Payne Facilitates Meeting Between Newark Officials and U.S. Department of Education Senior Staff

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) today facilitated a meeting between Newark leaders, including New Jersey State Senator Ronald Rice, and senior officials from the U.S. Department of Education to discuss concerns about the One Newark Plan and Newark school chief Cami Anderson. Congressman Payne, Jr. released the following statement after the meeting:

“I was delighted to coordinate this initial meeting between Newark community leaders and senior officials from the U.S. Department of Education. Newark families, students, and leaders have tried to engage Superintendent Anderson in a civil, constructive dialogue, and they have been met with total neglect and disrespect.

“We are deeply concerned about the state of education in Newark and the children of that city, who are seeing their educational opportunities eroded under the guise of school reform. This is particularly true of students with disabilities.

“There is a crisis situation going on in Newark, and we deserve clear and timely answers from Superintendent Anderson and her administration. I’m optimistic that the U.S. Department of Education will diligently review the situation and take action where it can, and I look forward to our ongoing dialogue.”