New Principal Appointed to Westfield High School

WESTFIELD, NJ — Dr. Derrick Nelson was unanimously appointed as Principal of Westfield High School during Tuesday night's Board of Education meeting.

His appointment is effective as of Feb. 7.

Nelson has been serving as Acting Principal of Westfield High School since August 2016 and held the position of Assistant Principal at the school since July 2012. He began his administrative role in the Westfield Public Schools as Assistant Principal of Roosevelt Intermediate School in 2010.

“Dr. Nelson has established himself as a well-respected and effective administrator, and I am pleased to recommend him for the position of Principal,” stated Superintendent of Schools, Margaret Dolan in a release. “This is not a decision I take lightly; our High School is a complex, active organization that requires an effective manager and a strong educational leader."

Before arriving in Westfield, Nelson served as assistant principal in two public schools in Orange, serving students from kindergarten through middle school level. He began his career in education in 2002 as a teacher in the Plainfield public schools.

Earning a Doctorate in Education Administration from Seton Hall University, Nelson also received a Master of Arts degree in Education Administration from Saint Peter’s College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication from Delaware State University. Nelson has also served as an officer in the US Army Reserve for more than 20 years, which included an assignment in the Middle East.

Nelson was chosen from five candidates interviewed. The five were chosen from more than 40 educational professionals.

“I am extremely humbled to be named Principal of Westfield High School," Nelson said. "Westfield High School holds a special place in my heart, and I look forward to coming to work every day. I am excited for the opportunity to continue to serve the great students, staff and parents of the Westfield High School community for years to come.”

(Image provided: Dr. Derrick Nelson)

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