Public Question Will Affect Newark School Board: 2018 Election

NEWARK, NJ — Do you think Newark Board of Education members should be picked by the mayor, or by local voters? That’s one of the questions Brick City residents will face when they head to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 6.

In addition to voting for their elected representatives, Newark residents will also get the chance to weigh in on a public question that will affect the inner workings of their school board… should Newark be a “type 1” or “type 2” district?

• In a type 1 district, BOE members would be appointed by the mayor, and the school budget determined by the Board of School Estimate.
• In a type 2 district, BOE members would be elected by the voters. Three at-large school board members would be elected each April. The budget would be determined by BOE members and approved by voters.

It’s a pressing question for a school district that recently celebrated the return of local control after more than two decades of state oversight. (See sample ballots for Newark here)

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Chief Education Officer Antoinette Baskerville-Richardson, Newark Public Schools Superintendent Roger León and Essex County Clerk Christopher Durkin spoke at a public information session on the referendum at Science Park High School on Oct. 15.

• See related article: Newark Celebrates 1st Day Of School Under Local Control (PHOTOS)
• See related article: Newark Welcomes 1st Latino School Superintendent In 163 Years

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Photo: City of Newark Press Office