New Principal Brings Years of Experience to NJHS

Mark E. Neal is no stranger to the Tri-City, and he’s excited to return.

The longtime educator is joining the Newark Unified School District as principal of

Neal, who has taught in New Haven Unified School District, makes his way to Newark from Castro Valley, where he was associate principal of Creekside Middle School for the past seven years.

His experience with students in the junior high age range is something he looks forward to continuing.

“It’s always about the transition. It’s really a transition point (for students),” Neal said. “I enjoy talking with kids at this age group and putting them on the right track.”

Neal said it is the challenge of ensuring that students stay motivated in school and taking part in how they form their opinions during their junior high years that has made him appreciate adolescents.

At Creekside, Neal spearheaded how to handle discipline on school grounds. He said his approach is to turn every situation into a learning experience and that one of his key goals is to effectively communicate with students.

“They have a voice. They want to talk,” said Neal. He hopes to make sure that students have at least one adult on campus they can confide in.

His priorities include developing a positive learning environment, ensuring that students get quality education and encouraging participation in higher math classes.

“I want to create a positive school culture where everyone respects each other, where everyone feels safe. It’s important that everyone on campus feels that they belong on campus,” Neal said.

While his main role at Creekside was dealing with discipline , Neal said he is no stranger to curriculum and budgets. He hopes to strengthen the school’s efforts in increasing the success of students who are English learners.

Neal was selected by the Board of Education and his hiring was announced on June 29. He succeeds Catherine Ward-Mikes who has left the district to take on a principal's position in Dublin, closer to her home.

Neal said his annual salary is $116,000 before benefits. Ward-Mikes was paid an annual salary of $127,412 in 2010.

Neal said he jumped on applying for the position since he has colleagues who have shared stories of their positive experiences with the Newark district.

“I’m really happy to be where I am right now. I have heard great things about the staff,” Neal said.

Neal, who is married and is a father of two, also has family roots in the Tri-City, which made the position an even more “perfect fit” for him, he said.

Neal holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of California, Berkeley, and a bachelor’s in elementary education from Florida International University.