8 New School Principals Appointed In Newark: See The List

NEWARK, NJ — There are some new school principals in the Brick City.

The Newark Board of Education recently appointed several new principals to the head of their schools for the 2024-2025 academic year.

“With their passion and perseverance, these principals exemplify how leadership and learning are inseparable,” Superintendent Roger León said.

All the new appointees were promoted internally after going through a “rigorous interview process,” board president Hasani Council said.

The list of new principals includes:

Regina Sharpe (Arts High School) – Regina Sharpe earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at Rutgers University and a Master’s of Arts in Administration & Supervision at Saint Peter’s College. She was a teacher at Dr. William H. Horton and most recently the Vice Principal at Arts High School.

Robin L. Williams (Belmont Runyon School) – Robin L. Williams completed her K-12 education at the Newark Board of Education and earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from New Jersey City University and a Master’s of Science in Education: Leadership and Administration from Capella University. She taught Social Studies at Malcolm X Shabazz High School, where she later became the department chairperson and eventually the Vice Principal of Curriculum and Instruction. Most recently, she served as Vice Principal of Peshine Avenue School for grades 3-5.

Robert Spat (Benjamin Franklin School) – Robert Spat earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and a Master’s of Arts in Educational Administration from Montclair State University. He served as a teacher of English Language Arts for approximately ten years and was Vice Principal at Rafael Hernández Elementary School.

Cristina Pennetti (Branch Brook School) – Cristina Pennetti earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the College of Saint Elizabeth, followed by a Master’s of Arts in Teacher of the Handicapped High Incidence Disabilities from Kean University. She also obtained certifications as a Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant and Supervisor from Kean University. She further earned her Principal License through NJEXCEL, and served as a Supervisor for the Office of Special Education.

Neysa Miranda (First Avenue School) – Neysa Miranda earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Education from Drew University and a Master’s of Arts in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University. With over 23 years of experience in education, she has held various roles, including a teacher at McKinley Elementary School, a Literacy Coach at Chancellor Avenue School, and most recently as a Vice Principal at First Avenue School.

Serenia Farrell (Mount Vernon School) – Serenia Farrell holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with a Minor in African American Studies from Ramapo College of New Jersey and a Teacher Certification from Kean University. She also earned a Master’s of Arts in Educational Leadership from the Collage of St. Elizabeth. With over 20 years of experience, her career has included teacher, teacher aide, substitute teacher, and Vice Principal at Louise A. Spencer School.

Amy Panitch (Park Elementary School) – Amy Panitch earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s of Arts in Teaching at Montclair State University. Her first teaching assignment was at Franklin School in Newark where she taught third and fourth grades and also served as a teacher coach. She earned a second master’s degree from Montclair State University in Educational Leadership and was promoted to Vice Principal at Franklin School, then appointed principal of Franklin School.

Liana Rodriguez (Salomé Ureña Elementary School) – Liana Rodriguez earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, continued her education and received her Early Childhood certification. She holds a Master’s of Arts in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University. She began her career at the North Ward Center, Inc., followed by the NBOE Office of Early Childhood before transitioning to Vice Principal at Roberto Clemente Elementary School.

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