Nicole Hazel Nicole Hazel is the Freehold Regional High School District’s new assistant superintendent of student services. The FRHSD Board of Education unanimously approved her change in status on Feb. 28.
Hazel had been serving as the interim assistant superintendent of student services following the retirement of Patricia Emmerman in June 2010.
Prior to becoming an assistant superintendent, Hazel was the district’s administrative supervisor of curriculum and instruction.
According to information posted on the district’s Internet website, before departing the FRHSD, Emmerman said, “I feel very comfortable leaving the district’s neediest students in Dr. Hazel’s competent hands. She will have the full support of the wonderful professionals in our district and I wish her as much satisfaction in the position as I have enjoyed for 22 years.”
In her new position as an assistant superintendent, Hazel will be paid $150,000.
Hazel joined the FRHSD in 2008 as an administrative supervisor of curriculum and instruction. Her most recent salary in that position was $124,503, plus a $1,000 monthly stipend she was receiving to serve as the interim assistant superintendent of student services.
Hazel briefly served as Marlboro High School’s acting principal when former principal Gerald North resigned from his position in 2010.
“One of my goals for the student services department is to develop high-quality, innovative programs within our schools for special education students requiring specialized services,” she said. “The demand for specialized services to meet the needs of our students continues to grow.
“For one, we are working to expand our student transition employment program, a program that combines classroom instruction with immersion in a variety of community based work sites. In the long term, my hope is that the district can provide increased educational program opportunities for children with special needs and specialized services within our own walls,” Hazel said.
She said the FRHSD’s supervisors, child study team members and teachers are excited at the thought of this educational prospect for the district as it continues to provide an optimal service to engage students and their families with individualized educational program planning goals and support service options.
Hazel said a continued evaluation of the students’ individual needs helps to provide a deep understanding of the district’s academic and support service program plan, which helps to shape the FRHSD’s future.
She also cited the success that students have achieved, as just this year students earned early acceptances at Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania, Duke University, Dartmouth College, New York University, Cornell University, Syracuse University and Northwestern University.
“These successes are a testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment of our students to their academic program, as well as to our administrators, teachers and support staff who each day continue to shape and prepare our students for such high levels of success,” Hazel said.
“I believe that as a district we become better as we work collectively and collaboratively to meet and exceed organizational and state expectations. I am privileged and gratified to work closely with such an esteemed group of professionals, and I am inspired by the educational horizons before us as I look forward to leading the department into the 21st century.”
Hazel began her career in education at James J. Ferris High School in Jersey City, where she worked as a mathematics teacher from 1993 to 1998. In November 1998, Hazel became vice principal of Ferris High School. She was named the school’s principal in March 2003 and held that position until she came to the FRHSD in 2008.
Hazel holds a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics/ secondary education from Providence College, Providence, R.I.; a Master of Arts in urban education-administration/ supervision program from Jersey City State College, Jersey City; and a Doctor of Education in administration and supervision, K-12 program, from the Seton Hall University School of Education, South Orange.