Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins
Superintendent
Linden Public Schools
Linden, NJ
Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins is a visionary superintendent with over two decades of experience in education. As a proud district graduate, her journey from student to Superintendent exemplifies the transformative power of education. Dr. Perkins oversees nearly 7,000 students across 13 buildings in one of New Jersey's most diverse districts.
Through her innovative ROAR framework (Resilience, Opportunities, Achievement, Relationships), she empowers stakeholders to reach their maximum potential while building a more equitable educational system. Her leadership has earned schools the prestigious Apple Distinguished School designation, integrating technology that equips students with digital skills essential for success in our global landscape.
Dr. Perkins is an expert in emotionally intelligent communication strategies, helping leaders create environments where staff genuinely belong. Her culturally competent approach maximizes impact during challenging times, supported by leadership certifications. Dr. Perkins' career is a testament to her dedication to education and leadership. She has served in nearly every capacity within the Linden Public Schools District, beginning as a substitute teacher and fourth-grade teacher before rising as an elementary vice principal, elementary principal, middle school principal, and assistant superintendent for support. She graduated with the Class of 1991. Her journey from student to Superintendent exemplifies the transformative power of education and the strong foundation provided by Linden's schools. Her deep connection to the community fuels her passion to forge meaningful relationships to ensure that every student can succeed regardless of background or circumstance.
Ed.D.: Doctor of Education specializing in Global Training and Development
Northcentral University, 8667 E Hartford Dr Ste 100, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
MA: Educational Leadership and Supervision May 2004
Seton Hall University, 400 W. S. Orange Avenue, South Orange, NJ 07079
BS: Elementary Education w/Dual Certification in Psychology May 2002
Seton Hall University, 400 W. S. Orange Avenue, South Orange, NJ 07079
How do you see today's superintendent?
What new understanding did you acquire after two or three years in the job?
Share an idea to use or something you've learned with your colleagues.
Superintendents must embrace the journey of failure and success; for survival to be a better human is critical. Engaging in introspection and self-nurture is indispensable for our welfare. In this dynamic movement into the next revolution, we are leaders ready to showcase and replicate our best practices. Committed to excellence and innovation, we meet diverse family needs and cultivate global perspectives. The role is multi-faceted, requiring an understanding of interconnected systems. We must carve out time to ponder our past and make sense of the future while providing individualized service. Simultaneously, our focus should remain perpetually aware and conscious of how to help education stakeholders through meaningful, productive struggles in and out of the classroom.
Despite the exciting emergent technologies, the future technology framework brings awareness that the
landscape for education is changing. One of the most significant pressures is rapidly embracing digital
innovations. It is paramount to reinvent yourself and evolve to achieve valuable returns on learning
investments. Education stakeholders' well-being must be supported to influence their human-centric and empathetic core to manage the various energies around them. Strategic planning is a crucial tool and a widely adopted management strategy. Utilizing it to measure daily operations provides insight into ongoing learning and development. A shared language and ecosystems must be cultivated for sustainable student achievement outcomes.
My "something" is not new, but the value has increased into the 2025 school year. Community and
communication. Simple as it may sound, it is not easy to achieve. Understanding from a community
stakeholder is best experienced in person. There are daily events and activities for community stakeholders to take part in and casually observe student-community life. Success goes beyond the parent; community buy-in is essential, and that is through communication.
As the Superintendent of Linden, I learned that being able to share our brand through effective communication is essential. As an educational institution, we provide a rigorous, high-caliber academic program for all students. However, it needed to be adequately communicated. The people across the street had yet to learn or understand what happened inside the brick facade they see daily. One day, I invited a neighbor inside who was concerned about our marquee shining like the "Borgata," and they were amazed at our daily life inside the walls. It was the communication and having that neighbor be seen. Even though problems were solved, and that was the intended outcome, I was surprised to receive a thank you note for the invitation. An effective way to communicate is through the old-fashioned face-to-face, where you can reach out and touch someone. That sensory interaction speaks volumes, which is why it is not a new idea but one that continues to reinvent itself and evolve through active engagement.