Ras Baraka: “Newark schools problems are NJ’s fault”

Newark mayor Ras Baraka, took aim at Governor Chris Christie blaming New Jersey for Newark’s failing schools.

Ras Baraka blames state leadership on Newark’s failing schools

According to nj.com, Baraka said the state has been in charge of the schools for 20 years. “The failure of schools is not on the laps of parents in Newark, it’s on the doorstep of the bureaucrats and Christie and the state.”

Newark Public Schools has been under state control since 1995.

Baraka’s comments came during an education forum co-hosted by the the Abbott Leadership Institute and the NJ Working Families Alliance.

Baraka said as mayor he needs strong schools to spring forward economic growth, workforce investment and development in the city.

“In terms of improving the city, you need schools that work,” Baraka said, adding that it was something a potential presidential candidate should understand.

“I couldn’t imagine him being in charge of the whole country,” he said. “We could be in trouble.”