Nicole Harris joins Board of Education
Steps into seat of resigned BOE member Kevin Michel
The board of education [BOE] voted to bring Nicole Harris onto the board at its Nov. 28 meeting after interviewing five members of the community to replace Kevin Michel.
Michel resigned in October, saying he had other commitments that needed his time and energy.
Board members unanimously approved Harris for the position, which has a term expiring next November.
“I am very excited to have her on board,” said board president Gregory Hopson after the vote. “She has the background in education and the necessary passion for children that this board needs and requires. Without a doubt, she was the perfect candidate for this vacancy.”
Harris graduated from Asbury Park High School in 1998 and her father and grandfather — Daniel Harris III and Daniel Harris Jr. — are both known as active community members in the city.
She has experience working with low-income families in a Newark Early Head Start Program.
“Her knowledge and passion for education and desire to make a positive difference in Asbury Park make her a phenomenal candidate and will make her an even better board member,” Superintendent Denise Lowe is quoted as saying in a pres release.
“I’m very excited, humbled and honored to be able to serve the children and families in Asbury Park, the same community that raised me,” Harris is quoted as saying in the release.
Other candidates for the spot included Alena Berry, Larry L. Calhoun Jr., Byron Dupree Hall and Gertrude Syphax. Candidates expressed interest by writing letters to the board following Michel’s resignation.
