The state-appointed superintendent for Newark schools will step down in February, paving the way for the district to select its own leader for the first time in 22 years.

Superintendent Christopher Cerf announced last week he would resign on Feb. 1 -- the same day the state's takeover of Newark schools will officially end.

"Now is the time to focus on how we can all work together to ensure an orderly transition proceeds when we return from winter recess," Cerf wrote in an email to district employees on Thursday, hours after the School Advisory Board accepted his resignation. "To be clear, the most important action the board will take in the coming months is the search for and selection of a permanent superintendent."

The state Board of Education seized control of Newark's public schools in 1995 after a state probe accused district officials in a 1,798 page report of mismanagement, neglect and corruption. Since then, the state has appointed the district's superintendents, who have veto power over the local school board.

After years of raucous battles between state-appointed school leaders and Newarkers who felt they had little say in the governing of their schools, the state in September approved returning local control of the district. Last week, the state approved a transition plan, that details a timeline and the search process for a new superintendent.

"This plan puts the district in the best position to transition to full local control, while ensuring that it builds on the progress it has made over the years," Governor Chris Christie said in a statement after the plan was approved. The plan was assembled by district leaders, the school board, Mayor Ras Baraka's office and input from the public.

Under the transition plan:

On Feb. 1, the School Advisory Board will no longer be advisory and become a fully-functioning Newark Board of Education, giving it the power to hire and fire its own superintendent.

Newark residents will vote on Nov. 6, 2018 on whether they want an elected school board or one appointed by the mayor.

The transition plan will set milestones and guide the district through Jan. 31, 2020

A new superintendent will be selected by May 31 headed by a search committee of three board members, three Newark leaders jointly selected by the mayor and education commissioner, and one member appointed by the commissioner.

The new superintendent, who is in charge of the day-to-day management of 64 public schools, will begin July 1.

Cerf, a former state education commissioner, was appointed to the district in 2015. Under his tenure, student scores on the state standardized exam known as PARCC have risen, as have graduation rates. The district increased its retention rate of effective and highly effective teachers to 96 percent, submitted a balanced budget and sold closed school buildings to plug the deficit.



Once Cerf resigns, Deputy Superintendent Robert Gregory will take over as interim superintendent until a permanent replacement is found.

Karen Yi may be reached at kyi@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @karen_yi or on Facebook.