Office of the Superintendent

Angela N. Mincy is the Superintendent of the Marion P. Thomas Charter School (MPTCS) network. Affectionately known as the Village, MPTCS is the largest Black founded and led charter school in New Jersey. Since taking the helm in 2021, Ms. Mincy has committed herself to “Reimagining the Village,” a term she coined and embraces to guide her work. Early on, she established a 5-year strategic plan that targets academics, culture, operations, and finance. Not only is the network well-positioned to meet its goals, many have been prematurely fulfilled in advance of the 2027 target. During her short tenure, the network has experienced significant boosts across a wide range of metrics from attendance and academics to student experiences and infrastructure. Most notably, the chronic absenteeism rate and ELA scores are steadily improving and have outperformed pre-pandemic levels. 

In 2019, Ms. Mincy was appointed to serve as the principal of the highly selective Science Park High School (SPHS). She is the first and only black woman to hold this honor. It is the highest-ranked magnet school in Newark and was ranked 20th in the state during her tenure. A few months into her principalship, the pandemic erupted. Despite the challenge, she unrelentingly stabilized the school community, quelled headline-making racial tensions, and advanced a number of other key initiatives. Ms. Mincy was a strategist and early adopter for synchronized learning. She served as a lead model to present scheduling options and budgeting support for her administrative peers. She pioneered virtual “Wellness Wednesdays” in the Newark Board of Education to prioritize culture and social-emotional support. SPHS was also awarded a related $90,000 SEL grant. Ms. Mincy also established an active parent council and made numerous technological and facility-based improvements.

Previously, Ms. Mincy served as principal of the co-located Barringer High School. After successfully leading the STEAM Academy for four years, she was given the Herculean task of merging the STEAM Academy with the co-located Arts Academy. The newly merged school contained 1,600 students, thereby reclaiming its spot as the second largest comprehensive high school in the district. Ms. Mincy’s uniform, attendance, and “no cell phone” policies drastically reduced safety concerns. Her attendance policy led to a 20% reduction in chronic absenteeism, for which she was appointed to serve on a district-wide attendance council. She added new courses in Advanced Placement (AP), Robotics, 3D printing, Visual and Performing Arts, and a host of trips and other extended experiences for students. 

A humble and accomplished leader, Ms. Mincy has educated young people in the city of Newark for nearly 30 years.  She has a depth of experience as a teacher, school counselor, program coordinator, and administrator. Ms. Mincy has proudly served a diverse body of students in grades preschool to grade 12. She has experience with special education, alternative education, English Language Learners, and gifted and talented students. She is a visionary leader and has a proven track record of improving schools by building quality academic programs, safe cultures, strategic partnerships, and relationships with students and other stakeholders. She is also invested in professional development and amplifying the voices of those she is entrusted to lead.

Ms. Mincy earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Psychology from Rutgers University (Douglass College), where she became a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.  She holds a Master’s degree in School Counseling and Educational Leadership from Kean University. She is married with two amazing sons. She is a fierce and unapologetic advocate for all children and demonstrates an unwavering commitment to their success and well-being. In her spare time she enjoys music, spending time with her family, and creative tinkering.
 

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Christopher Abbaleo is a seasoned educator and visionary leader, committed to enriching the lives of students and transforming the educational landscape. With 14 years in the field of education, he has dedicated his career to making a positive impact on the next generation. Currently, Mr. Abbaleo is in his third year as an Assistant Superintendent at Marion P. Thomas Charter School. 

Mr. Abbaleo started his educational career as a high school biology teacher, where he honed his instructional abilities and developed a deep understanding of student needs. His keen understanding of effective instructional practices, strong commitment to continuous improvement, and dedication to student success led him to take on leadership roles of increasing responsibility. 

Prior to his current role, Mr. Abbaleo excelled in administrative and supervisory positions at both the school and district levels. He spent over ten years with the Newark Board of Education. He served as Vice Principal of Academics at Science Park High School, which was ranked within the top 5% of schools in New Jersey and was also recognized and ranked within the top 10% of schools within the nation. Previously, Mr. Abbaleo was appointed the School Chief Innovation Officer and Vice Principal at Barringer High School. His leadership has been instrumental in driving positive change and improving educational outcomes for students. 

Mr. Abbaleo's educational studies include a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Montclair State University and a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University. Currently, he is a Doctoral Candidate at the University of South Carolina, within the Education Practice and Innovation program with a concentration in STEM Education. This pursuit of higher education reflects his dedication to staying at the forefront of educational research and best practices.