Back-to-school: 6 things to watch in Newark Public Schools this year
Newark Public Schools students head back to school next month amid major state and local changes, including a statewide cellphone ban and new district leaders. Just over 43,200 students are enrolled in the state’s largest public school district, a slight decrease…
As Newark Public Schools students prepare to return to school on September 8th, there are several key issues to watch in the district. This year marks the first implementation of a statewide cellphone ban, requiring all K-12 districts to develop a bell-to-bell prohibition on cellphone use during the school day. Newark Public Schools has approved the purchase of Yondr pouches, which will allow students to store their cellphones during the school day.
New Media High School, the city's newest specialized school focused on content creation and entertainment management, will welcome its freshman class in the fall while renovations continue on its permanent location. Meanwhile, the district's building crisis remains a significant challenge, with many schools in need of repairs and upgrades.
The public school system lacks the authority to build new schools and must rely on the state's Schools Development Authority. Newark Public Schools will also see new leadership, with nine new principals, five new directors, and five new assistant principals joining the district. Additionally, the school board will be joined by three new members, who will have a say in decisions addressing the district's most pressing challenges.
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