Metuchen Board reorganizes; Dr. Hazel Ann Johnson Marcus elected president, Chris Derflinger elected vice president

The Metuchen Board of Education on Jan. 6 held its annual reorganization meeting, swore in newly elected members and chose its leadership for 2026.

Newly seated board members completed the oath of office at the start of the meeting. Jennifer Zimmerman swore to uphold the U.S. and New Jersey constitutions and to perform the duties of a board member, saying, “I, Jennifer Zimmerman, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the state of New Jersey.” Felicia Killeen was also sworn in during the same proceeding.

Shortly after, the board conducted nominations for president. Mr. Glassberg nominated Dr. Hazel Ann Johnson Marcus ‘‘for another year’’ in the role; the body cast written ballots and the chair announced the result as unanimous. Dr. Hazel Ann Johnson Marcus then addressed the board, saying she was “honored and humbled” to be reelected by her colleagues and expressing pride in the district’s recent facility investments and a commitment to equity and inclusive curriculum as the board moves into 2026.

The board also elected Chris Derflinger as vice president by unanimous written ballot after a nomination from the chair and a second, and the results were recorded in the public minutes.

The elections and oaths were taken at the top of the meeting and were entered into the public record. The newly elected leadership will preside over the board’s business and committee formation for 2026.