Bob Braun's Ledger

by Bob Braun - March 2, 2016March 2, 2016

Newark mayor calls charter expansion a “terrible” decision

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has denounced as “terrible” and “irresponsible” the decision by the Christie Administration to allow major expansion of Newark’s charter schools.

by Bob Braun - March 1, 2016March 1, 2016

The people of Paterson tell the school board: “Reject this budget!”

Rev. John Givens tells the Paterson board: "Reject this budget!" — Rev. John Givens tells the Paterson board: “Reject this budget!”

The fear was obvious at Monday night’s school board meeting in Paterson. And sadness. Anger. Frustration. Parents tired of having children taught by substitutes, upset because sports and band and art and music are gone. Teachers and other school employees worried about their jobs and their inability to deal with out-of-control class sizes. Clergy members disheartened by knowing they are losing children to the streets. But, in Paterson, many are fighting back against budget cuts, raising their voices against the brutalizing effect of unfunded schools.