NEWARK, NJ – Newark’s public schools receive the largest amount of state funding, but now, the district wants to virtually silence the people.
Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-13) has condemned the Newark Board of Education for new public comment rules requiring speakers to sign up online five days in advance and provide a detailed description of their topic.
“These people are outrageous and out of control,” O’Scanlon said, calling the restrictions an attack on transparency and public participation. He argued the policy undermines parents’ rights to engage in decisions affecting their children’s education.
O’Scanlon also criticized the board’s spending, highlighting reports of taxpayer-funded travel and a $50,000 staff event while some schools lack air conditioning. He noted the district increased its travel budget from $600,000 to $1 million this year, with approximately 90% of its funding coming from the state.
Calling the school board “out of control,” O’Scanlon urged the immediate withholding of state aid until the public comment policy is reversed.