Newark Public Schools Appoints Corey Dawkins as Executive Director of Facilities

NEWARK, N.J. – Newark Public Schools has appointed Corey Dawkins as the district’s new Executive Director of Facilities, bringing more than 20 years of experience in facilities management, sustainability, and public service to the role.

Dawkins most recently served as Director of Campus Facilities and Chief Sustainability Officer at SUNY Orange, a public community college with campuses in Middletown and Newburgh in New York. His oversight included facilities operations, capital planning, environmental health and safety, sustainability initiatives, and administrative services. He also developed a six-year, $40 million capital plan and led energy efficiency upgrades, including electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and solar projects.

Previously, Dawkins held several leadership roles at SUNY Purchase College, including Director of Residential Facilities Projects and Director of Residential Facilities Management. He managed multi-million-dollar construction budgets, ADA and fire code compliance, and long-term capital planning across student housing facilities.

“Corey Dawkins brings an extraordinary combination of operational expertise, capital planning experience, and a deep commitment to public service,” said Superintendent León. “His leadership will strengthen our efforts to ensure every Newark student learns in a safe, sustainable, and well-maintained school building.”

“It is a privilege to join Newark Public Schools as Executive Director of Facilities,” said Dawkins. “I’m excited to contribute to a district with such a rich history and strong commitment to student success. My goal is to ensure that every school building reflects the excellence happening inside our classrooms, and that our buildings serve as safe, efficient, and inspiring spaces where students and staff can thrive.”

Dawkins holds a master’s degree in public policy from CUNY Brooklyn College and a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from CUNY City College, graduating magna cum laude. He is a certified New York State Code Enforcement Official and holds the Facilities Management Professional (FMP) credential. His experience includes managing multimillion-dollar budgets, emergency preparedness, compliance, and building sustainability, which are all critical to a modern urban school district.

He has also served on the Middle States reaccreditation teams at multiple institutions and held leadership roles on various institutional committees focused on ADA accessibility, emergency management, and sustainability.

A retired Deputy Sheriff Sergeant with the Westchester County Department of Public Safety, Dawkins brings with him not only facilities acumen but a career-long dedication to serving communities with integrity and professionalism.

“We are excited to welcome Mr. Dawkins to our leadership team,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “His extensive experience and passion for building and sustaining strong communities will help advance our mission to provide safe, equitable learning environments for all Newark students.”

Dawkins will assume his new role in the 2025-2026 school year.