NEWARK - A proposed two-year extension on Newark Schools Superintendent Roger León’s contract failed to pass on Thursday night.

After two hours of public comment and nearly another two hours of private session, the Newark Board of Education ultimately turned down the contract extension, with four members voting in favor, two abstentions and two recusals.

Board Co-Vice Presidents Vereliz Santana and Allison James-Frison, and board members Josephine Garcia and Louis Maisonave Jr. voted in favor of León’s contract extension.

Board members David Daughety and Melissa Reed abstained. Board member Helena Vinhas was absent from the Sept. 25 public hearing at Ann Street School.

Board President Hasani Council and board member Kanileah Anderson have relatives employed full time by the distric

See Full Page