About Us

The East Orange School District:

A Model of Educational Excellence in Urban Education

The East Orange School District, located in Essex County, New Jersey, is dedicated to providing a high-quality, globally competitive education for all of its approximately 9,000 students across 20 schools (pre-K through grade 12). We are committed to ensuring our students, who have been traditionally underrepresented, are prepared for post-secondary college and career opportunities.

We achieve this by implementing innovative programs focused on 21st-century skills and by fostering strong partnerships with parents, staff, and the broader community. Our social media platforms provide a space for the community to stay connected on academic progress, social issues, and various programs and initiatives. The East Orange School District aspires to be the premier educational model for teaching and learning.

Christopher C. Irving, Ed. D. is the proud grandson of Jamaican immigrants, Vian and Ceceilyn Miller and the son of the Rev. H. Jocelyn and Herman Irving. Dr. Irving was born and raised in the city of Paterson and is a product of the Paterson Public School system. Dr. Irving holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Ramapo College of New Jersey. After completing his Master’s degree in Public Policy and International Affairs from William Paterson University, Dr. Irving started a consulting firm called the Ceceilyn Miller Institute for Leadership and Diversity in America (CMI), based out of Bloomfield, NJ. CMI has become one of America’s most innovative leadership and diversity training organizations in education.

In April 2010, Dr. Irving was elected to Paterson School Board (NJ), serving a three-year term, and was re-elected in April 2013 and November 2016; during his tenure on the Board, he served as Board President for four years, leading the transition of Paterson to regain local control. One of his most significant life accomplishments was the completion of his doctoral research and obtaining his Doctoral Degree in K-12 Administration from Seton Hall University in July of 2016. In December of 2017, Dr. Irving was appointed to the role of Executive County Superintendent of Schools for the County of Passaic for the New Jersey Department of Education. Then in May of 2018, Dr. Irving was selected to serve as the Superintendent for Teaneck Public Schools, where he was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the school system. Dr. Irving was the first African American to serve in this role of Superintendent and ended his tenure in Teaneck in July of 2022.

In November 2020, Dr. Irving was appointed as Commissioner of the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools for his first three-year term.

Dr. Irving is the proud father of son Christopher C. Irving II, the brightest light in his life.

Our Superintendent

Dr. Christopher C. Irving is the Superintendent of Schools for the East Orange, New Jersey, School District. He oversees the education of more than 9,000 students and supervises 900 teachers across 20 schools, Pre–K to 12, as well as a number of collaborating daycare centers. Recently, Dr. Irving served as the Assistant Commissioner of Field Support and Services for the Department of Education. While reporting to the Commissioner of Education, Dr. Irving served the local districts through the county office of education and educational departments committing to advancing teaching and learning.

District Strategic Plan

The East Orange School District is currently working on the creation of a new District Strategic Plan that will drive our key priorities and goals for the next five years.

The district has established a Transition Team Committee, a body of committed partners to bring their voices, expertise, and perspectives to the important work ahead. Together, the Transition Team will:

Assess our current practices to identify both strengths and areas for growth
Integrate research and proven best practices into recommendations
Engage in thoughtful discussions that generate creative and effective solutions
Develop strategic proposals to advance the district toward its long-term goals

The Transition Team Committee is led by three Tri-State Co-Chairs and has been organized into three sub-committees, each focused on a critical area:

Collaborative Partnerships – strengthening relationships with parents, the community, higher education, local organizations, and the city
High-Impact Learning Experiences – ensuring our academic and extracurricular offerings are robust, engaging, and future-ready
Safety and Value – prioritizing a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment for every student and staff member

Everyone’s participation will be instrumental in building a roadmap that carries the East Orange School District into its next chapter of excellence.