Hunterdon Central Regional High School

Background

Hunterdon Central Regional High School (HCRHS) is a public high school located in Flemington, New Jersey, serving students from Delaware Township, East Amwell Township, Flemington Borough, Raritan Township, and Readington Township. Established in 1956, HCRHS has grown into one of the largest campus-style high schools in New Jersey, occupying a 72-acre campus that includes multiple classroom buildings, a music/communications building, an Instructional Media Center, and a 2,000-seat Fieldhouse.

The school's mission is to be an innovative educational community dedicated to the intellectual, social, and emotional safety and growth of all students. By fostering curiosity and promoting wellness, HCRHS aspires to create powerful learning experiences, establish strong partnerships, and serve as contributing members of society.

Key Strategic Focus

HCRHS emphasizes a rigorous and comprehensive academic program complemented by a diverse co-curricular program. The school offers 33 interscholastic athletic teams across 18 different sports and over 90 clubs and activities, including dramatics, student government, publications, service organizations, and award-winning music programs.

The school integrates technology into its curriculum, featuring wireless connectivity, digital multimedia devices, web publishing tools, and a wide array of subject-specific software to enhance students' comprehension and skills. Faculty and technology department staff have collaborated to create a forward-thinking guidance document on the use of Artificial Intelligence in education.

Financials and Funding

A performance audit conducted by the New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller identified weaknesses in certain fiscal and operating practices related to employee benefits. The audit found that the district could have saved up to approximately $2.3 million in FY 2023 by obtaining health benefits coverage from the School Employees’ Health Benefits Program (SEHBP). Additionally, the district paid $100,000 for health benefit waiver payments to eight employees who also received health insurance coverage paid for by the district through a family member employed with the district.

Pipeline Development

As an educational institution, HCRHS focuses on developing and enhancing its academic and co-curricular programs. Recent initiatives include the integration of advanced technology into the curriculum and the expansion of co-curricular activities to engage a broader student population.

Technological Platform and Innovation

HCRHS leverages a robust technological infrastructure to support its educational programs. The school features wireless connectivity, digital multimedia devices, web publishing tools, and a wide array of subject-specific software. Faculty and technology department staff have collaborated to create a forward-thinking guidance document on the use of Artificial Intelligence in education.

Leadership Team

As of August 24, 2024, Jessica Cangelosi-Hade serves as the Superintendent of HCRHS. She succeeded Dr. Jeffrey Moore, who served as Superintendent from July 1, 2017, until August 2024.

Leadership Changes

On August 24, 2024, Assistant Superintendent Jessica Cangelosi-Hade became the tenth Superintendent of HCRHS, succeeding Dr. Jeffrey Moore.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

HCRHS operates within a competitive educational landscape in New Jersey, where schools are evaluated based on academic performance, extracurricular offerings, and technological integration. The school's commitment to innovation and comprehensive student development positions it favorably within this market.

Competitor Analysis

Comparable institutions include North Hunterdon High School and Voorhees High School, both part of the North Hunterdon-Voorhees Regional High School District. These schools offer similar academic and extracurricular programs, making them direct competitors in attracting students from the region.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

HCRHS collaborates with local organizations and institutions to enhance its educational offerings. These partnerships provide students with opportunities for real-world learning experiences and community engagement.

Operational Insights

HCRHS's strategic focus on integrating technology into education, coupled with a diverse range of extracurricular activities, provides a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining students. The school's commitment to fostering curiosity and promoting wellness further differentiates it from competitors.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Future directions for HCRHS include expanding its technological infrastructure, developing new academic programs to meet emerging industry demands, and strengthening community partnerships to provide students with enhanced learning opportunities.