Newark Public Schools and Newark Teachers Union Mark First Year of School Leadership Councils

NEWARK, N.J. – Newark Public Schools and the Newark Teachers Union (NTU) today celebrated the successful first year of School Leadership Councils (SLCs), an innovative initiative born out of the teachers’ collective bargaining agreement with the NTU and the district finalized last year.

Launched in partnership with the Rutgers University School of Labor & Management under the guidance of Dr. Saul Rubinstein, SLCs provide a model of collaborative school leadership, bringing together principals, teachers, staff, families, students, and community members to share responsibility for strengthening schools.

The initiative began on August 7, 2024, when Rutgers, NTU President John Abeigon, and Superintendent León introduced SLCs to the district’s full administrative team at Montclair State University. Later that fall, principals and SLC chairpersons took part in virtual and in-person orientation sessions spearheaded by Rutgers University.

During the 2024-2025 school year, 16 schools in Cohort 1 participated in two full days of professional development, one at Rutgers’ Labor Education Center in New Brunswick and another in Newark. The year also featured a Breakfast Networking Forum on January 6, 2025, at NTU headquarters for the Cohort 1 principals and SLC chairpersons. Training for Cohort 2 schools launched in February 2025 and continues to expand the program citywide.

“The School Leadership Councils represent the district and the NTU’s shared commitment to our students’ success,” said Superintendent León. “By bringing together teachers, parents, students, and community members, we are strengthening each school’s foundation and ensuring that collaboration is at the heart of school improvement.”

“The councils demonstrate that when teachers have a voice in decision-making, and when schools open their doors to families and community partners, students benefit,” said NTU President John Abeigon. “We are proud to have worked with the district to make this vision a reality.”

“In just one year, the School Leadership Councils have created new opportunities for collaboration, problem-solving, and shared leadership,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “This is exactly the type of partnership that will sustain Newark’s progress for years to come.”

Looking ahead, the district and NTU will continue expanding the SLC model with additional cohorts, ongoing professional development, and increased opportunities for parents and community members to contribute to school decision-making.