Lawmakers Criticize Newark Schools Chief Over Her Management

TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- New Jersey lawmakers have unleashed heated criticism on the head of the state's largest school district.

Members of a joint public schools panel blasted Newark Superintendent Cami Anderson's management style and her plans to overhaul the district during a hearing Tuesday, with one senator calling for her to resign.

Anderson detailed the "One Newark" plan during the hearing. It includes universal enrollment, budget cuts and a facilities agenda.

After the session, state Sen. Ron Rice called on Anderson to step down.

Rice, a former Newark City Council member, said it took Anderson a year to meet with the committee. He plans to seek subpoena power if she doesn't reply in writing to lawmakers' questions.

Anderson pledged to reply to lawmakers and said after the hearing she appreciated hearing their thoughts.

The "One Newark" enrollment system has families rank their preferences for public or private schools across the city rather than just attend the nearest school. But highly sought-after schools filled up quickly. Some parents complained that their children were assigned across town or that siblings were split up.

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