It has been a rocky start to the school year in Newark, with protests erupting in September against an overhaul of the city’s school system by the district’s state-appointed superintendent, Cami Anderson, who was formerly a deputy schools chancellor in New York City under Mayor Bloomberg.

Anderson’s One Newark restructuring plan involves relocating some schools, changing leadership at others and expanding charter schools across the city.

About 200 students skipped class on Sept. 9 to demonstrate against the reorganization, which they say favors charter over traditional public schools. Instead of class, they attended workshops on such subjects as the history of student activism in Newark and the legal rights of activists who engage in civil disobedience.

Many students were out of class again the following day, when they joined with parents and community activists to block a major Newark intersection. Approximately 300 students rallied outside the school district’s headquarters that morning.

In addition to seeking an end to the One Newark plan, the students are calling for Anderson’s resignation, a town hall with Gov. Chris Christie in Newark and a locally elected board to run the school system, which has been under state control since 1993.

NJ.com, Sept. 9, 10, 17
Bob Braun’s Ledger, Sept. 10, 17
Eyewitness News, Sept. 10