NEWARK - The Newark Board of Education member who decided to switch her vote and extend Superintendent Roger León’s contract said her decision came after “weeks of pressure and a deep sense of responsibility” for what could happen next, “not just politically,” but to the children and stability of Newark schools.

“As a Black woman, I have watched how often we are placed in positions where our choices are dissected, judged and weaponized, and whether intentional or not, I felt myself being positioned as a scapegoat, the one who would carry the blame for a decision far larger than me,” said board member Melissa Reed during Tuesday night’s school board meeting, who noted her mental health has “not been the best” since the first contract extension vote was taken.

Last month, Reed – who previ

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