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RUIZ MEETS WITH EDUCATION COMMISSIONER ON NEWARK SCHOOLS ENROLLMENT DEBACLE

Sen. M. Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex) testifies in support of legislation that provides in-state tuition to undocumented young adults.

TRENTON – Senate Education Chair M. Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex) today met with Acting Education Commissioner David Hespe to discuss the Newark Public Schools enrollment debacle that occurred yesterday as hundreds of parents attempted to finalize school assignments for their children under the “One Newark” plan. The Star-Ledger reported today that more than 600 parents arrived at the school enrollment center in Newark on Thursday. Many parents were not seen by a school registration specialist and others were turned away before gaining access to the building. The Senator issued the following statement:

“The situation that Newark families are facing is unacceptable. The enrollment center in its first day of operation was an inherent failure. At a time when parents and students should be getting excited and prepared for the new academic school year, they are instead left with frustration, anxiety and confusion. We are now days out from schools opening, and there are still far too many unanswered questions.

“I have met with the state education commissioner to convey the issues that have been brought to my attention and have asked him to examine what can be done to immediately improve the situation.  It is critical that the state and the district ensure that Newark Public Schools is equipped and staffed to meet the needs of all of our families.”