We, the parents, residents, educators, and stakeholders of Newark, are calling on the Newark Board of Education to maintain the pause and delay any vote on the proposed $498 million school lease until full transparency, responsible planning, and community trust are established.

This is a generational financial decision—one that could become the most expensive school project in New Jersey—and it must not move forward without clear answers and meaningful public input.

At this time, critical questions remain unanswered:

Why has the district not fully explored alternative options, including renovating or utilizing existing buildings?

What is the full cost breakdown of this lease, and how does it compare to purchasing or constructing a district-owned facility?

Who is behind “56 Freeman St LLC,” and who ultimately benefits from this agreement?

Will Newark Public Schools own the building after spending nearly half a billion dollars?

How will this decision impact funding for existing schools that are in need of repairs, upgrades, and resources today?

We are NOT opposed to building a new school. We are calling for a process that is transparent, fiscally responsible, and centered on the best interests of Newark’s children.

Therefore, we demand the following:

 
📌 FULL TRANSPARENCY
Public release of all lease terms, financial details, and total long-term costs
Full identification of all parties involved, including the individuals and entities behind “56 Freeman Ave LLC”
Disclosure of any public incentives, tax abatements, or financial arrangements connected to this project
 
🏫 OWNERSHIP & RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENT
A clear, side-by-side comparison of leasing versus purchasing or constructing a district-owned facility
If leasing is pursued, a guaranteed and enforceable option for Newark Public Schools to purchase the property
Assurance that the district will not spend hundreds of millions of dollars without building long-term ownership or equity
 
⚖️ FAIR, INDEPENDENT, AND ETHICAL PROCESS
Full disclosure of the property owner and landlord the district would be leasing from
Confirmation that the selected entity is independent of political influence, favoritism, or undisclosed relationships
Evidence of a transparent and competitive process demonstrating that this is the best option for Newark
 
🧠 PRIORITIZING CURRENT STUDENTS
A plan to address the immediate needs of existing schools requiring repairs and upgrades
Consideration of cost-effective alternatives that serve students both now and in the future
 
Concerns about transparency in school district spending have been raised publicly in the past. That is exactly why this moment requires a higher standard of accountability.

A $498 million decision demands full public understanding and trust.

Until these conditions are met, this proposal should not move forward.

We stand together because Newark Deserves Answers.

 
📣 ESCALATION FOR OVERSIGHT
If full transparency is not provided, we respectfully call on Declan O'Scanlon and other state leaders to review this proposal and ensure that public funds are being used responsibly and in the best interest of Newark’s students.

 
Sign this petition to demand transparency, accountability, and responsible investment in Newark’s future