The Marion P. Thomas Charter School Board of Trustees unanimously voted to appoint A. Robert Gregory as its new Superintendent, effective November 5, 2018.
According to a statement released by Marion P. Thomas officials, veteran educational leader, Mr. Gregory has more than 20 years of experience as an administrator and educator for Newark Public Schools.
“We were impressed with Mr. Gregory’s background, commitment and compassion for the children of Newark. But when we met him we were instantly overwhelmed by his energy, enthusiasm and internal drive for excellence. I welcome him to MPTCS with excitement and optimism about
the future of our village,” stated MPTCS Board Chairperson Greg Collins.
Officials say Mr. Gregory is charged with leading MPTCS, a 20-year institution, into its next chapter. “Founding an institution like MPTCS is just the beginning. Building on our legacy is critical. I believe it takes a special person with a specific set of leadership and academic skills to ensure that our children receive the best quality education possible. Robert Gregory is that special person.
He has a track record of experience to help MPTCS reach its full potential and fulfill its mission,” explained Dr. Karen Thomas, co-founder and CEO emeritus of MPTCS.
According to officials, Mr. Gregory’s prior experience includes serving as the Interim Superintendent of NPS,
immediately following Newark Public School’s return to local control after two decades of state control.
He also worked as the Deputy Superintendent, in this role he oversaw the revision of the strategic planning process and managed the professional development of school principals and assistant superintendents while supporting the district’s successful transition to local control officials said.
Previously, Mr. Gregory served as the Assistant Superintendent of NPS High Schools for 2 years, where the district saw an increase in graduation rates of nearly 20 points during this tenure. He also served as the founding Principal of American History High School, the fifth magnet school in Newark and the first of its kind in New Jersey.
Under Gregory’s leadership, American History High School was ranked amongst the nation’s best high schools receiving its first Silver Medal and National Ranking in the 2015 U.S. News World Report’s Best High Schools in America.
Mr. Gregory graduated from West Chester University in Pennsylvania with a BA in Secondary Education, Social Studies and is a graduate of Seton Hall University with an MA in Educational Leadership and Management.
A third generation Newarker, he is the epitome of homegrown leadership. Education runs in his family; his father was a teacher; vice principal and principal in Newark for 25 years.
"Incoming Superintendent Robert Gregory's love for the entire city of Newark; firsthand knowledge of the city, along with his ability to see the potential of every scholar, makes him a critical partner in educating and inspiring Newark's next generation,” explained Rev. Dr. Ronald Slaughter, MPTCS Board member and Senior Pastor of Newark’s St. James AME Church. “I look forward to working with him to change the trajectory of our youth and their families,” Slaughter concluded.