JERSEY CITY – Marvin Adames, the vice president of the Jersey City Board of Education, has announced his resignation from the board, effective immediately.
Adames, who was first elected to the school board in April 2011, announced his resignation after being confirmed as the Municipal Court Judge in Newark on Aug. 1. In May of this year he was elected to be vice president of the school board and last year led many of the public community forums on the search for a new superintendent of schools. This nationwide search led to the controversial selection of Dr. Maria Lyles as the new superintendent.
“I have invested so much time and energy into the school board, learned so much and have worked with some really great people,” Adames said in a statement released on Aug. 2. “I was looking forward to continuing on the path to support the vision of the board, as well as be there to transition Dr. Lyles into the role of superintendent. However, at times progressive opportunities only knock once, but more importantly, I had to really consider what was in the very best interest of my family. I was advised by the judiciary that I must resign from the school board, and I do that with regret. I know I leave the district in a better position, in good hands and am optimistic about the new leadership. I look forward to being on the other side of the podium – now as a proud parent of a Jersey City public school student.”
Adames served as the chair of the Board of Education’s legal committee and was instrumental in bringing the youth court concept to Lincoln High School.
“This is a civic program where young people assume courtroom roles and take part in hearings involving school infractions. They are trained by judges and lawyers and gain an early sense of the legal profession,” he said.
Adames, who grew up in Newark and now lives in Jersey City, had served as Newark’s head prosecutor since July 2006.