Dr. Marcia V. Lyles served as Superintendent of Jersey City Public Schools from 2012 to 2019. JCPS is the second largest school district in New Jersey with 29,000 students in 40 schools. During her tenure the District embarked on an equity and excellence agenda, Pre-K to 12. District priorities focused on college and career readiness for all, empowered and effective educators, strategic support for the lowest performing schools and family and community engagement.
Under her leadership the District opened the STEAM focused Innovation High School in partnership with NJCU, increased participation in the SATs and Advanced Placement programs, developed key instructional innovations, started the JCPS Leadership Institute and created the Office of Family and Community Engagement.
Dr. Lyles was Superintendent of the Christina School District, Delaware’s largest school district serving the Newark/Wilmington area from 2009-2012. Major initiatives included opening the first Early Childhood Center, universal Full Day Kindergarten, the opening of the first public Montessori school in Delaware, and development of the Community School model in targeted schools.
Prior to Delaware Dr. Lyles served over 30 years in the New York City school system. She began her career as a high school teacher of English and subsequently served as an assistant principal, principal, deputy superintendent, Community Superintendent, and Regional Superintendent. Her last position in NYC was Deputy Chancellor for Teaching and Learning in the New York City DOE, overseeing the Offices of Curriculum and Professional Development, English Language Learners, Special Education, Early Childhood, Career and Technical Education, School Improvement and the Arts.
She has served as a consultant for various organizations and as an adjunct for several colleges including the National Principals’ Leadership Institute, UCLA, the City University of New York, Bank Street College and NYU. Dr. Lyles graduated Cum Laude from Hunter College of the City University of New York, received her Masters from NYU and received her Ed.D. in Educational Administration from Teachers College at Columbia University.
Dr. Lyles has dedicated her career to making a difference and has been recognized for her contributions by several professional organizations including the Boys and Girls Club of Hudson County, The Jersey City Branch of the NAACP, the Newark, DE Branch of the NAACP, the Wilmington Branch of the National Association of University Women, the Education Alumni of the Alumni Association of the City College of New York, the Association of Black Educators of New York and the NYC Association of Curriculum and Professional Development.