Fewer than 30% of Newark students in grades 3-8 met math standards. District officials reported academic progress but cautioned against comparisons with previous years.

More than 8 years after civil rights groups filed the lawsuit, an appeals court heard attorneys’ arguments Thursday.

The 30-year agreement would allow a new elementary school to open in the overcrowded East Ward, but concerns remain about its cost and potential budget trade-offs.

Auditors said they discovered $6.7 million in excess state aid and questionable spending on health benefits, among other issues.