Fwd: Newark Public Schools' Advisory Board Meeting: February 22, 2011

[Leah Z. Owens]

Thank you Lyndon.  Because the school was over capacity and there were 100 parents who stood in the cold for 45 minutes before they could be let in.

Wilhelmina
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The Newark Public Schools' Advisory Baord Meeting was held on February 22, 2011 at 15th Avenue School in Newark.

Ironically, 15th Avenue School is one of the failing schools in Newark that is rumored to be closed in September 2011.

Mr. Shavar Jeffries, Advisory Board Chair introduced, Ms.Deborah Terrell, Interim Superintendent.

Ms. Mona Lisa Kalina, 15th Avenue School Principal extended greetings to the Board and the community.

First & Fourth Grade students from 15th Avenue School performed an African-Dance under the direction of Ms. Larae Franklin. The first grade students performed a dance called "The African Wash Dance" and the fourth graders performed a Welcome Dance called, "The Fongo". The community was also invited to the school's African-American History Program on March 3rd. 
  

Chairman's Report: Mr. Jeffries stated that the Advisory Board feels very disrespected to have learned about the Newark Public Schools' changes in the newspaper without any prior knowledge. Ms. King stated that the Board will advocate for parents and community to be involved in decisions that effect our children. Marques Lewis, Board member stated that the Christie Admnistration owes the Newark Community and Advisory Board an apology.

Ms. Barbara King, Vice Chair of the Advisory Board read a resolution from the Advisory Board recognizing the Marion Bolden Center Library dedication in honor of poet, Amira Baraka. A formal dedication ceremony will be held on February 28th. Ms. King praised Baord member, Marques Lewis for spearheading this dedication.

Superintendent's Report: Two Eighth Grade Students from 15th Avenue School were recognized fro academic honors and community service, Lorenzo Lloyd and Tracey Tejada. 
 

 Mr. Steve Morlino, Facilities Director gave a facilities update/overview. Mr. Morlino reported that five new schools had received Certficates of occupancy but they each have dificiencies that need to be fixed. elliot Street School was not approved for renovation by the SDA. Demolition has occured on that site. Students have been bused to Belleville school district and Oliver/South Street Schools. Oliver street was approved by the SDA for construction. West Side has not been approved fro renovation/construction although funds were previously allocated. Weequahic Gym opened on January 14th and a certficate of completion was recieved. A Grand Opening and dedication is planned for the near future. $72 million was spent on school facility projects thus far.

The facilities department received a National Green Clean Award and a National Mentorship Award. Solar Projects RFP for 55 additional schools is also being proposed.
  

Marques Lewis, Board member made a motion to send a letter to the SDA to inquire about the $68 million that was allocated for West Side Hgih School. Ms. King asked how long has scaffolding been placed at some of our schools. Mr. Morlino replied that Eightheenth Avenue School has had scaffolds since 2004. 
 

 The Youth Leadership Symposium presented at the Board Meeting. High School students spoke about the disparities between Newark Public Schools and Suburban Schools. One student remarked that only 2 AP courses were offered at Malcolm X Shabazz while students ar Ramsey High have 16 AP courses available. The lack of College readiness, Guidance support, SAT and college preparation in Newark Public Schools was also highlighted by the students from Abbott Leadership Institute.

The students stressed the need for a school culture that was centered on College Readiness.

Ms. Terrell asked if anyone in the community had seen/read the Dsitrict Strategic Plan. [All of the proposed changes are outlined in the Dsitrict's Strategic Plan. "Public Education as we know it no longer exists", remarked, Ms. Terrell.
  

Mr. Dan Gohl presented the proposal for five new high school portfolios in Newark Public Schools. Expanding the high school portfolio to include opprtunities for students to access alterantive high school settings in their local communities included: range of instructional themes and smaller learning communities. All six comprehensive high schools are listed as Schools in Need of Improvement. Five of the schools are among the lowest in NJ. Separate schools must have separate identities remarked, Mr. Gohl.

 

Mr. Marques-Lewsi and Mr. Jeffries asked what proven track record has these programs had in the Distirct and other Dsitrict's that mirror NPS. Mr. Lewis staed that he would vote NO to merge our comprehensive schools with any of the propsed porfolios and asked Mr. Gohl why he lied to the Board about the success of the programs when one of the programs at Science park has was only implemented two weeks ago. Mr. Jeffires stated that the Baord will review the proposal at the next business meeting.

 

Public Participation: Ms. Nicole Singletary, inquired about the Title I parental Involvment Funds. Where is the money and why isn't it accessible. I have been trying to obtain funds for my school since October 2010 remarked, Ms. Singletary.

Lucious Jones asked Mr. Gohl why he didn't leave town with Dr. Janey. He has done this community a disservice at $160,000 a year.

Joe Del Grosso, NTU President stated that the state of NJ came in in 1995 and we need to look at what the state has done since then. The data speaks for itself, remarked Mr. Del Grosso. The Advisory Board's role is not to serve the state but the community remarked, Mr. Del Grosso

Maureen Robinson, Building Rep. at West Side High School remarked about the abuse of power at West Side High and Barringer 9th Grade Academy. The Administrators are verbally abusive to staff. Harrassment, Nepotism and racism is prevalent at the schools and teachers feel like they are back on a plantation remarked, Ms. Robinson.

Rufus Johnson, Assemblyman/Freeholder  asked what schools in Newark are closing and/or merging. Mr. Jeffries replied that the Board has not been included in those discussions and will be sending a letter to the State.

Jeanna Bailey-Robinson, PTA President at West Side High School stated that the state's plan pits poor parents against each other. What is the overall plan for reform in Newark asked, Ms. Bailey-Robinson. I am a Roughrider Parent and the plan for Newark Public Schools does not have stakeholder input, stated Ms. Bailey-Robinson.

Ms. Bessie Walker stated that she was offended that several school board members left the meeting before public participation began. They need to hear the concenrs of the community, stated Ms. Walker. The Plan that the state has put in palce is nothing more than a "Ponzi" scheme stated Ms. Walker.

Minister Van Roper, Parent stated that he didn't support any alternate programs coming into out high schools. We need to fix the problems that currently exist in our schools.