Assistant Superintendent Yolanda Mendez Selected for National Superintendent Leadership Academy

NEWARK, N.J. – Newark Public Schools Assistant Superintendent of Human Resource Services Yolanda Mendez has been selected to participate in the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS) Superintendents Leadership Academy, a highly competitive national leadership development program designed to prepare accomplished district administrators for the superintendency.

The ALAS Superintendents Leadership Academy brings together aspiring superintendents from across the country for an intensive nine-month program focused on the structures, strategies, and challenges involved in leading school districts. Participants learn from veteran superintendents, collaborate with other district leaders and receive opportunities for individualized coaching and mentoring.

“Yolanda Mendez is an outstanding leader whose work has been essential to building and supporting the talented team responsible for the continued progress of Newark Public Schools,” Superintendent León said. “Her selection for this national leadership academy recognizes that she has the knowledge, judgment, commitment and leadership skills necessary to lead at the highest levels of public education. I congratulate her on this well-deserved opportunity.”

“Assistant Superintendent Mendez’s selection speaks not only to her accomplishments, but also to the caliber of leadership we have throughout Newark Public Schools,” Board of Education President Hasani K. Council said. “Developing strong leaders is essential to sustaining the progress our District has made. We are proud that a member of our leadership team has been chosen to participate in this prestigious and competitive program.”

The ALAS Superintendents Leadership Academy is the organization’s signature program for recruiting, mentoring and preparing the next generation of superintendents, particularly leaders committed to serving Latino communities and historically marginalized students. The academy’s selection process is highly competitive and is designed for experienced district-level administrators with demonstrated records of leadership.

“I am honored to have been selected for the ALAS Superintendents Leadership Academy and grateful for the opportunity to learn alongside talented school system leaders from across the country,” Assistant Superintendent Mendez said. “I look forward to bringing what I learn through this experience back to Newark Public Schools and continuing to strengthen the systems that support our employees, our schools and, ultimately, our students.”