The number of Newark Public Schools students in need of special education services is rising. During the first week of school, some students with disabilities missed class due to enrollment issues.

Newark Public Schools officials had planned to have the cameras installed by Aug. 31 before the start of the new school year. But challenges in connecting the required cabling through school buildings are delaying the project, sources say.

This year, Newark’s nearly 40,000 students were expected to arrive at school by 8:15 a.m. Students felt a mix of excitement and nervousness as they embarked on a new year.

More than 40,000 students are expected to return to classrooms next week and, under a new schedule this year, can expect a longer school day.

Más de 170 estudiantes y exalumnos de Newark compartieron las barreras que les impidieron ir a la escuela y permanecer allí. El Newark Opportunity Youth Network publicó las conversaciones en un portal en línea.

English language learners make up more than a quarter of the district’s enrollment this school year. District leaders are working to hire more bilingual teachers who communicate in different languages.

Paying for school supplies can have a significant financial impact on some families. Local groups in Newark are giving away free haircuts, backpacks, helmets, and other supplies this month.

In an interview this week, León detailed how teachers talked about plans to use artificial intelligence in the classroom, the district’s ongoing facilities needs, and how COVID relief dollars supported schools.

All students will arrive and leave school at the same time under the new schedule. The hours also guarantee all teachers a 45-minute lunch break.

The teachers union filed lawsuits in 2023 and 2024 demanding the release of a scathing report of Newark School of Global Studies’ cultural dynamics and other related documents.