Chalkbeat

Education news. In context.

Chalkbeat

Newark

Roger Leon

expected extension

Newark
2 days ago

Roger León has been Newark’s superintendent for 1 year. The board is already considering a contract extension.

One year after hiring Roger León to steer Newark schools as they returned to local control, the city school board is considering extending the superintendent’s contract.

comings and goings

Newark
July 12, 2019

León appoints Newark school district veterans to oversee academics, facilities, and student support

A year after forcing out officials hired by his predecessor, Newark superintendent Roger León is staffing up again — promoting principals and other district veterans.

Urgent repairs

Newark
July 9, 2019

Newark school buildings raised safety concerns. Why haven’t they been fixed?

Many Newark schools need to be renovated or replaced. But with the state providing limited support, the district is grappling with how to fund the repairs.

leadership changes

Newark
June 27, 2019

Several Newark schools will lose vice principals, get new leaders amid staffing shakeup

At least 35 vice principals are exiting their posts as Superintendent León slims down the corps of school administrators. At least six principals are also departing.

at the bargaining table

Newark
June 21, 2019

With contract about to expire, Newark Teachers Union says new deal with district is ‘very close’

The Newark Teachers Union and the district are negotiating a new contract to replace one that expires this month. Teacher raises and merit pay could be on the line.

'Clarity 2020'

Newark
June 14, 2019

Superintendent León unveils long-awaited plan to build ‘stronger, wiser’ school system

The plan, called NPS Clarity 2020, hints at some specific initiatives while calling for the redesign of nearly every aspect of the school system.

textbook transition

Newark
May 24, 2019

After educators weigh in, Newark schools set to get new textbooks that prioritize diversity

Newark Public Schools educators helped review new English and math textbooks, which will soon be rolled out in schools pending the board's approval.

staffing shakeup

Newark
May 21, 2019

Big staffing changes coming to Newark schools, as top-to-bottom overhaul begins

Superintendent Roger León said he will eliminate certain school administrator positions, while also hiring directors to oversee academics across the district.

'Clarity 2020'

Newark
May 3, 2019

How can Newark’s superintendent improve the city’s schools? Stakeholders weigh in.

Newark residents and school stakeholders offered recommendations for improving the district as the new superintendent prepares to release his master plan.

Newark Enrolls

Newark
April 15, 2019

‘Match letters’ are delayed in Newark as families anxiously await school placements for the fall

Families were supposed to learn Monday what schools their children will attend in the fall, but the notifications were delayed.

'employees without placement sites'

Newark
April 5, 2019

Newark moves to end costly pool of displaced teachers, but some staffers linger in it

Superintendent Roger León said the district saved nearly $6 million by shrinking the pool, but some unassigned employees remain in it.

2019-20 budget

Newark
March 29, 2019

Newark’s traditional schools need more money, officials say, amid rising charter school costs

Newark school officials want voters to approve a 2 percent tax hike and lawmakers to provide more aid to help fund new projects in the district.

Data analysis

Newark
March 27, 2019

Newark schools backtracked in 2018 on several measures, halting years of progress

Newark Public Schools backtracked on several measures last year, including the graduation rate, absenteeism rate, and college-readiness scores.

Counselor Comeback

Newark
February 20, 2019

Years after laying them off, Newark brings back attendance workers to track down absent students

More than 40 new attendance counselors and truancy officers will soon be tracking down absent students in Newark.

high stakes

Newark
January 11, 2019

Newark’s rush to create new magnet-school admissions test is raising eyebrows. Here’s what you need to know.

Newark students will take a new high-stakes test next month. Big questions remain about how the test will be used and why it's necessary.
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