When Newport Independent Schools celebrates its 150th commencement, the milestone will represent more than a historic anniversary. It will reflect generations of students, families and leaders who have shaped the district, including one who now leads it.
Superintendent Matt Atkins, a Newport High School graduate from the class of 2000, has come full circle from student-athlete and senior class president to leading the district as superintendent.
“This is home,” Atkins said. “Everything I do is about giving students the same opportunities, and even more, that Newport gave me.”
Newport Independent Schools traces its roots to the earliest days of public education in Northern Kentucky, evolving alongside the city itself. Early civic leaders, including James Taylor V, played a role in establishing public education in the region, laying the foundation for a district that has served generations of students for more than a century.
The district will mark its 150th commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 23, at Newport High School, 900 E 6th St.
Raised on Park Avenue, Atkins grew up in a family with multi-generational ties to Newport Schools. As a student, he was active in football and baseball, a member of the National Honor Society and served as senior class president.
After graduating, Atkins attended Thomas More University, where he earned All-American honors twice as a center on the football team. He began his career teaching in Pendleton County before returning to Newport, where he said he always intended to build his career.
He went on to serve as a social studies teacher at Newport Middle School before moving into administration as an assistant principal and behavior interventionist. He later spent more than eight years as principal of Newport Primary School, working with the district’s youngest students.
Atkins earned his superintendent certification from Xavier University and completed the required internship under a regional mentor before being named superintendent, a role that placed him at the helm of the district that helped shape him.
In his current role, Atkins said he is focused on strengthening academic outcomes while also building community pride and changing perceptions of the district.
“We have a great story to tell,” he said. “Our job is to make sure people hear it, and see the great things happening in our schools every day.”
That effort includes expanding partnerships with the city of Newport and increasing the district’s presence at community events, where schools have begun promoting initiatives such as early literacy.
This year’s commencement speaker also reflects the district’s deep local ties. Newport City Manager John Hayden, a Newport graduate, will address the class of 2026.
“Newport Independent Schools have long been a cornerstone of our community,” Hayden said. “There is a strong sense of pride in the generations of students who have come through these schools. Seeing leaders like Matt Atkins guide the district forward, and having the opportunity to speak to graduates as a fellow alumnus, speaks to the lasting impact these schools have on our city.”
Newport Independent Schools is one of six “River City” districts in Northern Kentucky working collaboratively to strengthen outcomes for students through a community schools approach, which connects education with family support services, community partnerships and expanded learning opportunities. Alongside Covington, Bellevue, Dayton, Ludlow and Southgate, the district is part of a regional effort to align resources and ensure every student is supported both inside and outside the classroom.
That shared commitment will be on display in the coming weeks as each of the River City districts celebrates commencement, marking a collective milestone for students and families across the region.
Graduation ceremonies for the partner districts will take place throughout May. Commencement details below:
Bellevue Independent School District:
Friday, May 22, at 7:00 p.m. in the Ben Flora Gymnasium at 613 Berry Ave.
Dayton Independent School District:
Friday, May 22, at 7:00 p.m. at Green Devil Stadium at 200 Greendevil Lane.
Ludlow Independent School District:
Friday, May 22, at 6:30 p.m. at the Ludlow Auditorium at 515 Elm St.
Covington Independent School District:
Friday, June 5, at 7:00 p.m. at Holmes High School, 2500 Madison Ave. SUITE 1.