On April 8, 2014, the Newark Trust for Education hosted its third annual NPS Advisory Board Candidates' Forum, offering the community a look at what the candidates have to say about public education in Newark leading up to the April 23 general election.

"It's a critical time in Newark's public education history and it's essential that the community sees how these candidates will help shape the city's public education future," said Newark Trust President & CEO Ross Danis.

The forum took place at the Trust's own community space in downtown Newark. Six of eight candidates participated. They were: Antoinette Baskerville-Richardson, Reginald Y. Bledsoe, Crystal Fonseca, Donald G. Jackson Jr., Ronnie Eugene Kellam, and Philip C. Seelinger Jr.

Two additional candidates, Rachelle Moss and Shahima K. Thomas, are running for the school board, but did not take part in the April 10 forum.

Three seats are up for grabs in 2014 with Board Chairperson Antoinette Baskerville-Richardson and Philip C. Seelinger, Jr. seeking reelection to their seats. Current Boardmember Alturrick Kenney will not seek reelection and will instead seek a seat on the Newark City Council.

"With this election, we have eight committed Newarkers stepping up because they care about our city. This forum will tell us how they hope to lead," Danis said.

The Newark Trust interviewed Newark mayoral candidates Ras J. Baraka, left, and Shavar Jeffries for a one-on-one look at the two individuals who want to lead the city. Legislators make laws and senators get to be philosophical, but mayors and governors run things. They manage people, budgets and departments. During this episode, candidates discuss specific experiences in which their management skills had a positive impact on their community, and more specifically, youth development.

In the second part of the Newark Trust's five-part Straight Talk mayoral candidates interview series, Ras J. Baraka and Shavar Jeffries talk about how they would lead day-to-day city operations, and how their previous management experience will inform their style.

The interviews were filmed and cut into five episodes, each focusing on a different theme. The first of those episodes was released on Monday, April 7 and we will continue to release episodes through May 5.

The Newark Trust interviewed Newark mayoral candidates Ras J. Baraka, left, and Shavar Jeffries for a one-on-one look at the two individuals who want to lead the city. On March 20, Newark Trust for Education President and CEO Ross Danis conducted one-on-one interviews with Newark mayoral aspirants Ras J. Baraka and Shavar Jeffries. The candid interviews represent a departure from the debate setting we've become accustomed to this election season. These interviews are intended to get to the heart of the men who want to lead the city at this critical time.

The interviews were filmed and cut into five episodes, each focusing on a different theme. The first of those episodes will be released on Monday, April 7 and we will continue to release episodes through May 5.

Given the value of an informed electorate, we encourage you to post, report, share, "like," forward and comment on your social media pages in order for these interviews to reach the broadest audience possible.

The Newark Trust for Education will host its third annual NPS Advisory Board Candidates' Forum Tuesday, April 8, offering the community a look at what the candidates have to say about public education in Newark leading up to the April 23 general election.

The forum will take place between 6 and 8 p.m. at the Trust's headquarters, located at 494 Broad St., Suite LL30 (lower level), in Newark. The event is open to the public but seating is extremely limited and a reservation is required. Please RSVP by Friday, April 4. RSVP to Devon Young at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

"Each year since it's inception, the Newark Trust for Education has provided opportunities throughout the year for the greater Newark community to have access to the city's decision makers," said Ross Danis, Trust president and CEO.