The Daily Newarker

Newark principal’s political memo is rebuked

You’ve got to appreciate that last Del Grasso quote, given the Newark Teacher’s Union’s highly politically-charged billboard campaign in the city.

In a Feb. 26 memo addressed to two staff members, East Side High principal Mario Santos forwarded copies of tickets to a March event for Augusto Amador, the East Ward councilman who is raising money for his re-election campaign.

According to Newark Public School policy, “All District employees are prohibited from active campaigning on school property on behalf of any candidate for local, state or national office.” Violations of the policy could result in “disciplinary action up to and including termination.”

Superintendent Marion Bolden said she received a copy of the memo and spoke with Santos. He was issued a verbal warning, she said.

Joseph Del Grosso, who heads the Newark Teachers Union, said asking staff for political contributions is “unacceptable.” Staff members at the school called to complain to union officials about the memo, he said.

“There is not supposed to be politics involved in public schools,” Del Grosso said.