Baraka and Christie spar over education
In this file photo, Newark mayor-elect Ras Baraka, Gov. Chris Christie and County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. meet to discuss crime, education and the city's budget.
(Handout)
NEWARK — Newark Mayor Ras Baraka Baraka took aim at Gov. Chris Christie today, saying blame for any failures of Newark Public Schools should be placed on the state.
"The state has been in charge of the schools for 20 years," Baraka said. "The failure of schools is not on the laps of parents in Newark, it's on the doorstep of the bureaucrats and Christie and the state."
Newark Public Schools has been under state control since 1995.
Baraka's comments came during an education forum co-hosted by the the Abbott Leadership Institute and the NJ Working Families Alliance.
Since Baraka was elected in May, Christie has reiterated in public that the state is the "decider" on what happens in Newark Public Schools.
Baraka called the notion that Newark's mayor should not be involved in city education an insult.
"He tells me that I should mind my business, that the education of our children is none of my business," Baraka said. "Which is the most insulting and vulgar comment that could be made."
Baraka said as mayor he needs strong schools to spur economic growth, workforce investment and development in the city.
"In terms of improving the city, you need schools that work," Baraka said, adding that it was something a potential presidential candidate should understand.
"I couldn’t imagine him being in charge of the whole country," he said. "We could be in trouble."
A spokesman from the state could not immediately be reached for comment.