Shocking Secrets Revealed: What Newark Parents Demand in April’s Crucial Election!

Newark voters will head to the polls on April 21 to elect four members to the city’s Board of Education, which holds significant influence over the education system in New Jersey’s largest school district. With over 41,000 students enrolled across 65 schools and a budget of $1.6 billion for the upcoming school year, the stakes are high. As the election approaches, community members are speaking out about what they want from the new board members.

At a recent debate, nine candidates vying for the four available seats discussed their plans to address crucial issues such as the dire condition of aging school buildings, the need for enhanced student mental health resources, and the importance of improving transparency in district decisions. They also emphasized the necessity of involving parents, teachers, and students in shaping educational policies. This election marks the second time that Newark’s 16- and 17-year-olds will have the opportunity to vote. However, last year, only 73 teenagers cast their ballots out of more than 7,000 eligible youth voters, despite targeted outreach efforts.

In an effort to understand the community's priorities, Chalkbeat engaged with parents, students, teachers, and advocates to gather their insights on what issues should take precedence for the incoming board members. Their responses reflect some of the pressing challenges the district faces.

Key Community Concerns

Many community voices are highlighting the urgency of enhancing student feedback mechanisms. Emmanuel Adeola, a junior at Bard High School Early College and a member of the Youth Power Action Coalition, expressed a need for more effective communication between students and board members. He stated, “Students are the school district’s consumers. It makes sense to want to get student feedback because it’s just requiring that you listen to our concerns.” He emphasized the importance of reaching students in ways that resonate with them, especially as many are now eligible to vote.

John Abeigon, President of the Newark Teachers Union, echoed the need for collaboration among teachers, principals, and district leaders, advocating for a model of unified instruction. He remarked, “We want teachers to be the ones creating the instruction happening in classrooms.” This highlights a desire for not just top-down mandates, but a more inclusive approach to educational strategy.

Meanwhile, Alexander Schuetz, President of the Newark Education Workers Caucus, called for increased investment in the needs of struggling students. He pointed out that the district has focused heavily on high achievers, mentioning the construction of specialized high schools, but urged attention to those students who may feel overlooked. “I would like to see a board that can sort of pause in this victory lap of expansion and take a look at the larger masses of students who feel like they’re being left behind,” he said.

Accountability is another critical theme emerging in this election cycle. Debra Smith-Gregory, President of the NAACP Newark, stressed the importance of holding the superintendent accountable, especially concerning significant financial decisions, such as a proposed $500 million lease for a new building in the East Ward. She argued that board members should scrutinize such initiatives to ensure they serve the best interests of students.

Inés Aguilera, a mother of a third grader at Hawkins Street School, raised concerns about the quality of school lunches, stressing the need for improvements. “Sometimes she brings home the entire lunch I packed for her, or sometimes with only a bite into her sandwich,” she noted, advocating for better food quality and more time for students to eat.

Ade’Kamil Kelly, a two-time school board candidate, emphasized the necessity for transparency and fiscal responsibility. He pointed out the recent decision to cut 30 teachers from the budget, suggesting that better communication on financial matters is essential for rebuilding trust within the community. “I really hate that we constantly have to have the same conversation year after year about the same fundamental things,” he said.

Rafael Chavez, an organizer for New Labor, a Newark-based immigrant rights group, highlighted the barriers faced by non-English speaking parents in participating in board meetings due to a lack of translation services. “The biggest issue is the lack of translation at board meetings,” he stated, indicating the need for inclusivity in educational discourse.

Lastly, Chesha Hodge, Director of the Coalition for Healthy Food in Newark Schools, called for greater student involvement in food decisions, reflecting a broader desire for youth engagement in governance. “Let’s just tap into the power that is our youth right now,” she urged, recognizing the growing awareness among young people of their potential impact.

The upcoming election is seen as a pivotal moment for Newark’s educational landscape. With various stakeholders advocating for change, the new board members will have the responsibility of addressing these community concerns while navigating a complex educational environment. As Newark prepares for the polls, the voices of parents, students, and educators are making it clear: they are ready for a board that listens and acts decisively in the best interests of their children.

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