Newark Public Schools Honored for Outstanding School Communications

NEWARK, N.J. – Newark Public Schools has earned four awards, including one Best in Class distinction, from the New Jersey School Public Relations Association (NJSPRA) for excellence in school communications.

The district received the Award of Excellence – Best in Class for Media Coverage for the many news stories that followed the viral video of Superintendent León offering Arts High School graduate Miguel Rodriguez Bermudez a teaching position as he crossed the stage at his June 2025 graduation.

Newark Public Schools also received three Awards of Merit in two additional categories:

Video: for the district’s “Newark Chops” reality series.

Photography: for two images—one of a Weequahic High School student proudly carrying a box of meals during a community food distribution event in April, and another of a Lincoln Elementary School student tending to one of her school’s new garden boxes.

“These awards affirm that Newark Public Schools is not only doing great work in our classrooms, but also doing an exceptional job telling our story,” said Superintendent León. “Every photo, video, and press release reflects the excellence, pride, and progress of our students and staff, and I could not be prouder of our new Communications Director Paul Brubaker and the team that brings these stories to life.”

“Strong communication builds trust between our schools, families, and community,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “Newark Public Schools continues to set a high bar for creativity and storytelling that celebrates the success of our students and staff.”

“These recognitions reflect the passion, collaboration, and creativity that drive our communications work every day,” said Director of Communications Paul Brubaker. “We strive to tell authentic stories that honor our students, families, and staff while showcasing the innovation happening across the district. It’s incredibly rewarding to see that effort recognized at the state level.”

The NJSPRA School Communication Awards recognize professional school communicators in New Jersey and the tactics they develop that go above and beyond to disseminate important messages to their various stakeholders.

“Congratulations to Newark Public Schools for setting the standard for effective school communications here in New Jersey,” said Maren Smagala, President of NJSPRA and Communications Officer for Hunterdon Central Regional High School.

The submissions for the 2025 School Communication Awards were judged by an esteemed panel of 12 judges from eight states including experienced and award-winning school communications professionals.