Christie defended Booker's role in transforming Newark schools Watch video
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NEWARK — The state will select Newark’s next superintendent by May, Gov. Chris Christie said this morning during a visit to the city’s Ann Street School, one of the highest performing elementary schools in the district.
Christie said the selection will follow in-person interviews with top candidates that are scheduled to take place over the next two months. The late spring selection date will give the district’s new leader enough time to prepare for important education reform work that will start next school year, the governor said.
“This is not just lip service,” Christie said, standing beside some of the state’s top education brass, including acting Education Commissioner Christopher Cerf, acting Deputy Education Commissioner Rochelle Hendricks and interim Newark Superintendent Deborah Terrell.
“It’s been 15 years since New Jersey took over Newark with the intent to reform a district that was trapping children, and with the exception of Ann Street we are far away from that,” he said in a classroom at the blue-ribbon school, which serves 1,300 students.
Christie also defended Newark Mayor Cory Booker’s role in the state’s effort to transform Newark’s failing schools. Describing Booker as “my partner,” Christie said Booker will play an “integral advisory role” in the state’s effort to raise student achievement in Newark.
Though Booker has no real authority over the state-controlled district, his use of the mayoral bully pulpit to highlight the need for reform in Newark’s schools has garnered criticism from some in Newark’s community.
“Cory speaks passionately on these issues, and he is an important advisor,” Christie said. “Without the mayor, it would be difficult to get things done.”
Once the state names Newark’s next superintendent, Booker has said he expects to raise additional funds to match Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s $100 million gift to the city with ease. Christie said the city has raised $50 million so far – progress he said Zuckerberg is pleased with.
“Mark’s happy. I’m happy,” said Christie of a meeting with Zuckerberg three weeks ago.
Though Zuckerberg will also play an integral role in advising the state on how to spend the donated money, Christie said Zuckerberg will not interview any superintendent candidates.
