Hunterdon Central taps one of its own to be new superintendent

The Hunterdon Central Regional High School Board of Education has hired a new superintendent.

The school board voted unanimously Monday night to hire Jessica Cangelosi-Hade, who was serving as the assistant superintendent of curriculum and human resources, to the top post as of Aug. 24.

Cangelosi-Hade succeeds Jeffrey Moore, who left the district at the end of March to become the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction in the Mamaroneck Union Free School District in New York's Westchester County. Charles Shaddow had been serving as Hunterdon Central’s interim superintendent.

"Hunterdon Central is an incredible community, one that has been very special to me for the past five years," Cangelosi-Hade said. "Stepping into the role of superintendent here is an honor. I am deeply excited to continue to work alongside our dedicated educators and staff to continue advancing our academic programs and ensuring that every student has access to the best possible high school experience. I look forward to further engaging with the board, staff, students, parents, and the community to build on our strengths and fulfill our district mission."

Cangelosi-Hade joined Hunterdon Central in August 2019 as the director of curriculum and instruction and promoted to assistant superintendent in November 2023. During her tenure at Hunterdon Central, she has led the team of department supervisors, promoted collegiate dual enrollment partnership agreements and added 40 new eligible courses, managed the district’s state and federal grants, led articulation efforts with the pre-K-8 sending districts, oversaw staff evaluations and mentoring program, expanded the school’s magnet programs, coordinated professional development for staff and handled human resources issues along with serving as a mentor to many administrators and staff members, according to school officials.

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"Ms. Cangelosi-Hade is a hard-working, authentic and compassionate leader," said Sue Duggan, acting president of the Hunterdon Central Regional High School Board of Education. "In her five years at Hunterdon Central, many have witnessed her dedication, engagement and vision towards making our district what it is today. Her promotion is a testament to her valuable contributions and the respect she has earned from all of us."

Prior to coming to Hunterdon Central, Cangelosi-Hade was the supervisor of curriculum and instruction and then director of curriculum and academies for the Hunterdon County Vocational School District from 2012 to 2019. She began her career in education as a science teacher for Teach for America and then at Somerville Public Schools.

Cangelosi-Hade has been a member of local, state and national education committees, currently serving as a member of the Hunterdon County Curriculum Steering Committee, the New Jersey STEM Pathways Network and Innovation New Jersey. She has previously served on statewide committees and advisory groups specifically focused on Computer Science and Health Sciences education.

She received her bachelor's degree from Villanova University, her master’s in education secondary science from Pace University, her master’s in educational leadership from Concordia University, and is working toward her doctorate in education leadership.

email: cmakin@gannettnj.com

Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com , part of the USA Today Network. Contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or @CherylMakin . To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Hunterdon Central taps one of its own to be new superintendent