Nelyda Perez

Nelyda Perez is deeply committed to advocacy, focusing on fostering positive changes that ensure equal access to education and services for every student. With over 23 years of experience, Mrs. Perez has dedicated herself to mentoring and leading students and staff in New Jersey. She is passionate about transforming the lives of youth and families through advocacy, academic excellence, and community service. On August 24, 2023, Mrs. Perez was appointed Superintendent of Schools for the Matawan Aberdeen Regional School District (MARSD), making history as the district's first female Superintendent. Prior to this role, she served as the Assistant Superintendent at MARSD and has been an integral part of the district since 2015. She also proudly holds the position of President of the New Jersey Association of School Administrators (NJASA).

Throughout her career, Mrs. Perez has collaborated with colleagues to create and expand opportunities for all students, particularly focusing on special populations, including English language learners. At MARSD, she led the development of a transition program for students aged 18 to 21 with special needs, expanded the Autism program across all grade levels, and enhanced community-based learning initiatives. Moreover, she is a co-founder of the K.E.Y.S. Academy (Knowledge Empowers Youth & Sobriety), the second Recovery High School in New Jersey, established in January 2018. This innovative school offers high school students grappling with drug and alcohol addiction a supportive environment to pursue sobriety while continuing their education, ensuring they can successfully graduate.

Mrs. Perez is also a strong advocate for early childhood education and led efforts to secure the New Jersey Preschool Expansion Aid for the Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District. Her leadership in this initiative resulted in funding that allows the district to provide universal preschool for 500 children ages three and four in the community. By championing early learning, Mrs. Perez has equipped young students with essential foundational skills and equal access to kickstart their educational journeys.

In her extensive career as an educational leader and social worker, Mrs. Perez has consistently championed student achievement for all learners while nurturing their social and emotional development. She has advocated for students in her roles as a Bilingual Social Worker, Principal, and Director in Long Branch Public Schools. After earning her Master's in Social Work from Rutgers University, she began her career in Long Branch as a Bilingual Social Worker for the Child Study Team, serving there for 15 years.

During this time, she pursued a Post-Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from The College of New Jersey and subsequently became Principal of Long Branch High School’s STEM Academy, where she was responsible for establishing STEM programs for all students.

Recognizing the need for a shift in instructional practices to better serve an increasingly diverse student population, Mrs. Perez created a culturally responsive learning environment that upheld high academic standards for all students. She later served as Director of Pupil Personnel Services, where she led efforts to create programs, support, and counseling services for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, including those in special education and multilingual programs.

Since entering the field of education, Mrs. Perez has prioritized the social-emotional development of all students. She collaborates with community agencies across the state to enhance programs, services, and education related to mental health and preventive services for students and their families. As a co-founder of the Monmouth County Partnership for Wellness, she is recognized as a leader in this crucial area that supports the social-emotional well-being and academic success of all students.

Mrs. Perez has shared her insights and expertise through presentations, including "ALL Means ALL" at Monmouth University (2023), "Relationships Matter - Leverage Relationships for School Improvement" at the AASA National Conference (2023), "Improving Staff Morale" at the ALAS Conference (2024), and at the NJ Women’s Leadership Conference (2023).