The district is dealing with a budget deficit most recently estimated at between $15 million and $20 million
NEWARK - Superintendent Christopher Cerf will hold a public forum on the Newark school district's strained budget Thursday night.
Cerf, who was appointed school chief in July, inherited a deficit that was once estimated at more than $60 million under his predecessor Cami Anderson. After taking office, he has been able to trim that gap down to between $15 million and $20 million by returning various unassigned teachers back to classrooms and other measures.
The forum was announced at a Newark School Advisory Board meeting last week, during which dozens of parents and activists expressed frustration over what they said are continuously subpar conditions in public schools, while charter school networks prepare to expand their reach in the city.
Cerf did not provide a precise update on the deficit at the meeting, but said he planned share further details this week.
"It is no secret that we are collectively managing a complicated budget situation," he said. "We are making rather substantial progress, and I look forward to having a better report when we get together."
The forum is scheduled for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at Park Elementary School.
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