With No Bus System, Some NJ Parents Don't Know How Kids Will Get to Class

Lawmakers in New Jersey are asking state officials to review a new school enrollment system in Newark. Some charter schools opened last week and the remaining schools will begin next week — yet several students still don’t know what school they will be attending. 

Last week, hundreds of parents of unassigned students showed up at an enrollment event to register their children, with many being turned away. State Sen. Education Chair Teresa Ruiz (D) said the registration debacle was "unacceptable," and she said she's asked Education Commissioner David Hespe to monitor the roll-out of Superintendent Cami Anderson's controversial "One Newark" reform plan

Under the plan, parents research schools and rank their preferences for public or charter schools across the city, rather than selecting the school closest to their home. But in a district with no citywide school bus system, many parents are left wondering how their kids will get to class when the school year starts next week. And many say they still don't know where their kids are supposed to be when the school year begins next week.

Ruiz said that while she supports One Newark's ultimate goals, she's concerned about its implementation.

"I think...wanting to assure a student attends an excellent school is something that we all strive for," said Ruiz. "The element that becomes problematic is in the actual functioning and management of it at the district level.