New Superintendent Named For Freehold Regional HS District

MANALAPAN, NJ — Nicole P. Hazel, who has already served in leadership capacities in the Freehold Regional High School District, has been appointed superintendent of the district, effective Nov. 1.

Hazel will be replacing Charles B. Sampson, who has served as superintendent since 2011. Sampson has taken a position as superintendent of the Mamaroneck (NY) Union Free School District effective Nov. 1.

Hazel said she is a honored to have been appointed as superintendent by the Freehold Regional Board of Education.

"I look forward to the exciting and engaging work that lies ahead," she said in introducing herself to the district community.

The regional district has six high schools serving Western Monmouth communities: Manalapan, Freehold, Freehold Township, Howell, Marlboro and Colts Neck high schools. The district serves more than 10,000 students. The district has more than 1,300 staff members.

Hazel was appointed to the position by the Board of Education on Aug. 24. Her contract runs from Nov. 1, 2023 through June 30, 2027. Her salary will be $235,000 prorated for the 2023-2024 school year, the district confirmed.

She was appointed in a vote of 6-0, with two abstentions by two board members who are not able to vote on certain personnel matters due to conflicts; one board member was absent from the meeting and therefore did not vote, the district said.

Hazel is currently the chief academic officer in the district, a position she has held for the past 11 years. She has also, during her 15 years in the district, had other leadership roles, including as assistant superintendent of student services and as administrative supervisor of curriculum and instruction.

Sampson said Hazel is the "perfect fit" for superintendent:

“Having served as the chief academic officer for the past 11 years, Dr. Hazel is the perfect fit to continue the exceptional work of the district. She will continue to foster an environment that believes in - and supports - all children, while ensuring that they are prepared to reach their full potential in life beyond our walls,” Sampson said.

Hazel said in a communication to the district that "as the chief academic officer for the past 11 years, I have worked side-by-side with Dr. Sampson, administrators, faculty, staff, and all of the stakeholders within the (district) community to develop, implement, and evaluate the goals and initiatives outlined in each of the district’s strategic plans."

Hazel has a broad background during a 30-year career in education.

She received a doctorate in Education Administration and Supervision from Seton Hall University and a master’s degree in Urban Education-Administration/Supervision from New Jersey City University, the district said.

She began her career as an educator in the Jersey City Public Schools, working her way up from high school teacher to vice principal to principal.

She came to the Freehold Regional High School District in January 2008 as an administrative supervisor, also serving as interim principal at Marlboro High School, and assistant superintendent of student services before beginning her role as chief academic officer, the district said.

"I am confident that my work and experiences in our district will result in a seamless transition to superintendent, where we will continue to work together and build upon our successes," she told the district.