“Charter schools were born in Newark 28 years ago to allow educators to create and run schools for the benefit of Newark students and families while ensuring that every penny of per-pupil revenue is put to its most impactful use. Since that beginning, Newark charters as a group have achieved better academic results for kids than nearly any other city in the nation. It’s no wonder that parent demand for these types of schools have propelled the growth of charter schools in Newark.
Maria L. Varisco Rogers Charter School, academically speaking, has been providing families with the type of education that will allow Newark students to go out into the world well prepared for college or career. And so the recent allegations against the school’s leadership, if true, are shocking and appalling.
We call on the state to investigate and to take swift and appropriate action on any unlawful actions. We call on the school’s board to launch an independent investigation whose results will be available to the public. And if the allegations are true, we call on Mr. and Mrs. Segarra to resign immediately so that the school can go back to focusing on serving its mission of educating Newark’s children. ”