By Naomi Nix | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
NEWARK — State Sen. Ronald Rice banged the drum on today for a bill he has introduced that would give legislators the power to subpoena the controversial superintendent of public schools in Newark.
The bill, which was introduced last month and referred to the Senate Education Committee. would designate the Joint Committee on the Public Schools as a special panel and empower it to investigate the operation of the Newark School District and, in particular, its superintendent, Cami Anderson.
Under the legislation, Rice (D-Essex) said at a news conference, the committee could use its subpoena power to get Anderson to answer legislators’ questions about her plan to overhaul the district, called “One Newark,” which was implemented this year.
According to Rice, Anderson has rejected several requests to appear before the joint committee, often citing scheduling conflicts.
“There (have) been tremendous problems,” he said, and added that the district has “failed to provide the public with answers.”
Assemblywoman Mila Jasey (D-Essex), cochairwoman of the joint committee, said the lawmakers had no choice but to issue a subpoena.
“Since she has chosen not to be responsive, she must be compelled,” Jasey said.
The Newark school district declined to comment on Rice’s effort.
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