Andre Yoskowitz
27 Sep 2010 22:43
Just days after receiving a pledge of $100 million from Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, Newark Mayor Cory Booker has said he has raised $40 million from private donors in his ongoing effort to match the gift.
"I am so grateful that so many are stepping forward after Mark Zuckerberg’s announcement to answer our call to action and share our commitment in the limitless potential of Newark’s students," says Booker.
The money will all go towards the struggling Newark public school system, which is one of the nation's highest funded but one of its most under performing.
Newark has 280,000 residents, 70,000 of which make under $10,830, the Federal Poverty Level. Only 51 percent of students graduate high school, and 85 percent of those that do need remedial help in English or Math.
Booker says the city may close the worst schools and fire teachers, and that the money will not be used towards private-schools.