Newark Public Schools Receives the Advancing Excellence in Urban Education Award

NEWARK, N.J. – Newark Public Schools has received the 2026 Advancing Excellence in Urban Education Award from the Council of the Great City Schools (CGCS) in recognition of the district’s innovative cross-functional collaboration to plan, implement, and monitor its Birth-to-Grade 3 initiative. The award was presented during CGCS’s Curriculum, Research, and Instructional Leaders Conference in Atlanta.

The national award recognizes the district’s coordinated approach to improving early childhood and elementary education by bringing together leaders across multiple departments to ensure children receive seamless academic, health, and social-emotional support during their earliest years of learning.

“This national recognition affirms our belief that when we eliminate barriers between departments and unite around the needs of children, extraordinary outcomes are possible," said Superintendent León. “Our Birth-to-Grade 3 Strategy reflects the vision of our historic 10-year strategic plan, The Next Decade: 2020-30, to ensure that every child begins their educational journey with the academic, health, and social-emotional supports needed to thrive. I am deeply grateful to the outstanding leaders whose collaboration made this achievement possible and proud that Newark Public Schools continues to serve as a model for urban education across the nation.”

“This award is a testament to the Board of Education’s unwavering commitment to investing in our youngest learners and to supporting innovative strategies that produce measurable results,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “The collaboration recognized by the Council of the Great City Schools demonstrates how Newark Public Schools continues to lead with purpose, ensuring that every child has the strongest possible foundation for lifelong achievement.” 

In addition to Superintendent León, the district team members recognized with the award include Deputy Superintendent Yolonda Severe, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Sylvia Esteves, Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services Carolyn Granato, Executive Director of Health Services Dr. Marguerite Leuze, Executive Assistant Marialaina Juliano, and Director of English Language Arts Jazleen Othman. Esteves, Granato, and Leuze retired from the district on July1.

The award is the latest recognition of Newark Public Schools’ excellence. In June, the district was designated as a High Performing District by the New Jersey Department of Education, and it earned a 100 percent score in fiscal management on the state’s Quality Single Accountability Continuum (QSAC) review. These achievements reflect the Newark Public Schools’ sustained commitment to academic excellence, sound governance, and continuous improvement.

The Council of the Great City Schools is the nation's premier coalition of large urban public school systems, representing 82 of the country’s largest school districts. Its annual Curriculum, Research, and Instructional Leaders Conference brings together education leaders from across the United States to share best practices and recognize innovative programs that improve student achievement.