Emma Wordsmith
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When Newark Public Schools welcome around 40,000 students next month, Superintendent Roger León discussed plans to expand the use of an AI program in schools and address ongoing facilities needs. In an interview this week with WBGO 88.3 FM host Michael Hill and Newark, León shared insights into the district’s 10-year strategy, “The Next Decade: 2020-30,” focusing on learning loss, new curriculum implementation, tutoring expansion, building needs, and additional student services.
During the fifth year of the plan in the 2024-25 school year, artificial intelligence will play a key role in teaching and learning, with school leaders leveraging AI to enhance education, allocate remaining COVID relief funds for academic recovery, and broaden tutoring initiatives. The district also aims to revamp its aging school infrastructure and is considering seeking voter approval for a construction bond referendum to support these projects.
“Our strategies in year five are crucial in fundamentally transforming the school district in alignment with its historical mission,” said León during the interview scheduled to be streamed on WBGO’s website on August 15 at 8 p.m. and broadcast on 88.3 FM on August 25 at 11 p.m.
With a $1.5 billion budget for this year, the district faces challenges such as improving school infrastructure, boosting attendance rates, supporting vulnerable students, addressing diversity issues, and utilizing AI technology to enhance classroom teaching and student safety, according to León.
Key points from the interview included:
This academic year, Khanmigo, an AI chatbot created to assist teachers and students, will be rolled out in 14 schools within Newark’s North Ward and extended to grades 3-8. Developed by online education giant Khan Academy, this AI program was piloted at First Avenue Elementary school last year. The program, accessible through Khan Academy’s website, aims to provide classroom support.
Khanmigo will assist teachers in making academic decisions and influencing the academic curriculum, while Khan Academy will help analyze state assessment data to evaluate the program’s impact on student achievement.
Utilizing Khanmigo, students will participate in assessments, allowing teachers to tailor instruction based on individual needs. The AI program will also facilitate student queries on classroom content, providing insights for teacher development sessions. Students will also engage in advanced coursework beyond their grade level.
The district has also introduced new training materials on Khanmigo features for teachers to enhance their lesson planning, assignment recommendations, and subject knowledge refreshers.
“Collaborative peer learning among students encountering similar challenges is a key strategy we’re pursuing,” added León.
The district is intensifying its efforts in introducing new math and literacy initiatives this year, focusing on enhancing writing skills, English language arts, phonics teaching methods, and implementing evidence-based reading practices.
Apart from supporting tutoring programs, COVID relief funds were utilized to expand tutoring services district-wide. The district received over $287 million from federal relief packages in 2018 to address pandemic challenges and promote emotional and academic recovery.
These relief funds were directed towards facilities, technology enhancements, and educational initiatives, allowing the expansion of the summer program, Saturday school, and tutoring services. However, with the funding set to expire by October, the district must now fund tutoring services independently.
León emphasized focusing on areas like English Language Arts and math for tutoring services starting from the first day of school to benefit every child.
The district strategically invested COVID dollars in sustainable resources such as new books and Chromebooks for students, emphasizing long-term benefits. Notably, these funds were not allocated towards hiring additional staff to avoid ongoing salary expenses.
Part of the funds was allocated to install AI cameras throughout the district, with a project cost of $12 million approved in May.
“We aimed to maximize these unique funds considering their limited availability,” noted León.
Addressing the challenges posed by aging school buildings in Newark, León suggested the possibility of a bond referendum to finance necessary upgrades. COVID funds supported projects like installing contactless water fountains in schools, with over 800 fountains already in place and fewer than 200 remaining.
However, an assessment revealed a $2.5 billion requirement to address all school infrastructure needs in Newark, covering replacements for buildings built prior to 1920. While the state’s Schools Development Authority is responsible for funding construction projects in Newark and similar districts, current funding limitations hinder immediate action.
León raised the proposition of a referendum to address the gap in construction funding, considering public support as crucial. Community feedback will be solicited in the decision-making process, potentially leading to a referendum depending on the outcome.
Legally, any issuance of new bonds for construction entails a ballot question for voter approval, allowing bonds to be sold over years to fund school projects. Newark voters would need to approve tax adjustments over 2% to accommodate construction funding as per recent legislation.
León emphasized the need for strategic planning and community participation in determining the course of action for school construction projects, ensuring transparency and broad input in crucial decisions.
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