Board of Education News & Notes
NO. 9 January 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.
All are welcome to join us for our first Strategic Planning Event on 2/17!
Event Information
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
Board of Education Meeting agendas can be found by clicking on the link below:
Student Representatives to the Board of Education, Bronwyn Downey and Alexis Chen, provided an overview of the many highlights of the winter athletics and co-curricular activities. This can be found in their report.
Superintendent Cangelosi-Hade provided a mid-year update on the 2025-2026 District goals. This can be found in her report.
The Board approved multiple staff member appointments, including a new security officer, Mr. Kevin Tennant.
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.
๐ฃ Shout Outs!
- Great job to all the students and staff who participated in the District Choral Festival. It was heartwarming to see HCRHS students collaborate with younger students from our sending districts, and a wonderful opportunity for our students to serve as leaders, mentors, and role models. ~Nichole Brice
- Iโd like to extend a special thank you to Superintendent Cangelosi-Hade, Principal Brandt, Dr. Hall, Mr. Bailey, Ms. Deitcher, and Ms. Spitzer for taking the time to lead a new BOE member orientation meeting. The meeting was informative and valuable, and I appreciate your efforts to help get us up to speed in the early days of our service to the district. ~Nichole Brice
In Memoriam
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Yasmin Galarza, a beloved member of our school community. Ms. Galarza served as a duty release aide in our district and was also a parent and a Hunterdon Central Class of 2000 alumna. She supported our students and staff with kindness and dedication, and her loss is deeply felt. On behalf of the Board of Education and our entire school community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones.
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Next Board Meeting
Event Information
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 canโt make it, email the entire Board @boe@hcrhs.org