Reginald Lewis, executive director of the Newark-based Chad School Foundation, writes in NJ Spotlight about the potential impact of the protests that centered around Newark Superintendent Cami Anderson's "One Newark Plan," a system-wide school reorganization effort. While he acknowledges "legitimate concerns" about the plan, he also points to fundamental challenges that continue to affect a significant number of students.

Lewis writes:

Confusion about transportation logistics persists, and parents are understandably uneasy about the safety of their children traversing unfamiliar neighborhoods. However, contrary to claims that this protest tactic was devised in the best interest of South Ward students, the school boycott ultimately harmed a population of children who on average already miss too many days of school and lag tremendously behind their peers throughout the state in reading proficiency.

Read more here in NJ Spotlight.