Chalkbeat

Education news. In context.

Chalkbeat

Newark

Roger Leon

lead results

Newark
October 9, 2019

High lead levels found in water at seven Newark schools, spurring calls for greater transparency

Elevated levels of lead were found in the water at seven out of 29 Newark schools where tests were conducted since August 2018, according to newly obtained district data.

'things need to change'

Newark
September 19, 2019

As León vows improvements, here are 5 issues facing special education in Newark’s schools

Newark schools chief Roger León has promised to make many long-needed changes, but perhaps the biggest promise he’s made is to fix the city’s special education program.

first day of school

Newark
Updated September 5, 2019

As schools open with changes this week, Newark students react to new teachers, principals, and school policies

Two rows of cars lined the front entrance of Science Park High School at 2:40 p.m. on Tuesday as parents waited to pick up their children after the first day of school.

unanimous votes

Newark
August 30, 2019

With little fanfare, Newark board finalizes contract deals for Newark teachers, Roger León

The Newark school board signed off on two contracts with long-term implications this week.

Mixed messages

Newark
August 26, 2019

After asking state for emergency aid, León says Newark does not face fiscal emergency

Roger León says he’s not worried about the Newark school district’s budget.

expected extension

Newark
August 23, 2019

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.

principal lineup

Newark
Updated August 6, 2019

León’s staffing shakeup continues: 15 new principals to take the helm of Newark schools

With school starting in less than a month, Newark Public Schools has announced its principal lineup for the year.

'Clarity' clarity

Newark
July 15, 2019

We read Roger León’s Clarity 2020 plan for Newark’s schools so you don’t have to. Here’s what to expect in the next year.

Roger León’s Clarity 2020 plan for Newark schools has 168 action items. We’ve broken them down so students, parents, and educators can know what to expect.

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.

'I'm the boss'

Newark
July 2, 2019

During his first year in charge, Roger León started reshaping Newark’s schools — and promised bigger changes to come

In his first year as superintendent, León started to eliminate policies he didn't like and restore ones he does. Now, residents will start looking for results.

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.

change at the top

Newark
June 27, 2019

Nicole T. Johnson, North Ward principal, to become deputy superintendent of Newark schools

Nicole T. Johnson, principal of Newark's Elliott Street School, will replace Gerald Fitzhugh II as the district's deputy superintendent.

'first in flight'

Newark
Updated July 1, 2019

New Jersey’s first all-male public school celebrates its first graduating class

The cheers were loud as Samuel Colon’s name was called Wednesday evening to receive his high school diploma.

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.
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