Newark Charter School Fund Calls Cami Anderson 'The Right Person' to Lead the Newark Public Schools

NEWARK, NJ – May 4, 2011 – The selection of Cami Anderson as the next superintendent of the Newark Public Schools is receiving the strong support of the Newark Charter School Fund (www.ncsfund.org). But, fund officials caution, Newarkers must recognize that one person can’t be relied upon to change the culture of the entire school district.

“Cami is the right person for this job because she has taught, because she has more than 15 years of experience working in schools to help teachers and principals better serve their students and because she’s been successful leading a district that serves 90,000 at-risk students,” Ashton said. "She understands that charter schools are part of the overall solution."

“Working with the new superintendent, we can improve Newark’s public schools and finally ensure that every child has the skills to live, work, and succeed in the 21st century world,” she added. “It is going to take a lot of hard work. It will not happen overnight.”

But, Ashton said, there is enormous momentum in the city, as a growing number of Newarkers recognize the school district must undergo a radical transformation. “We must all work together to ensure we do not miss this opportunity. This won’t be possible without excellent – not good or mediocre – public schools that put students on a path toward realizing their aspirations,” she said.

“We look forward to working with Cami to help achieve our shared goals of providing the best public education possible for all the children of Newark,” Ashton added.