The district has experienced a nearly 20% growth in enrollment over the past five years, including an increase in English language learners and Hispanic students.

Las escuelas de Newark recuperaron el control. Unificar a la comunidad escolar sigue siendo un reto

The Newark Board of Education nixed a plan to extend León’s contract after parents and advocates raised concerns about school issues, while others offered their support.

Since Newark took its schools back in 2020, questions remain about the community's influence and whether local control lived up to its promise of a better education for students.

Newark Public Schools students returned to classes on Tuesday. District leaders also celebrated the opening of the Newark School of Architecture and Interior Design after a three-year delay.

The public hearing to discuss and vote on extending Superintendent Roger León’s contract is not listed on the district’s website, but is scheduled to take place in September.

The state education board certified Newark Public Schools’ compliance with meeting state standards, after two years of dismal student outcomes on standardized tests.

Three school board members could be blocked from participating in Superintendent Roger León’s contract extension decisions because of relatives employed by the district.

The school board will consider extending Superintendent Roger León's contract to 2030 at its Aug. 21 meeting, according to a letter sent to Essex County Superintendent Joseph Zarra.

The district settled with ex-school board member Dawn Haynes and her daughter, Chalkbeat has learned, but continues to keep details of the agreement and reasons for Haynes’ departure quiet.