[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 17, 2014)]
[House]
[Page H7627]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            ONE NEWARK PLAN

  (Mr. PAYNE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because I am concerned about the 
Newark Public Schools' One Newark plan which picks winners and losers 
among schools and students.
  Earlier this year, I sent a letter to the superintendent of Newark 
Public Schools, Cami Anderson. I am deeply troubled by its actions 
which ignore efforts to strengthen traditional public schools; further, 
I question whether the One Newark plan will truly help realize this 
vision for all students in the Newark public school system, especially 
children with disabilities.
  Mr. Speaker, I sent this letter in February. More than 5 months 
later, I have yet to receive a single response. The people I represent 
are very upset over the lack of answers and the complete disregard for 
their concerns, and they have a right to be upset.
  The opening of the schools in the Newark public school system this 
year was a debacle. There have been protests, and there will continue 
to be until the voices of the people are heard.
  We are talking about the future of Newark, the future of our 
district, the future of our State, and the children that we love.

                          ____________________