Newark Unity Slate Emerges Victorious In School Advisory Board Election

Newark, NJ – The Newark Unity slate emerged victorious in Tuesday’s School Advisory Board election, taking more than half the total votes.

None of the outgoing school board members sought re-election.

The trio of new board members includes:

• Tave Padilla - Assistant Recreation Director (NWC), former Chief of Staff for Assemblyman Wilfredo Carabello, former business owner
• Leah Owens - Newark High School and university educator, member Newark NAACP, community and education activist/organizer
• Kim Gaddy - Founder and former Executive Director of the South Ward Cultural Center, Former Chief of Staff to Newark Councilwoman-at-Large Mildred Crump, Former President of the PTA at Newark’s Harriet Tubman Elementary and Weequahic High School

“The members of the Unity Slate have different points of view and come from different backgrounds,” a news release from Mayor Ras Baraka’s office stated. “But they are united in seeking the return of our schools to local control, fighting for the full funding necessary to achieve quality education and rejecting ideologies in favor of proven education practices.”

"This was a turning point election that showed the direct impact an organized voter registration effort, focused on empowering parents, can have on a city," attested Muhammed Akil, Executive Director of the Parent Coalition For Excellent Education.

"Rather than focusing on differences, a community chose to rise together to address issues that unite us all - demanding quality public schools... promoting parent empowerment and the expansion of public school options... rejecting the school or prison pipeline... and electing school board leaders that are responsible, knowledgeable, and accountable."

The Newark Public Schools Advisory Board (SAB) is comprised of nine members who are elected to the board in three-year intervals. Members are charged with reviewing and voting on a wide range of issues that impact the district and all of its students.

Photo 1: Kim Gaddy

Photo 2: Leah Owens

Photo 3: Tave Padilla

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