Robert Gregory is the former acting superintendent of schools for Hillside Public School District in New Jersey. Previously, he was CEO and superintendent of Marion P. Thomas Charter School in Newark, N.J., and interim superintendent of Newark Public Schools (NPS), a role he assumed after the district emerged from two decades of state operation and control.

Under Gregory’s leadership as interim superintendent, students in NPS scored higher on the SAT, increased their participation in Advanced Placement and dual enrollment courses, and achieved more positive outcomes on the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment in English language arts and math. Before being named interim superintendent, Gregory was the district’s deputy superintendent. In that position, he oversaw the strategic planning process and managed the professional development of school principals and assistant superintendents while supporting the district’s successful transition to local control. Gregory also served as assistant superintendent of high schools. During his time in that role, NPS increased graduation rates by nearly 20 percentage points.

In addition, Gregory was the founding principal of American History High School. The school, which was ranked among the nation’s best high schools by U.S. News & World Report, maintained a graduation rate of approximately 94 percent, and at least 90 percent of students attended college each year. Gregory’s more than two decades of experience in education also includes roles as a teacher, teacher coach, supervisor, and principal.

A member of the third cohort of the Future Chiefs leadership development program, Gregory has bachelor’s in secondary education and social studies from West Chester University and a master’s in education leadership and management from Seton Hall University.