New Principal Named At Wayne Township Middle School

WAYNE, NJ — Schuyler-Colfax Middle School will have a new principal when students return to classrooms this fall, with a longtime Wayne educator moving into the school's top leadership role.

The Wayne Township Board of Education announced the appointment of Nicole Rodriguez as principal of Schuyler-Colfax Middle School as part of a trio of new administrative appointments announced this week.

Rodriguez is no stranger to the district — or Schuyler-Colfax. She is entering her 22nd year in education and has spent the majority of her career working in Wayne Township Public Schools.

Rodriguez began her career at Bloomfield Middle School, teaching seventh- and eighth-grade mathematics for two years. She joined Wayne schools in 2006 as an eighth-grade math teacher at George Washington Middle School, a position she held for 12 years.

She later moved into administration as assistant principal for mathematics and science, providing curriculum and instructional leadership across Wayne's three middle schools for five years.

Most recently, Rodriguez served for three years as assistant principal at Schuyler-Colfax, working alongside Principal Heather Weinstein. In that role, Rodriguez helped support the school's efforts to build community, foster students' academic and social growth and develop responsible decision-makers, according to the district.

Rodriguez earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education and psychology from The College of New Jersey in 2004. She also holds master's degrees in Teaching Middle Grades Mathematics and Educational Leadership from Montclair State University.

As she takes over as principal, Rodriguez said she is looking forward to welcoming students, staff and families back in September and building on Schuyler-Colfax's traditions and sense of community.

Two Other Administrators Appointed

The district also announced two other administrative appointments.

Dr. Christopher Abbaleo was named assistant superintendent of human resources and professional development. Abbaleo comes to Wayne after serving as assistant superintendent at the Marion P. Thomas Charter School District, where his responsibilities included human resources, curriculum and instruction, professional development and state and federal grant programs.

Abbaleo previously held several school leadership positions and began his education career as a high school biology teacher. He holds a doctorate in STEM Education and Innovation from the University of South Carolina, a master's degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University and a bachelor's degree in Biology from Montclair State University.

Jennifer Montana was also appointed director of student support and intervention services. Montana has worked in Wayne schools for more than a decade, including nearly 10 years as a school counselor at Wayne Valley High School. She later supervised district counselors and nurses and most recently worked as a counselor at Schuyler-Colfax Middle School.

Montana holds degrees in psychology, school counseling and educational leadership, as well as a principal certification.

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The first day of school in Wayne School District is Sept. 8.