They’re the first to arrive, the last to leave, and the steady force guiding our students, staff, and schools through each challenge and triumph. May 1 is National School Principals Day, and Linden Public Schools proudly celebrates the extraordinary individuals who lead with vision, compassion, and an unwavering belief in student potential.
𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐝𝐨 𝐟𝐚𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐫𝐮𝐧 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬—𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞, 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫. From elementary to high school, they are instructional leaders, problem-solvers, motivators, and sometimes even cheerleaders. They juggle meetings and mentoring, discipline and data, community partnerships and curriculum planning—all in a day’s work.
Meet the Principals Who Keep Linden ROARING:
-- School No. 1 – Dr. Petra A. Liz-Morrell has led as interim principal since December 2024, bringing decades of wisdom and heart to her role.
-- School No. 2 – Peter Fingerlin, a steady and student-centered leader, has served since 2019.
-- School No. 4 – Dr. Sue Olivero, at the helm since 2019, is a tireless advocate for academic innovation and student equity.
-- School No. 5 – Rachelle Crawley began leading in 2023 and has already made her mark with bold ideas and deep care for her students.
-- School No. 6 – Michael Walters has spent the past three years fostering a warm, achievement-driven environment for students and staff.
-- School No. 8 – Michelle Rodriguez, Linden’s longest-serving principal since 2013, is a beloved force of positivity and consistency.
-- School No. 9 – Angela Principato, principal since 2023, leads with heart and high expectations.
-- School No. 10 – Wayne Happel, new in 2024, brings fresh energy and a focus on foundational learning and growth.
-- McManus Middle School – William Mastriano has led since 2016, creating a safe, strong academic culture for middle schoolers to flourish.
-- Soehl Middle School – Gwendolyn Long, at the helm since 2021, leads with wisdom, empathy, and an unshakable commitment to excellence.
-- Linden High School – Charles Koonce, principal since 2022, is transforming high school experiences and preparing students for life after graduation.
“Today we recognize the beating hearts of our schools—our principals,” said Superintendent Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins. “They wear many hats and carry great responsibility, but they do it all with purpose, passion, and pride. We thank them for their relentless commitment to our students, staff, and Linden community.”
𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬
Principals take on countless roles throughout the year—coaches, counselors, collaborators, and caretakers. They cheer in the bleachers, comfort a struggling student, support teachers, or meet city leaders to champion school needs. They ensure resources are in place, classrooms are safe, and every learner is seen, heard, and valued.
𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲!