By Naomi Nix, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
NEWARK — After 20 years, the state takeover of the Newark Public School system is still one of the most hotly contested education issues in New Jersey.
When state authorities took control of Newark schools in 1995, they said the move would help improve a district mired by corruption, crumbling facilities and low-performing students.
After two decades, the debate over whether or not the takeover has been effective is raging. Some, including city Mayor Ras Baraka, argue that the state has failed Newark students, and that the district should return to the control of a locally-elected school board. Others support the takeover, saying that while there are still improvements to be made, students in Newark are in a better position now than they were before the state intervened.
The anniversary of the takeover has spurred strong emotions in administrators and teachers, as well as parents and graduates, of Newark schools.
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