By Marc Bussanich
Newark, NJ—Around the country on Monday numerous teacher union members rallied in cities and towns to protest public school budget cuts, decaying facilities and achievement gaps because of education inequities. Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, joined with Newark Teachers Union to denounce Newark Superintendent of Schools Cami Anderson’s educational policies.
Billed as the National Day of Action to Reclaim the Promise of Public Education by the AFT to oppose increasing privatization of public schools, there were actions in Michigan led by the Dearborn Federation of Teachers Local 681, in Chicago led by the Chicago Teachers Union and in Houston led by the Houston Federation of Teachers Local 2414.
Ms. Weingarten was in Rockland County, New York earlier in the day with the president of the New York State United Teachers, the AFT’s biggest affiliate, Richard Iannuzzi.
With more than 90 events taking place, Weingarten said she decided to be in Newark on Monday than her own hometown because Chris Christie, New Jersey’s governor, and Ms. Anderson apparently are not willing to negotiate with the Newark Teachers Union to improve Newark’s public schools, which has been under state control for the past 18 years.
“The governor when he was running for reelection tried to portray a kinder, gentler face but as soon as he was reelected he has actually left Newark in the lurch,” said Weingarten.
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