LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

𝘽𝙤𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙎𝙥𝙤𝙩𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 | 𝙅𝙖𝙣𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝘽𝙤𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙍𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙜𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙈𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙝
𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐚 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐬: 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞

LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, NJ -- When the Linden Board of Education convened for its annual reorganization meeting on January 7, the moment marked both continuity and confidence in leadership. Malaysia Thomas was elected President of the Linden Board of Education, stepping into the role after serving three years as vice president, while longtime president Dr. Marlene Berghammer transitioned to vice president. It was a seamless exchange rooted in trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to Linden’s students.

A seasoned public relations and marketing professional, Thomas brings more than a decade of experience in strategic communication, public engagement, and civic leadership to the board table. A proud alumna of Clark Atlanta University, she earned her bachelor’s degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and later completed her MBA at Mount Saint Mary’s University Los Angeles. Her professional background informs her leadership style: strategic, thoughtful, and deeply people centered.

That approach has translated into real, lasting change. Now in her second term on the Board of Education, with six years of dedicated service, Thomas has been instrumental in shaping policies and initiatives that directly impact student safety, staff morale, and school culture. Among the key efforts she spearheaded are the negotiation of fair and competitive salaries for paraprofessionals, the implementation of a weapons detection system at Linden High School, the expansion of the school security team, the installation of vape detectors, the introduction of Yondr pouches for student cell phone use, and the adoption of school uniforms to strengthen focus, equity, and pride across the district.

As a board leader and former PTA member at School No. 8, Thomas has remained a consistent advocate for educational equity, student achievement, and strong, supportive learning environments. She believes real progress happens through partnership, and she works closely with fellow Board members, the Superintendent, administrators, teachers, staff, parents, students, and community stakeholders to turn shared goals into action.

Thomas’ service extends well beyond the boardroom. An active volunteer across Linden and Essex County, she completed the New Jersey Black Women’s Collective Leadership Institute on June 7, 2025, a distinction that recognizes women who are shaping solutions to today’s most pressing challenges. A mother devoted to her 10-year-old son; her work is deeply personal. Every policy she supports and every decision she helps guide is rooted in the same question she asks as a parent: What would I want for my own child?

“Everything I do on this board comes from a place of love, care, and responsibility,” said Thomas. “I believe in leading with transparency, listening with intention, and working hand in hand with our Superintendent, my fellow Board members, and our entire school community to make real change happen. Our children deserve adults who will show up for them fully, honestly, and with their best interests at heart.”

As Linden celebrates Board Recognition Month, Malaysia Thomas stands as a powerful example of leadership rooted in purpose, collaboration, and an unwavering belief in what public education can achieve for every child, every family, and the future of the Linden community.

𝙒𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙣 𝙗𝙮 𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙚𝙡 𝘼. 𝙒𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙠𝙞𝙨

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