Newark (N.J.) superintendent overrules board and will lease 5 facilities to charter groups

From The Newark Star-Ledger: Newark (N.J.) school superintendent Cami Anderson has overruled the wishes of the district’s advisory school board and will lease five district-owned facilities to charter schools. Because the district is state-controlled, virtually any decision made by the elected school board can be overturned by Anderson or acting state Education Commissioner Christopher Cerf. The board voted earlier this week to strike down four of the five proposed lease agreements. Many parents and community leaders oppose the leases. Anderson says the rental agreements are essential and will generate $500,000 to $700,000 a year.