Board of Education News & Notes
NO. 13 May 2026
Welcome to Our Monthly Newsletter
District Mission Statement
Hunterdon Central is an innovative educational community dedicated to the intellectual, social, and emotional safety and growth of all students. While fostering curiosity and promoting wellness, we aspire to create powerful learning experiences, establish strong partnerships, and serve as contributing members of society.
Board Meeting Highlights
- The student representatives to the Board of Education, seniors Bronwyn Downey and Alexis Chen, provided a year-end report on their work as student representatives and recommendations for future student representatives.
- The Board approved bids for multiple capital projects taking place this summer, including an upgraded architectural design lab and new HVAC and roofs.
- The Board approved a motion to maintain a zero-dollar activity fee for students. This means students do not need to pay to participate in co-curricular activities or athletics.
- The Board approved the continuation of the District’s Corporate Sponsorship program.
- Principal Brandt presented on the Student Safety Data Systems report, which provides an overview of discipline incidents within school.
Board Committees
Operations & Transportation
Chairperson: Vernon Williams
Members: Dr. Ellen Halpern, Dorothea Kellogg, Leslie LaCosta
The Operations and Transportation Committee reviews initiatives and status, and recommends policy and action related to finance, transportation (in accordance with the requirements of all joint and other transportation agreements), the operational support for efforts to achieve the educational mission and buildings and grounds, construction, and all other matters as they relate to goals of the District.
Personnel
Chairperson: Sandra Gong
Members: Dorothea Kellogg, Lisa Santangelo, Maristela Wallace
The Personnel Committee reviews initiatives and status, and recommends policy and action related to hiring employees, employee evaluation, employee rights and responsibilities, and all other matters as they relate to human resources support for efforts to achieve the educational mission and goals of the District.
Policy
Chairperson: Nichole Brice
Members: Dorothea Kellogg, Jessica HB Roethel, Vernon Williams
The Policy Committee reviews all policies and regulations, updating, creating or abolishing policies as needed in accordance with state laws and educational code.
Student Life & Program
Chairperson: Dr. Ellen Halpern
Members: Nichole Brice, Dorothea Kellogg, Maristela Wallace
The Student Life and Program Committee reviews initiatives and status, and recommends policy and action related to curriculum, extra-curricular and co-curricular activities, professional growth and development, special services and counseling services, community partnerships, and all other matters as they relate to the educational mission and goals of the District.
📣 Shout Outs!
- A huge shout-out to Bronwyn Downey and Alexis Chen! This is a belated thank you for being the school board’s two student representatives. Your insights, reports, hard work and humor were evident all year long. And, Bronwyn — a very belated thank you for the previous year as one of the board’s student representatives as well. We know that as board members that students are our first priority and while we hear from teachers/staff/administrators about student achievements/activities the both of you bring it closer to home.
- I appreciate the feedback that you provided to the board at the May meeting. I also hope that future board members and student representatives will have an opportunity to engage more fully with each other. Thank you again!
- To the Tri-M Music Honor Society – Your ‘Through the Decades’ Showcase on May 1 was a hit! You all shined, singing and playing instruments together in student groups as small as 2 and as large as 12. The surprise “prom-posal” was particularly memorable (she said yes!)! Thank you also for your ongoing service efforts, including the food drive that you worked into this event.
- Although I have thoroughly enjoyed every concert I have attended at Hunterdon Central over the years, the Jazz & Pops Concert on May 6 was my favorite one yet! This concert, dubbed “Singin', Stringin', & Swingin'”, was truly a beautiful collaboration of students and staff from our instrumental and vocal music departments. Special shout-out to the two students who arranged and conducted a remarkable piece for Chorale, which moved me to tears.
- Kudos to the entire cast and crew of the 9/10 play, Sense & Sensibility. This was a phenomenal and surprisingly funny adaptation – a touchingly acted, yet approachable, production. Two of our juniors did an incredible job co-directing our underclassmen in this show, and the accents were spot on. Even Mr. Klein gave his housekeeping announcements in a British accent! Thank you, students, for sharing your amazing talents.
📅 Next Board Meeting
Event Information
Board of Education Meeting Agendas
Meet the Board for 2026
Hunterdon Central Regional High School Board of Education
Dorothea Kellogg, East Amwell Township, President
Sandra Gong, Raritan Township, Vice President
Nichole Brice, Raritan Township
Dr. Ellen Halpern, Flemington Borough
Leslie LaCosta, Readington Township
Jessica HB Roethel, Delaware Township
Lisa Santangelo, Readington Township
Maristela Wallace, Raritan Township
Vernon Williams, Raritan Township
Have an idea?
We all know the BEST ideas come from our students, our parents & our community and we want to hear your ideas!
Obviously, we would love to see you at a meeting, but if you can’t make it, email the entire Board @boe@hcrhs.org