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Teachers and parents press Newark Unified on special‑education changes and bargaining delays
Summary
At the May 19 board meeting, Newark Teachers Association leaders and parents warned that delayed staffing decisions and planned moves of special‑education classes risk harming students, and urged the board to press district management for timely, transparent negotiations and placement plans.
Teachers, parents and union leaders used public comment at the May 19 Newark Unified School District board meeting to press the district for answers about special‑education changes and stalled contract talks.
Rachel Bloom, president of the Newark Teachers Association, told the board "mismanagement, micromanagement and absence of management" are hampering the district’s ability to prepare for next school year, citing unresolved HVAC repairs, delayed special‑education placements and an ongoing lack of contract certainty for educators.
Parent and student advocate Phuong Nguyen urged the board to reconsider plans to dissolve a special‑day class (SDC) at Kennedy Elementary, saying the move would "only accelerate the very problem the district is trying to resolve" by weakening programs that attract and retain families. Nguyen asked the board to allow the incoming superintendent time to review major staffing and program decisions rather than proceed immediately.
Superintendent Tracy Bacar told the board staff had been asked to "right size" programs because the district faces declining enrollment and said students’ IEPs "will be implemented as written." Bacar confirmed families were notified about some placement changes the day before the meeting and that three certificated positions would be reduced through contracted roles, with the district’s enrollment center standing by to assist families with transitions.
Several board members pushed for more transparency and process safeguards. Member [Member Hill] asked that the board formally pause or vote on any special‑education consolidations until leadership and data are in place, citing the recent resignation of the district’s special‑education director. Other trustees pressed staff to explain timelines for placement, rehiring, and how sibling placement would be prioritized for affected families.
Bloom and other employee‑group speakers also asked the board to accelerate bargaining and to finalize a contract that "shows the teachers, students and community the respect that we deserve." Parent speakers and board members asked staff to return to the board with more detailed schedules, impact projections and communications plans so families have adequate time to respond.
The board did not take formal action on program consolidation during the meeting; trustees asked staff for follow‑up information and signaled a desire to consider a pause or a formal board discussion at an upcoming session.
