Thursday, July 1, 2021, Fort Worth, TX – Texas Center for Arts + Academics (TCA+A) announced on Thursday afternoon the hiring of Anika Perkins as the new Chief Academic Officer and Deputy Superintendent. Perkins will serve as the lead academics executive for both Texas School of the Arts (TeSA) and Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts (FWAFA).
Perkins begins her post on July 1, 2021. This coming year marks her 24th year in education. Most recently, Perkins served as an Assistant Superintendent in Marshall ISD. When she arrived in Marshall in 2016, six of their eleven campuses were rated “Improvement Required.” Through a culture shift, systems were collaboratively established to ensure consistency between district initiatives and campuses. Under her leadership, one campus moved from a TEA label of “Improvement Required” to “Met Standard” with an overall 82% score and a campus distinction. And, the entire district improved two letter grades. She previously served in Principal roles in Grand Prairie ISD.
Perkins is completing her doctorate in Educational Leadership through Texas A&M Commerce. In 2017, she received her Texas superintendent’s certification from Lamar University. Prior to obtaining her superintendent licensure, she earned a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Texas A&M Commerce and a Bachelor of Science Degree in English from Grambling University.
The hiring of Perkins follows a national, six-month search by TCA+A which included input from faculty, staff, and the community. Utilizing Leadership4School consulting services, a group that specializes in charter school leadership, more than 50 candidates were vetted and Perkins was ultimately chosen from this excellent candidate pool.
Texas Center for Arts + Academics’ CEO, Paul Gravley said, “Ms. Perkins is exactly the right person to lead the academics team for both TeSA and FWAFA. She has a history of success in schools and a love for the arts. She is the perfect person to lead us into the next academic chapter of TCA+A.”
Perkins said, “Words cannot express how excited I am to be a part of the TCA+A team! I am so thankful for this opportunity to work with such phenomenal educators!”
About Texas Center for Arts + Academics
Texas Center for Arts + Academics (TCA+A) is proud to celebrate 75 years of supporting the artistic excellence and academic success. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, TCA+A strives to make the arts accessible to all. Through premier performing groups, two nationally top-ranked charter schools, community-based after-school conservatories, workshops, and summer camps, TCA+A provides resources that bring children, from all backgrounds, opportunities to experience and engage in the visual and performing arts. Learn more at artsacademics.org.
Media Contact: Monica Sheehan, Monica.sheehan@artsacademics.org