Julie O'Connor
@juliehoconnor.bsky.social
Writing news analysis about urban education for NJ PBS/NJ Spotlight News. Send me tips at OConnorJ@njspotlightnews.org
Why the secrecy? No one will say why this extension of the Newark superintendent's contract was so rushed, with more than 2 years left on his current contract. Critics call it a back-room stunt designed to keep the public out of the discussion. www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/11/why-...
Why did Newark schools superintendent get a new deal? | NJ Spotlight News
Contract was approved with little public review. Questions aren’t being answered
www.njspotlightnews.org
November 10, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Why the secrecy? No one will say why this extension of the Newark superintendent's contract was so rushed, with more than 2 years left on his current contract. Critics call it a back-room stunt designed to keep the public out of the discussion. www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/11/why-...
Jack Ciattarelli's school funding plan would force mass layoffs in poor cities: More than 900 teachers in Newark alone, by one estimate. Suburbs would gain $$. He says the state formula is broken. Mayor Ras Baraka is among those who promise a lawsuit. www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/10/njs-...
NJ’s school funding formula once again a GOP target: News analysis | NJ Spotlight News
Urban schools would lose in latest campaign promise
www.njspotlightnews.org
October 29, 2025 at 3:12 PM
Jack Ciattarelli's school funding plan would force mass layoffs in poor cities: More than 900 teachers in Newark alone, by one estimate. Suburbs would gain $$. He says the state formula is broken. Mayor Ras Baraka is among those who promise a lawsuit. www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/10/njs-...
Happy to have a new gig writing news analysis about urban education for NJ PBS/@njspotlightnews.org! Here I look into an issue that's gotten relatively little attention in this NJ gov's race: Jack Ciattarelli's plan to dramatically shake up our school system. www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/10/ciat...
Ciattarelli wants school vouchers in NJ. He hasn't said how he'd pay for it | NJ Spotlight News
GOP candidate for governor would give $8,000 per student to any family that sends its child to private school
www.njspotlightnews.org
October 22, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Happy to have a new gig writing news analysis about urban education for NJ PBS/@njspotlightnews.org! Here I look into an issue that's gotten relatively little attention in this NJ gov's race: Jack Ciattarelli's plan to dramatically shake up our school system. www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/10/ciat...