Christie, Baraka plan for return of Newark schools control

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- Gov. Chris Christie and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka say that they will work to return schools in the state's largest city back to local control.

The news came in a joint statement from the Republican governor and Democratic mayor Friday.

They say that they have created a Newark Educational Success Board that will develop a plan to be in place by the end of next school year.

Superintendent Cami Anderson will leave next month after a stormy four years running the state-run district.

Former state education commissioner Chris Cerf will replace her, pending approval by the state Board of Education.

Anderson faced harsh opposition from parents and city leaders, including Baraka. Baraka was a high school principal before he was elected mayor last year and has called for Anderson's resignation.

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