Newark Public Schools just released their spring 2024 standardized test scores and only 23% of third-graders can read at grade level—better than last year when only 19% of our kids could read but not even close to pre-pandemic levels. Across grades 3-9, 31% of students can read at grade level, only two points higher than last year. In math, only 17.7% of district students were proficient.

This was revealed at the same time that the district, which reaped big bucks from federal emergency Covid aid—$287 million, almost an extra $7,560 per student— is losing that extra revenue. Also, TAPintoNewark says that 40% of students are frequently absent.

What do these alarming statistics mean for our children?

• They mean that those third-graders, now in fourth grade where direct reading instruction becomes “reading to learn,” are set up for future academic failure.
• They mean that the high-dosage tutoring programs paid for with that extra federal money will either disappear or be paid for by taxpayers.
• They mean that students who graduate from a district high school will not be prepared for college and careers.

All this time, Superintendent Roger Leon (who has a salary of $308,972 plus lots of benefits) and School Board President Hasani Council insist there’s nothing to see here, that everything is just fine! 

“This year’s results show the steady academic progress our students are making across the district,” said Superintendent León. “We are committed to meeting every student’s needs so they will succeed – not only on standardized tests but in pursuing their dreams and fulfilling their goals.”

“The trend is positive from last year to this year,” Council said in a statement. “And we have finally surpassed our pre-pandemic levels in English language Arts in grade 9 and are just 1.4% shy of doing the same in algebra.”

It’s fine to celebrate that three out of ten ninth-grade students are proficient in reading. But what about everyone else? Sure, there is lots of money to burn: This year’s budget comes in at $1.53 billion.

But is money a cure-all for this district’s long history of failing students and families? No, not when it is coupled with corruption, nepotism, and poor leadership.

Will anyone pay attention? Only if we, the genuine Newarkers who care about our children’s future, speak out.