Hazlet BOE Appoints New Superintendent

An announcement from the Hazlet School District:

The Hazlet Township Board of Education named Dr. Bernard F. Bragen Jr. as Superintendent of Schools by unanimous vote at its Oct. 18 meeting.

Bragen’s educational experience includes working as a special education teacher, learning disabilities teacher consultant, supervisor of special services, assistant principal, principal, and most recently as assistant superintendent for Hazlet Township Public Schools.  

According to a released issued by the Hazlet Board of Education, Bragen helped oversee the implementation of several initiatives that have had a profound impact on the students in the Hazlet School District. Under the direction of the Board of Education two years ago, the district was reconfigured, which created an Early Childhood Learning Center to provide full-day kindergarten with no additional teaching staff, balanced class sizes in grades first through fourth, and subject-specific instruction in grades 5 and 6. The reconfiguration also permitted the district to create a three-tier transportation system, providing transportation to more students at a reduced cost. 

“The Board, and the entirety of Hazlet Township, are fortunate to be able to turn to such a high-caliber individual to lead the District as Dr. Bragen," Stephen F. Willig, president of the Board of Education, said. "Through our direct involvement with Dr. Bragen over the past four years, the board has seen the superior quality and character of this individual demonstrated on a daily basis. In the process of reaching a determination on who would be the next superintendent, the board noted how impressed we were not only with Dr. Bragen’s demonstrated achievements in the district but also with his vision for ongoing improvements. We will continue to expect great achievements by our students under the new supervision and guidance of Dr. Bragen.” 

Bragen replaced Dr. William O. George, who left Hazlet last month to become the superintendent of Middletown Township Public Schools. Bragen has served as assistant superintendent of schools in Hazlet since November of 2007. 

“I am grateful for the opportunity provided to me to represent such a progressive school district and to work for a board of education whose forward thinking has led to the creation of numerous initiatives that enhance the educational programs for our students,” Dr. Bragen said. “I look forward to the opportunity to lead a team that can build upon the strong educational foundation created by previous administrations and boards of education."

Several “Meet the Superintendent” events will be scheduled over the next weeks, giving Hazlet residents the chance to have a cup of coffee with the new Superintendent and to discuss the Hazlet Township Public Schools.