Newark Schools Tap ‘Internal Talent Pipeline’ For 15 Principals

NEWARK, NJ — A group of talented leaders are set to take over the helms of 15 Newark public schools this year, and most of them come via the district’s “internal talent pipeline,” administrators say.

Superintendent Roger León recently appointed 15 new principals who will be taking over for the 2019-2020 school year.

According to León, 12 of the new principals were promoted from within the district’s ranks, and three were recruited externally from a charter school and other public schools in New Jersey.

“I’m excited to start the year with such a talented group of leaders,” León said. “We know they have the passion, the drive and track record for advancing student achievement.”

The following biographies come courtesy of the Newark Public School District.

American History - Allison R. DeVaughn

Allison R. DeVaughn began her career with the district as a high school English teacher. She served in various positions, most recently as a Vice Principal at one of the district’s high schools. Ms. DeVaughn studied at Caldwell College and Saint Peter’s College. Allison’s focus on curriculum and instruction drove her passion for developing a robust professional development and coaching plan for teachers and staff.

Barringer High School - Dr. Jose Aviles

Jose Aviles returns to the district after recently serving as Principal of a high school in Franklin Township Public Schools. Dr. Aviles studied at Kean University, St. Peter’s College and Seton Hall University. His focus is on social emotional growth, increasing test scores and providing a strong academic curriculum.

Dr. William H. Horton – Hamlet Marte

Hamlet Marte started his career as a teacher and joined the Newark Board of Education as a Vice Principal at one of the district’s elementary schools. He studied at Long Island University, Rutgers and Montclair State Universities. Mr. Marte was responsible for instructional programming of the upper elementary students and frequently facilitated workshops and conducted outreach to support students and families.

Early Childhood Centers – Jeanne Ramirez

Jeanne Ramirez started her career with the Newark Board of Education as a

bilingual elementary school teacher. Ms. Ramirez studied at Pace University, Hunter College and The College of St. Elizabeth. Jeanne has an extensive background in early childhood education. She has served in multiple capacities ranging from classroom teacher to school administrator. She is experienced in serving the diverse learners and families represented in the Early Childhood Schools.

East Ward – Rosa Monteiro-Inacio

Rosa Monteiro-Inacio started her career as an elementary school teacher with the Newark Board of Education. Rosa studied at Felician College and Kean University. Rosa has a proven record of increasing test scores and has extensive knowledge of curriculum. She also has the ability to effectively communicate with families, students and other stakeholders.

Franklin – Amy B. Panitch

Amy B. Panitch started her career with the Newark Board of Education as an elementary school teacher and rose to the level of Vice Principal after serving as an instructional coach. Ms. Panitch studied at the University of Pennsylvania and Montclair State University. She developed the K- 4 instructional programming to improve student achievement in her building.

Harriet Tubman – Angela Davis

Angela Davis started her career with the Newark Board of Education as an elementary school teacher and rose through the ranks, serving most recently as a Vice Principal in one of the district’s elementary schools. Ms. Davis studied at Rutgers and Kean Universities and has a track record for increasing student test scores and effectively engaging all stakeholders.

Lincoln – Hillary Dow

Hillary Dow began her career at the Newark Board of Education as a teacher and literacy coach. She rose to the rank of Vice Principal at one of the district’s elementary schools and recently served as a Special Assistant. She studied at Rutgers and Seton Hall Universities. Hillary assisted in managing the instructional and operational programs of twelve district elementary schools. She collaborates with staff and constituents to ensure effective school operations.

Louise A. Spencer – Karla Venezia

Karla Venezia began her career with the Newark Board of Education as an elementary school teacher and most recently a Vice Principal. She studied at Rutgers and Montclair State Universities. Ms. Venezia effectively communicates with parents and staff. Her students consistently demonstrated academic growth and mastery on state assessments.

Luis Munoz Marin – Kenneth Montalbano

Kenneth Montalbano started his career with the Newark Board of Education as an elementary school teacher. Mr. Montalbano studied at New York University and Teachers College – Columbia University. Most recently he served as a Vice Principal, where he led the schools’ social justice initiative and designed a yearlong social justice focus for each grade level, orchestrating the implementation of quarterly Social Justice Showcases.

McKinley – Carlos Reyes

Carlos Reyes started his Newark Board of Education career as an elementary school teacher. Mr. Reyes studied at Montclair State University. He embraced the opportunities to create and facilitate purposeful sessions, which are focused on improving student growth metrics and teacher performance.

Mount Vernon – Camille Findley-Browne

Camille Findley-Browne began her career as an elementary school teacher with the Newark Board of Education and most recently served as Vice Principal at an elementary school. Ms. Findley-Browne studied at Franklin Pierce and St. Peter’s Universities. She made literacy a focus in her building, by creating Literacy Week for her PreK – 2 students and having older students read to the younger students, focusing on guided reading and ensuring that reading was done every day and in every content area.

Newark Vocational – Kyle Brown

Kyle Brown started his career in the Newark Board of Education as a teacher in one of the district’s elementary schools. Mr. Brown studied at Rowan and Grand Canyon Universities. Kyle is solutions oriented and skilled in mitigating issues that distract from instruction. He understands the importance of engaging all stakeholders to achieve the vision of the school and the district.

Quitman Street – Justin Avery

Justin Avery joins us from the Teaneck Public Schools where he was an Assistant Principal. Mr. Avery studied at Rutgers and Grand Canyon Universities. He focused on student and parent equity and differentiated instruction for middle grades 5 – 8. He understands the importance of engaging all stakeholders and is committed to the vision of the district.

University High School – Genique Flournoy-Hamilton

Genique Flournoy-Hamilton joins us from charter school where she served as Principal for the past several years. Ms. Flournoy-Hamilton studied at Rutgers University and Tuskegee University. Ms. Flournoy-Hamilton has demonstrated success in creating a school culture and climate that is safe, inclusive and engaging for all students, staff and parents.

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