes, described trict responsibility; truth be our state of educational decay. known, none of our hands are clean with respect to Today, our schools failing our continue to strugchildren. g l e. “ Re s e a r ch As the based” plans have - Newar k newly elecattempted to creof 31 Ab is one ted superinate trajectories for school d bott is tendent success. Unforstatewid tricts e embarks on tunately, these - The N e w the challenghave not adea School D rk is t ing job of imr quately adict serves 8 % E n glish proving our dressed the Languag e Learn schools, I hope harsh realiers Sources: she maintains ties that conNJ DoE, NCES the humility she front many of our exhibited at the youth. The intellectual, emotional, press conference announcing and social developmental chal- her appointment, and that she lenges affecting many of our honors her commitment to youth are set in motion long be- work with parents and the fore they enter preschool. Did community as equal partners. you know that many children Our children deserve nothing born to low-income and poorly less.  educated parents enter pre- Contact Darrin S. Sharif: school having heard between ℡ 973-733-5871 10 to 30 million fewer words  sharifd@ci.newark.nj.us

Notes:

THE COUNCIL

PST STD U.S. Postage

MONITOR

PAID Newark, NJ Permit No. 241

Newark Municipal Council City of Newark, New Jersey 920 Broad Street Newark, NJ 07102

Get to know your

Newark Municipal Council

TOP ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Ronald C. Rice, Luis A. Quintana, Ras J. Baraka, Darrin S. Sharif, Carlos M. Gonzalez BOTTOM ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Augusto Amador, Donald M. Payne, Jr., Anibal Ramos, Jr., Mildred C. Crump

ewark’s Municipal Council exercises the legislative power of city government. The Municipal Council enacts – by ordinance, resolution, or motion – the local laws that govern the people of our city and is responsible for approving the municipal budget, establishing financial controls, and setting the salaries of elected officials and top appointed administrators. It also may reduce or increase appropriations requested by the mayor. In essence, the council decides "what" the city will do about any particular matter, and the mayor and cabinet members then decide "how" to do it. The Municipal Council also renders advice and consent on the mayor's appointments and policy programs and may investigate, when necessary, any branch of municipal government. The council also authorizes a continuing audit by an outside firm of all city financial transactions. 

UPCOMING Regular Meetings September 8: 12:30pm September 21: 6:30pm October 5: 12:30pm October 19: 6:30pm November 2: 12:30pm November 22: 6:30pm December 7: 12:30pm December 21: 6:30pm Regular meetings are preceded by a Hearing of Citizens and are held in the Council Chamber, 2nd Floor, Newark City Hall.

Special Conferences September 13: 10:00am September 27: 10:00am October 12: 10:00am October 25: 10:00am November 29: 10:00am December 13: 10:00am December 28: 10:00am

CONNECT WITH US ONLINE:

HOME PAGE

www.ci.newark.nj.us

TWITTER

@CityofNewarkNJ

All conferences are held in the Council Conference Room 304, Newark City Hall.