Newark’s 6 New School Principals Bring ‘Deep Commitment’ To The Job

NEWARK, NJ — Six new principals were recently appointed in the Newark Public School District.

Superintendent Roger León said the new principals each bring a “deep commitment to academic excellence and student success” to their new posts.

“These individuals have demonstrated the expertise, integrity, and passion necessary to lead our schools into the future,” Newark Board of Education President Hasani Council said.

“On behalf of the board, I congratulate them and look forward to the powerful progress they will inspire in their communities,” Council said.

According to a news release from the district, the new principals will lead schools across the district beginning in the 2025–2026 academic year. They include:

Tania Sousa-Vilar – Wilson Avenue School

A proud product of Newark Public Schools, Tania Sousa-Vilar holds both a Bachelor of Arts in Education and English and a Master of Arts from Caldwell University. She graduated from Wilson Avenue School. She previously served as a teacher at Ann Street School, a teacher coach and vice principal at Wilson Avenue School, and brings 20 years of dedicated service to the district.

Najie Kennedy – Rafael Hernández Elementary School

Najie Kennedy earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Adelphi University and two master’s degrees: one in Childhood Education with a specialization in Special Education from Brooklyn College, and another in Educational Leadership from the College of Saint Rose. She began her teaching career in the South Bronx before serving as a teacher coach and mentor. Most recently, she served as Vice Principal at Elliott Street School.

Qadriyyah Williams – South Seventeenth Street School

Newark native Qadriyyah Williams began her career as an English Language Arts teacher at Harold Wilson Middle School. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Montclair State University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Seton Hall University. She served as a Teacher Coach and later as Vice Principal at South Seventeenth Street School.

Dr. Rafael Inoa – Bard High School Early College

Dr. Rafael Inoa brings more than 20 years of experience as a teacher, researcher, and program evaluator. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Hispanic and Caribbean Studies from Rutgers University, a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Saint Peter’s University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Research and Program Evaluation from Seton Hall University. He began his career as a middle school English teacher in Jersey City and most recently served as an assistant professor and doctoral program coordinator at Kean University.

Michael F. Dixon – Belmont Runyon School

Michael F. Dixon began his Newark career in 2000 as an 8th-grade math teacher at Miller Street School, and later became a teacher coach at Ivy Hill Elementary School. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Management with a minor in Retail Merchandising from Montclair State University, and a dual Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction (Math K–14) and Leadership from Concordia University. He most recently served as Assistant Principal at Orange Preparatory Academy of Inquiry and Innovation.

Soraia Mendes – Newark School of Architecture and Interior Design

Soraia Mendes holds a Bachelor's degree in Modern Languages and Literature (English and German Studies) from the University of Coimbra in Portugal, and a Master's degree in Educational Administration from the University of Scranton. She taught English at East Side High School for six years before serving as Vice Principal at Technology High School for 12 years. Under her leadership, the school achieved national recognition as a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School. She now takes on the role of founding principal of the Newark School of Architecture and Interior Design.

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