After four years of serving in the capacity of state-appointed Superintendent for Newark Public Schools, Cami Anderson resigned on Monday June 22. The oft-controversial leader, who was recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the world’s 100 most influential people in 2012, dealt with various challenges and complexities while serving the state’s largest school district. Because of Anderson’s early resignation, state Education Commissioner Chris Cerf will serve as the interim Superintendent until a new Superintendent is selected eight months from now. In the meantime, local leaders, including Newark’s mayor Ras Baraka are working on returning Newark Public Schools to local governance by the end of the next school year. This statement is supported by the joint statement announced by Baraka and Governer Chris Christie that an advisory board will be created to help devise a “roadmap” for returning schools back to the community. The board will consist of community stakeholders such as a student, pastor, parent, representatives from the education and business communities and others. To support this move, NJ Education Commission Christopher Cerf will serve in the capacity as interim Superintendent. He will work with the city to transition to local control. In all, an important lesson during the current transition remains centered around how leadership should always incorporate doing the right things as well as engaging and serving your stakeholders.
Source: http://www.nj.com/education/2015/07/state_board_approves_cerf_as_newark_…