On February 16, 2008, the School Board of Plainfield concluded its national search with the support of one of the nation's largest educational executive search firms---Hazard, Young, and Attea, and unanimously selected Dr. Steve Gallon III as its Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Gallon, whose official tenure began on July 1, 2008, is a lifelong educator who has dedicated his entire life and career to the education and uplift of students, and the cause of urban education.

Described as a “shaft of light” in one of the nation’s toughest and most impoverished communities, Dr. Steve Gallon III was born and raised in Miami’s renowned Liberty City. After graduating from the public school system in Miami, he later attended and graduated in three years from Florida A & M University in Tallahassee, Florida, earning Magna Cum Laude Honors with a degree in English Education. Though his parent’s youngest child, he became the first and only of six siblings to graduate from college. While raising his son and daughter as a single father, he worked full-time and furthered his education at Florida International University receiving a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership and a Doctorate in Educational Administration and Supervision. He has also participated in postdoctoral leadership institutes on Large-Scale School Reform and Management at Harvard and Stanford University.

Dr. Gallon, after serving as an English teacher entered the administrative ranks as Assistant Principal and was later appointed principal of Holmes Elementary School, a Pre-K through grade 6 school with a 1,180 student population at the time. In his third year and after marked improvements in student outcomes and community involvement, he was tapped to become principal of Miami Northwestern Senior High School, where

in the national educational publication Education Week, as one of three new titles for principals. His second book, “When Morning Comes: Moments of Struggle, Strength, and Salvation” provided the second installment in his urban education trilogy, which marks a work of personal and professional revelation. It was released in the fall of 2006. Growing up in one of Miami’s toughest neighborhoods, and becoming not only a survivor of those streets, Dr. Gallon learned early that only education can offer options beyond poverty and prison. His ability and dedication to galvanizing the school and community to enhance the educational opportunities of economically challenged and at-risk students has been recognized and applauded at the local, state, and national level.

Having been featured in numerous media venues, and because of his spirit of enthusiasm, intellect, and dynamism, Dr. Gallon has served as an educational consultant, guest lecturer, and motivational speaker. This spirit of enthusiasm, intellect, and dynamism, coupled with a zest for bold innovation has led to significant improvements and reforms during his first year in the Plainfield Public Schools. Among many of Dr. Gallon’s first year accomplishments in the Plainfield Public Schools are the following:

• Development and Implementation of Districtwide Strategic Plan
• Development of Instructional Program & Educational Quality Review Process
• Establishment of K-8 Academies
• Establishment of Academy for the Arts & Advanced Studies
• Establishment of Academy for Academic & Civic Development
• Districtwide Adoption and Implementation of Continuous Improvement Model
• Expanded In-District Programs for Special Needs Students
• Board Adoption of School Allocation Plan
• Increased Parental, Community, & Business Partnerships
• Development of Plainfield Leadership Program in partnership with The College of New Jersey for aspiring administrators
• Improved Safety & Security Measures in District Schools
• Development of Administrator Performance Planning & Evaluation System
• Increased Programs for Gifted, Honors, & Talented Students
• Implementation of Districtwide Mandatory Student School Uniform Program