Ruiz Statement on Historic Vote to Return Newark Public Schools to Local Control

TRENTON – Senator M. Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex), who serves as chair of the Senate Education Committee, issued the following statement today after the New Jersey State Board of Education vote to return Newark Public Schools to full local control. Senator Ruiz testified at the board meeting prior to the vote:

“This is a historic day for the City of Newark. Twenty-two years of state control did not deliver the results that many vowed it would. The residents of Newark deserve to have a voice in their public education system and the ability to make decisions about their future, just as communities in towns and cities across this state. We now have the opportunity to do that.

“Through the collaborative work of students, parents, teachers, board members, principals and many others we were ultimately able to reach this point. I am thrilled that we are turning the page on this chapter in Newark’s history and are now embarking on a new era for public education in our city. There is more work to do in the days, weeks and months ahead, and we ready, willing and prepared to do what is necessary to provide a quality public education for all of our students.”