NEWARK - Just as classes for the 2010-2011 school year began, Newark Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Clifford B. Janey found out he would not be coming back for the 2011-2012 term. In an Aug. 31 meeting, Janey was told that his contract would not be renewed after his current three-year deal expires next year.
"It has been my privilege and honor to serve as the Superintendent of the Newark Public Schools," said Superintendent Janey. "During my tenure there were many accomplishments, of which I am proud. We were able to maintain a strong academic agenda, while dealing with a $70 million dollar shortfall. Our Strategic Plan - Great Expectations - informed our decisions and guided our work as we transformed schools for our students, strengthened accountability for staff, and streamlined our operations.
Regarding decisions made by the State of NJ concerning leadership in the Newark Public Schools, I am not going to comment further on matters relating to my tenure as superintendent. I am focused on preparing for the upcoming school year. The teachers, administrators and support staff will continue to improve student achievement and the quality of educational opportunities in the City of Newark."
Janey was appointed by previous New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine after the retirement of former superintendent Marion Bolden. So far, Janey has not seen much success. Among the issues the city faces are a high rate of students not graduating and many students achieving below grade-level status in reading, writing, and mathematics. Not helping his cause is current governor Chris Christie, who has been quite vocal in his opinion about the state of Newark's schools, calling the education system "absolutely disgraceful." However, Chrisite was more sublte upon hearing the news of Janey's contract not being renewed.
"As governor, it is my responsibility to set a high standard for student achievement and it is my belief that Newark can and will be a national model for education reform and excellence," said Christie. "Newark's children, and those around the state, simply cannot wait any longer. It is my expectation that new leadership will move quickly, aggressively and with accountability to implement the kind of fundamental reform that is urgently needed to improve Newark's school system. We will continue to work with Mayor Booker, the Newark Public Schools Advisory Board and community leaders to make these reforms a reality. I thank Dr. Janey for his years of effort and service to Newark's children and families."
"Our immediate priority is to work with Dr. Janey and his team to prepare to welcome our kids, teachers and support staff back to school this week," said Newark Mayor Cory A. Booker in response to the decision. "In the months ahead, we must pull together as a community and clearly state what we will demand from our schools, our district leadership and ourselves. Building a system of excellence is a collective effort and we must be unified in support of our children. We will work with the Governor and his team to ensure that the community is heard, that we have the resources necessary for reform, and that we in Newark do whatever is necessary to ensure that the genius and potential of every one of our children is served."
"Dr. Janey had a lot to contend with including a $70M budget shortfall while trying to maintain academic standards," said Secondary Parent Council Wilhelmina Holder in support of Janey. "It is unreasonable to expect that after long-term and sustained monumental challenges, that one person can within two or three years change an ingrained dynamic of education in our community. I feel Dr. Janey certainly had the capability of leading Newark down the road to world class education, but continuity is a critical factor.
When the community grows weary of the politicization of education, then we will, and must, negotiate the highest level of civic engagement and, that is, community control of our schools and neighborhoods."
Currently, there is no particular front runner as to who would succeed Janey. His current salary of $280,000 ranks him among the highest compensated public officials in the state.
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