Texas Center for Arts + Academics (TCA+A) Hires Anika Perkins as CEO/President and Superintendent
Texas Center for Arts and Academics (TCA+A) is proud to announce the appointment of Anika Perkins as its new CEO & President and Superintendent. With an esteemed career in education, Perkins brings a wealth of experience in leading school systems and nonprofit entities in implementing sustainable practices that foster academic, artistic, and financial success. Perkins succeeds Paul Gravley, who served in the position from October 2, 2020, through September 30, 2023. Since Gravley’s departure, Perkins has served as Acting CEO & President and Superintendent. She officially assumes her new role on March 27, 2024.
“Anika Perkins’s extensive experience and dedication to education make her the ideal choice to lead TCA+A into its next chapter of growth and excellence,” remarked Leslie Scott, TCA+A Board Chairman. “Her proven track record in enhancing academic performance, securing funding, and fostering a thriving educational environment aligns perfectly with our mission.”
Perkins joined TCA+A in July 2021 as its Chief Academic Officer and Deputy Superintendent. In this role, she successfully guided its two public charter schools through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, both academically and financially. During her tenure, Perkins has secured and managed over $2.9 million in additional federal and state grant funding. This funding provided opportunities for employee stipends and retention bonuses, the acquisition of additional resources, and the establishment of a ‘Grow Your Own’ program to support staff in completing educational degrees and teacher certification programs.
With twenty-six years of experience in education, Perkins has served in various roles including teacher, assistant principal, principal, and district-level positions. Prior to joining TCA+A, she served as Assistant Superintendent in Marshall ISD, where she played a pivotal role in preventing the Texas Education Agency from taking conservatorship over the school system. Perkins also worked extensively with school systems across Texas, implementing human capital management systems to attract students and parents, retain employees, and establish corporate partnerships for donations through enhanced communications and marketing efforts. Her statewide efforts contributed to the creation and successful opening of two different charter school systems.
“I am honored to lead TCA+A, its charter school systems – Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts and Texas School of the Arts, the renowned Texas Boys Choir and Singing Girls of Texas, along with its accomplished choir, theatre, dance, and visual arts programs, and after-school and summer conservatories,” said Perkins. “As schools increasingly become schools of choice and specialize in particular aspects of education, I am committed to highlighting the positive impact that arts and academics have on the holistic development of every child.”
Perkins holds a Bachelor of Science degree in English Education from Grambling State University, a Master’s degree in Educational Administration and Principal Certification from Texas A&M-Commerce, a Superintendent Certification from Lamar University, and is in the process of completing her Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University.