Caldwell-West Board appoints Jasmine Akawolo principal of Jefferson Elementary

The Caldwell-West Caldwell Board of Education voted 5-0 on Nov. 5 to appoint Jasmine Akawolo as principal of Jefferson Elementary School after Superintendent Dr. Furnari recommended her for the position.

Dr. Furnari told the board Akawolo previously served as program supervisor of world languages and English-language learner and bilingual education for the Rahway Public Schools and described her as a "talented, energetic leader who builds strong and collaborative working relationships." He said she holds a Master of Education from The College of New Jersey, completed her undergraduate degree at Rutgers University, and earned administrative certification through the New Jersey expedited certification for educational leaders program (NJXL). He also noted Akawolo has taught as an adjunct instructor at Union College and Middlesex College and is enrolled in a doctoral cohort at Georgian Court.

Akawolo, introduced at the public meeting, thanked board members, the interview committee and the Jefferson community. "I'm so happy to be here tonight," she said, and added she looked forward to working with staff, students and families and to supporting a smooth transition following Principal Ayers's retirement.

Upon the superintendent's recommendation, the board made a motion to approve the appointment as item A under certificated staff and personnel. A second was given and the roll call vote recorded five votes in favor; the presiding officer announced the motion carried 5-0.

Board President Mrs. Grosso reminded attendees that while the meeting was streamed, community questions and comments were welcome in person and asked that time with the new principal be arranged privately after the meeting so families could speak one-on-one. The board also noted the regular monthly meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 10 at James Caldwell High School and indicated that meeting is an agenda-setting session rather than a voting meeting.

No additional personnel details, salaries or contract terms were discussed on the public record. The board said matters that required confidentiality had been handled in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, NJSA 10:4-6, and that any information to be made public would be released when confidentiality no longer applied.