East Orange parents demand transparency as massive school layoffs loom
Parents said that with just over a month away from the expected round of more than 70 layoffs, they have unanswered questions.
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Concerned parents in East Orange took their frustrations with the school district’s impending layoffs to City Hall on Wednesday.
In between chanting, “We need answers! Our kids deserve better!” parents said that with just over a month away from the expected round of more than 70 layoffs, they have unanswered questions.
“What is the funding that's coming down the pipeline?” asked parent Danna Dennis. “Will there be more budgetary cuts? Will special education be affected?”
Parents say that teacher call-outs, an issue that led to two unscheduled early dismissals, are still going on. They don’t know what will happen after the expected layoffs.
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“Last year, my daughter didn't have a teacher for the majority of the school year,” said parent Michelle Green. “We're going to pull her from the district, because we don't want her to be inside of the district while everything is going on.”
The group is petitioning the mayor for answers and action.
“We don't know if our tax dollars are really being allocated properly with the education,” said Green.
“We've had a lot of infrastructure buildings going up,” said Dennis. “If you're welcoming us, then we want to make sure that that's on par with the school district.”
Mayor Ted Green’s office issued a statement about the parents’ concerns.
“We have received the petition from a concerned group of parents who are seeking a comprehensive written explanation regarding the anticipated layoffs within our school district. In response to their request, I am working closely with our Superintendent Dr. Christopher Irving, as well as the East Orange Board of Education, to ensure that we provide the information and clarity they deserve,” Green stated.
