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Plainfield Board of Education Holds Reorganization Meeting, Re-Elects Leadership and Welcomes New Members
PLAINFIELD, NJ – January 7, 2026 – The Plainfield Board of Education held its Annual Reorganization Meeting on Tuesday, January 6, at the Charles and Anna Booker Elementary School, marking the start of a new leadership term and the continuation of the district’s work to move Plainfield Public Schools forward.
During the meeting, Hanae M. Wyatt was re-elected to serve as President of the Plainfield Board of Education for a fourth consecutive year, and Victor L. Webb, Jr. was re-elected as Vice President. Their reappointment reflects the Board’s commitment to steady leadership, collaboration, and keeping students at the center of every decision.
“Being re-elected to serve as Board President for a fourth consecutive year is an honor that I hold with great respect,” said Wyatt. “I am grateful for the trust placed in me and fully aware of the responsibility that comes with it. This work is incredibly rewarding, but it is not easy, not because public education is failing, but because it is changing. As a Board, we remain committed to meeting that change with courage, transparency, and a steadfast focus on our students.”
The Board welcomed two newly elected members, DeShawne Allen-Jordan and Tamara Douglas, along with incumbent Willie P. Hembree, who was re-elected to continue her service. Running as the Empowerment Through Education team, the slate earned a clean sweep in the November election and will serve a three-year term through December 2029.
Allen-Jordan brings a strong background in parent leadership and community advocacy. Her journey in education leadership began as a PTO President, where she worked closely with families, educators, and administrators to expand opportunities for students. She currently serves as Vice President of the Plainfield Booster Club and is the founder of the Dii’Jon Allen-Jordan Foundation, which focuses on youth empowerment and family engagement.
Douglas, a lifelong Plainfield resident and proud graduate of Plainfield Public Schools, joins the Board with years of experience as a preschool teacher and as a parent. Her work has centered on creating supportive, effective learning environments and advocating for educators to ensure classrooms are equipped with the resources students need to succeed. Her commitment to education, equity, and community continues to guide her service.
Hembree, a retired Plainfield High School teacher with more than 30 years in the classroom, continues her long-standing dedication to the district. Throughout her career, she emphasized culturally responsive teaching practices that ensured students saw themselves reflected in the curriculum. As a Board member, she remains focused on policies that promote equity and academic success for all students.
The newly appointed Board members expressed their gratitude to the Plainfield community for placing their trust in them and shared their readiness to take on the responsibility of serving the district.
Superintendent of Schools Rashon K. Hasan, Ed. S. acknowledged the new members and took a moment to recognize those who previously served the Board.
“I want to begin by recognizing and thanking two outgoing Board members, Commissioner Shonte Smith and Commissioner Azim Gray, said Superintendent Hasan. Over the last three years, you each dedicated your time and leadership to public service. You contributed to important decisions, asked necessary questions, and showed up for our students and community. On behalf of Plainfield Public Schools, thank you for your service, and we wish you continued success in what comes next. To our new commissioners, congratulations, welcome, and let’s move the district forward.”
Hasan continued, “As we begin a new year of Board leadership, I want to anchor our work in one word: coherence. Coherence is how we stay aligned across governance, strategy, schools, and classrooms. It means our goals, decisions, resources, and daily actions point in the same direction
The reorganization meeting highlighted a shared focus among Board members, supporting students, strengthening schools, and working in partnership with the community to ensure Plainfield Public Schools continues to grow and thrive.
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