A total of 12 candidates are seeking three open spots on the board
NEWARK - Voters are heading to the polls today to select three new members of the city's School Advisory Board.
The annual election comes at a critical time in the state-controlled district's history, with a looming promise from Gov. Chris Christie to return it to local governance after more than 20 years, and the spread of charter schools making for an uncertain future.
A total of 12 candidates are seeking three-year terms this year, including city teachers, prominent minister and a former head of the city teachers union.
Everything you need to know about Newark's school board election
The field also features the so-called "Newark Unity" slate, a coalition of candidates supported by Mayor Ras Baraka, North Ward Councilman Anibal Ramos Jr. and pro-charter school organizations - parties who have often found themselves in separate ideological corners in the city's education debate.
Incumbents Ariagna Perello, Rashon Hasan and Khalil Sabu Rashidi are not seeking reelection, meaning the board will have three new members after votes have been tallied.
In addition to possibly attaining true governing power over the district, those elected will need to wrangle with widespread lead contamination in the school system's water supply and a budget deficit that has exceeded $60 million each of the last two years.
Polls will remain open until 8 p.m.
Dan Ivers may be reached at divers@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @DanIversNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.