Meet Antoine Gayles

My family and I have been proud residents of Mount Olive for 27 years. I bring over 35 years of leadership experience across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. A graduate of Swarthmore College (B.A., Political Science), Brandeis University (M.A., Management of Human Services), and Seton Hall University (Ed.D., Education Administration and Supervision), I began my career in finance before transitioning to education through mentorship with Newark’s READY Foundation. My passion for youth development led to roles with Communities in Schools and the New Jersey Department of Education, where I supported Whole School Reform in several Abbott districts.

I went on to serve as a school and district leader in Newark, Orange, and Piscataway, implementing innovative academic programs that boosted student achievement and graduation rates. My initiatives have included school redesign, small learning communities, targeted interventions, and leadership development for young men of color.

As Superintendent of Hillside Public Schools (2016–2020), I led district-wide curriculum reform, expanded dual enrollment opportunities, launched mentoring programs, and oversaw major facilities upgrades and a 1:1 technology rollout.

In Mount Olive I served on the Mount Olive Board of Education for 10 years, the Board of Norwescap, the Morris County School Boards Legislative Committee, and was an adjunct professor at Centenary University. I continue to champion community engagement by dedicating my time to local service initiatives like town cleanups on Link Road and the White walking trail, the Recreation Advisory Committee, youth basketball and track, and monthly food drives to support the Mount Olive Food Pantry, and I serve on the Mount Olive Diversity Committee. I currently sit on the Board of David’s Shoes, a nonprofit working to reduce gun violence among African American males.

Now running for Town Council, I am committed to being an advocate for every resident—fighting for clean water, affordability, and the preservation of the natural beauty that makes Mount Olive an extraordinary place to call home.
Antoine Gayles