Analysis: New Newark Poll Shows Majority of City’s Voters Favor School Options and Charter Schools. Democratic Presidential Candidates Need to Pay Attention

A recent survey sponsored by the New Jersey Children’s Foundation has unveiled that the majority of voters in Newark are in favor of public charter schools. This should come as no surprise, as Newark boasts one of the most successful charter school sectors in the entire country. In 2018, Newark charter students outperformed the state average in both math and reading, effectively narrowing the achievement gap. An independent analysis revealed that, mainly because of the expansion of charter schools, black students in Newark are now three times more likely to attend a school with above-average test scores compared to 2009.

However, despite the clear support from 88 percent of city voters who believe in having more high-quality school options, including public charter schools, the current crop of Democratic presidential candidates seems to disregard their opinion. Instead, these candidates engage in a competition of who can be the most "progressive," playing a game of leftism for the sake of gaining popularity. As they move further to the left under the illusion that progressive Twitter represents primary voters, they risk alienating a crucial portion of their base, leading to a lack of enthusiasm and reduced voter turnout that may result in a second term for Trump.

Nevertheless, let us set an example of good behavior. While the candidates may not be listening to the voices of Newarkers, let’s take the time to listen to their views on charter schools. It’s worth acknowledging Andrew Yang, who deviates from the norm by suggesting that the focus should be on improving the quality and effectiveness of schools, rather than criticizing the entire category of charter schools.

Bernie Sanders proposes a 10-point plan that includes desegregating schools by prohibiting federal spending on new charter schools and banning for-profit charter schools, which make up a small percentage of existing charters. He has also made a moratorium on new charter schools a central aspect of his education platform.

Joe Biden argues that any charter school system that does not allow total enrollment diverts funds from public schools, which are already struggling. This marks a departure from the Obama administration’s support for charter schools.

Elizabeth Warren opposed a Massachusetts ballot initiative in 2016 that sought to increase the cap on the number of charter schools in the state. The measure, which was also opposed by the state’s teachers unions, was ultimately defeated.

Julián Castro dismisses the notion that charter schools are superior to public schools, asserting that they are not.

Cory Booker, despite his previous support for charter schools as the mayor of Newark, criticizes charter laws in Iowa, claiming that they undermine public education and harm public schools.

Now, let’s imagine for a moment that the candidates genuinely want to listen to the voters of Newark and, by extension, voters of color in urban areas. Let’s begin with the findings of the NJCF poll, which reveal that 63 percent of Newark residents view public charter schools as an integral part of the city’s education system. Additionally, let’s speak with individual parents. At the NJ Parent Summit held last summer, Ruthven Haneef Auguste, a Newark father with three daughters attending KIPP charter schools, expressed that eliminating charter schools would limit his options. Shayvonne Anderson, a mother of ten and a member of the Newark School Board, emphasized that a public school is a public school, and she would not take her children away from something that is working for them. Nicole Harris, a Newark mother of three, praised charter schools like North Star, operated by Uncommon Schools, for their efforts in closing achievement gaps and expressed gratitude on behalf of parents like herself.

However, our candidates are frantically diving headfirst into the anti-charter mosh pit, disregarding the perspectives of voters of color. The New York Times columnist Thomas Edsell may have an explanation for this:

"Democratic Party voters are divided. The most progressive faction, which supports controversial policies on immigration, healthcare, and other matters, is disproportionately composed of white individuals within the party’s electorate. The ‘somewhat liberal’ voters, who make up the party’s middle group, also have a majority of white individuals. On the other hand, the more moderate faction, which focuses on practical concerns such as jobs, taxes, and a less comprehensive approach to healthcare reform, has a majority of nonwhite voters, with almost half of their support coming from African-American and Hispanic voters."

As the candidates align themselves with the predominantly white and affluent segment of the party, they are neglecting the growing moderate wing that appeals to voters of color, many of whom are not wealthy. This moderate wing was responsible for the enthusiastic turnout for President Barack Obama, and in 2012, black voter turnout surpassed that of white voters for the first time. We must also remember that our 44th president was significantly more moderate compared to the current group of candidates.

It is convenient for the white elite, who have the privilege of choosing their schools by residing in gated communities with excellent schools, to dismiss the perspectives of urban people of color. It is also convenient for candidates to dismiss the outcomes of the Newark poll. Furthermore, it is convenient for them to overlook the moderates, especially when they rely on the support of teachers union leaders who seldom represent the consensus of the party or even their own members.

John Abeigon, the president of the Newark Teachers Union, firmly believes that anyone associated with education reform or the corporate-charter school agenda should be identified, isolated, and eliminated.

Similarly, Randi Weingarten, the president of the American Federation of Teachers, sees charter school support as a complete hindrance.

Candidates, as the field narrows and the actual race draws closer, I implore you to disconnect from Twitter, disregard the union’s fierce rhetoric, and listen to real people, such as the voters in Newark who simply desire access to quality public schools. Their votes are crucial.

Laura Waters, an education policy and politics writer, contributes to NJ Left Behind, New York School Talk, Education Post, and other publications. She served on her local school board in Lawrence, New Jersey for 12 years, holding the position of president for nine of those years.

michaellang

Michael Lang is a 33-year-old professor and blogger who is passionate about writing. He has been blogging for over 7 years and has written for various online publications. Michael is also a seasoned professor who has taught at the college level for over a decade. He is currently a professor of English at a community college in the Midwest.