Chris Cerf Becomes Newark's New Superintendent Of Schools

Montclair resident Christopher Cerf officially became Newark’s new superintendent of schools on Wednesday, when the state Board of Education approved his appointment in a 6 to 4 vote.

Cerf, a former state education commissioner, history teacher, White House lawyer and CEO, has been a vocal supporter of the embattled Cami Anderson, who resigned from her post in June.

• See related article: Superintendent Cami Anderson Calls It Quits In Newark

Cerf is also a longtime proponent of charter schools.

• See related article: Charter Schools Denied in Suburbs
• See related article: Cerf Debates Opportunity Scholarship Act with Concerned Parents

NJ.com reported that Education Commissioner David Hespe called Cerf the “next and likely last state superintendent” of Newark schools, and described him as an innovator and problem solver.

However, NJ.com also wrote:

“Cerf’s appointment, like his tenure as education commissioner from 2011 to 2014, has already sparked controversy in Newark. Some residents protested his potential appointment Tuesday on the steps of city hall.”

NJ.com added that “Sen. Ronald Rice (D-Essex), Municipal Council President Mildred Crump and members of the city’s School Advisory Board all urged the state Board of Education not to accept Hespe’s nomination of Cerf.”