

NEWARK — About a dozen student activists forced the Newark Public School Advisory Board to end its business meeting early this evening after staging a protest.

The students were part of a group of about 60 people who staged a protest around 4:30 p.m. in front of Newark Public School headquarters in downtown Newark before the school board meeting.

The activists were seeking to present an alternative plan to Newark Schools Superintendent Cami Anderson’s controversial One Newark reorganization, which involves converting some schools into smaller academies and making space for charters schools.

The alternative, called Newark Promise, seeks local control of the school system, decreased emphasis on standardized tests and upgrades to the district facilities, among other ideas.

The group marched in a circle chanting "Hey hey ho ho, Cami Anderson (has) go to go," and "Whose schools? Our Schools!"

Then, about a dozen students entered the building for the 5:30 p.m school board advisory board meeting with school officials, including Anderson.

As the board and Anderson eased into the meeting, the students sat in front of the room and demanded Anderson's resignation and a stop to the One Newark plan.

"We will not move until we have justice," Newark Student Union President Kristin Towkaniuk shouted.

Newark Advisory board chairperson Rashon Hasan tried to continue the meeting.

"I'm requesting order," he said while banging the gavel.

"I'm requesting order of Newark Public Schools,," Towkaniuk responded.

Around 5:50 p.m Hasan adjourned the meeting, saying it would not be possible to continue in an orderly way. The students pledged to continue to sitting in the meeting until their demands were met.

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