Newark native goes from student to superintendent of the largest city in NJ
That vision took root back in kindergarten for Roger León, when a teacher described the role of a superintendent to the class.
Roger León, who was born, raised and attended school in the city of Newark, now runs the entire school district.
León says he recalls a message from when he was 5 years old: "The superintendent is the person who helps make the dreams of children become real.”
That vision took root back in kindergarten for Roger León, when a teacher described the role of a superintendent to the class.
He says that single explanation planted the seed of possibility.
“I remember looking at my classmates, I was like, can you imagine if I had the ability to organize an entire system and to make sure that all of the dreams of all of my classmates became real? I thought that was super powerful,” he said.
That sense of purpose stayed with him.
By 2018, León made history becoming Newark’s first Latino superintendent
“Gifting back to both of my schools was really important to me," León said. "That was something that was taught to me by mom and definitely all of the teachers.”
Every role along the way was part of building leadership and trust in his community.
He went from student to substitute teacher to principal to assistant superintendent - to superintendent.
“I am Newark," he said. "It was always about how to represent our city. The fact that I am Latino sends a strong message to the Latino community ‘que sí se puede’ but ultimately, in the end, I’m Newark about everything else.”
Family is central to León’s story. His mother, a Cuban immigrant, instilled in him a sense of determination, dignity and service.
“My mom is my everything," León said. "She was focusing us on what we needed to focus on. Get a good education, think of yourself in the greatest light and then shed that light on as many people as you can.”
