Administration
📧 ajiles@nullnps.k12.nj.us
📞 (973) 374-2740
Ms. Ashley Jiles – Principal, Speedway Avenue School
Ms. Ashley Jiles is a dedicated and passionate educational leader whose career has been marked by service, innovation, and a deep commitment to students and families. She began her career teaching Pre-K and Kindergarten at Merck DayCare while also serving as a substitute teacher in East Brunswick and Rahway. Her path with Newark Public Schools began at Oliver Street School, where she served as a long-term substitute first-grade teacher before moving into a permanent role at Luis Muñoz Marin School.
At Marin, Ms. Jiles taught 2nd, 3rd, and 4th-grade students with behavioral disabilities, later becoming the Academic Interventionist and Special Education Coordinator for grades K–8. Her leadership was evident early on, as she championed equity and access for all learners while ensuring academic rigor and meaningful support.
Over the course of her career, Ms. Jiles has celebrated numerous highlights, including being honored with the Governor’s Educator of the Year Award, co-writing a social justice curriculum, directing the Disney Musicals in Schools program, and serving as a featured leader in the HBO/Vice documentary Raised in the System. Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Master of Education from Rutgers University, as well as a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University.
In addition to her teaching and leadership work in schools, she has served as an Early Intervention Specialist, tutor, Director of a special needs camp, and as Vice Principal at Dr. William H. Horton School. Today, as Principal of Speedway Avenue School, where she proudly enters her fifth year of leadership, Ms. Jiles continues to build on her vision of cultivating excellence. She is deeply committed to fostering a school culture rooted in strong relationships with students, families, and staff.
Principal Jiles’ leadership philosophy is guided by the belief that every child can achieve at the highest levels when provided with high-quality instruction, meaningful support, and a nurturing environment. Her dedication to students’ success embodies the spirit of Speedway Avenue School’s mission and its continued pursuit of greatness.
📧 myergan@nullnps.k12.nj.us
📞 (973) 374-2740
Meghan Yergan, Vice Principal (Grades PK-2)
Meghan Yergan has been a dedicated educator in the Newark Public School District since 2015, beginning her career as a special education teacher before transitioning into school leadership. She has served as Vice Principal at Speedway Avenue School since the 2021-2022 school year. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Education, as well as her Master’s in Educational Leadership, from Montclair State University. She is deeply committed to fostering equity, student growth, and academic excellence through data-driven practices and strong school-community partnerships.
📧 khenry@nullnps.k12.nj.us
📞 (973) 374-2740
Kelvin Henry, Vice Principal (Grades 3-5)
Kelvin Henry has been a dedicated educator in the Newark Public School District since 2006, serving as a teacher, ELA coach, and now vice principal. He holds degrees from Drew University and Grand Canyon University and is committed to fostering academic excellence, equity, and student success.
📧 sheyward@nullnps.k12.nj.us
📞 (973) 374-2740
Simone Heyward, Vice Principal (Grades 6-8)
Simone Heyward has dedicated 24 years to inspiring and supporting students, joining the Newark Board of Education in 2012. She has proudly served as a teacher, lead teacher, mentor teacher, academic interventionist, and now Vice Principal. She earned her degrees from Stockton University, Jones International University, and Montclair State University, and brings both experience and passion to her role. She believes that every child deserves the chance to succeed in a school community where learning is celebrated, differences are valued, and students’ academic growth, well-being, and voices come first.
