NEWARK, NJ — There are two magic numbers in the Newark Public School District: 22 and 163.

Earlier this week, Roger León officially began his term as the first permanent superintendent of the Newark public school system since the district regained control after 22 years of state supervision. León is also the first Latino superintendent in the district's 163-year history, administrators said. The Newark native has spent his entire life in the Brick City, and has been a student, teacher, principal and assistant superintendent in the local school system.

See related article: Newark Regains Control Of Schools After 22-Year State Takeover

See related article: Meet Montclair's 1st Black School Superintendent In 144 Years "I am honored, humbled, blessed, prepared, and poised for this opportunity, and look forward to the journey ahead," León said. "As superintendent, I will inherently be a proficient and influential agent of change. Where we are today is historic, but we will need to work collaboratively unlike ever before so that all of our students win." According to district administrators, the Montclair State University alum has taught thousands and mentored hundreds, literally witnessing "generational progress" in Newark.

"I have lived the full spectrum of this city and its educational system," León emphasized. "I have lived through what it was, struggled and fought through what it became, and will influence what it has the potential to become." Some of the priorities that León is looking at for the district include:

an advanced technological curriculum

cross-institutional relationships

workforce development

collaborations with the bioethics field "We are at a very important time in this district's history and we unequivocally believe that he has the vision to guide us progressively forward," Board of Education Chair Josephine Garcia said.

"We are very confident in his leadership and passion," agreed BOE Vice Chair Dawn Haynes. "He believes in Newark and Newark believes in him."

District officials provided the following information/background about the history-making superintendent. "Mr. León attended Hawkins Street School from kindergarten to 8th grade and graduated from Science High School. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences at Rutgers University and was determined to remain in Newark to teach and impact lives at both of his alma maters. For three years, he taught 5th grade at Hawkins Street School and was the Head Coach of the Science High School Debate Team for eight years. His classes won local competitions and his students demonstrated high academic growth. The debate team won local, state, and national championships. The 8th Grade Algebra Pilot resulted in his move to Rafael Hernández Elementary School. León taught Algebra I to 8th graders for high school credit and provided intensive professional development in mathematics to Newark teachers across the district. The success of this project resulted in hundreds of 8th grade students earning high school credit in Algebra I, teachers earning dual certification in Mathematics, and the district's highest elementary mathematics standardized test scores in years.