By: Richard L. Smith

A bid to extend Newark Superintendent Roger León’s contract by two years failed Thursday night after a long and heated meeting, according to minutes from the board session.

Following two hours of public comment and another lengthy private session, the Newark Board of Education voted 4 in favor, 2 abstentions, and 2 recusals—falling short of the five votes needed for passage.

Board Co-Vice Presidents Vereliz Santana and Allison James-Frison, along with members Josephine Garcia and Louis Maisonave Jr., supported the measure.

David Daughety and Melissa Reed abstained, while Board President Hasani Council and Kanileah Anderson recused themselves due to family ties in the district.

León, who earns more than $308,000 annually and is among the highest-paid superintendent

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