Newark School Superintendent Cami Anderson is announcing reforms to the city district, including the closure of seven schools. Newark Teachers Union (NTU) President Joseph Del Grosso sat down with NJToday Managing Editor Mike Schneider to discuss the proposed closures and why it’s the wrong move for the city.

Del Grosso says some of the schools that are on the list for closure saw test scores increase significantly from previous years so he’s unsure why they would be on the list. He also points out that Newark is no longer considered a low performing district.

To help improve education in Newark, Del Grosso says the district must get out from under state control like Jersey City has done. “We need to be restored,” he said. “The people of Newark have to control their own destiny.”

WATCH THE EXTENDED INTERVIEW:

Del Grosso says closing seven to nine facilities in Newark will cost 400 to 500 teachers their jobs and that it won’t necessarily better the education for students. He cites data that shows lower class size leads to greater student achievement and worries that closures like those proposed will increase class sizes for students.

He wants change to come from within the district to make the schools better instead of closing them down. He says he is confident that Newark can get out from under state control.

Del Grosso vows to take the issue to the community, saying “we’re going to end the takeover, and I think when we end this takeover, we can say goodbye to this superintendent, to this administration.”

Related: Ahead of Public Address, Newark Superintendent Discusses School Closures