Newark Public Schools Appoint 8 New Principals

NEWARK, NJ — The Newark Public School District recently appointed eight new principals who will take their posts for the 2021-22 school year.

Superintendent Roger León said he was thrilled to introduce the new principals, and thanked the local school leadership councils which were crucial to the interview process.

“We share in the superintendent’s excitement and welcome the new principals to this very important leadership role in our schools with full support,” said Dawn Haynes, president of the Newark Board of Education.

District administrators shared the following background info about the new principals:

Arts High School - Devonne Gorman – “Devonne Gorman received her Bachelor of Arts in East Asian Studies at DePauw University and Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Brooklyn College. After serving in the New York City Department of Education for 11 years, she came back to Newark where her career in education began. Ms. Gorman was the Vice Principal of Visual and Performing Arts at Arts High School.”

Central High School – Terri Mitchell - “Terri Mitchell earned her Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics at New Jersey City University and Master of Arts in Administration & Supervision at Saint Peter’s College. Ms. Mitchell was the Vice Principal at Central High School. She is entering her 22nd year as a dedicated educator with the Newark Board of Education.”

Chancellor Avenue School - Kashon Lopes – “Kashon Lopes completed his Bachelor of Arts in English and Masters of Art in Teaching at Drew University. He served as a teacher of English Language Arts and Literacy Coach for approximately seven years. Mr. Lopes was the Vice Principal at McKinley Elementary School.”

Newark Vocational High School - Lucinda Eason – “Lucinda Eason earned a Bachelor of Science in Science K-12 and a Masters of Arts in Educational Administration and Supervision from William Patterson University. Ms. Eason has more than 25 years of educational leadership experience in Curriculum Development, Instructional Pedology and Career & Technical education programs. Ms. Eason was the Vice Principal at Weequahic High School.”

Science Park High School - Kcyied Zahir – “Kcyied Zahir has dedicated the last 22 years of his life to the social, emotional, and educational development of the youth in and around the greater Newark metropolitan area. Mr. Zahir earned his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Secondary Education from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and a Master of Arts from Seton Hall. He is a proud product of the Newark Public Schools. Mr. Zahir was Dean in East Orange.”

Speedway Avenue School - Ashley Jiles – “Ashley Jiles completed her Bachelors of Arts in Sociology and her Masters of Arts in Education at Rutgers University, and a Masters of Arts in Educational Leadership at Montclair State University. Ms. Jiles completed her student teaching at Oliver Street School here in Newark, became a long-term substitute teacher in the district, and began her career teaching Special Education at Luis Munoz Marin Elementary School. Ms. Jiles was the Vice Principal at Dr. William H. Horton School.”

Michelle Obama Elementary School – LaShanda Gilliam – “LaShanda Gilliam completed her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood and Masters of Arts in Reading from Montclair State University, and a Masters of Arts in Educational Leadership from Fordham University. Ms. Gilliam was Vice Principal of Vailsburg Middle School and Thirteenth Avenue School. She is a proud product of the Newark Public Schools.”

Data Science and Information Technology High School - Dr. Liana Summey – “Dr. Liana Summey completed her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and a Masters of Arts in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University. Dr. Summey taught high school English at East Side High School and lead the school’s innovative and alternative programming for two years. She earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Rutgers University. She has supported the district’s vision in instructional leadership, strategic management, and student supports. Dr. Summey was Executive Assistant to the Office of the Deputy Superintendent.”

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