Thursday, October 1, 2026
Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools has appointed longtime district educator Reina Hall as the new principal of Ogden Elementary School, bringing nearly two decades of experience in the district to the leadership role.
The Board of Education approved Hall’s appointment at a special meeting on July 20, and she officially began serving as principal on July 21. She succeeds former Ogden Elementary School Principal Nicola Lynch.
For Hall, the new position represents an opportunity to continue serving a community she has been part of for nearly two decades.
“It really feels like an extension, honestly, because it’s within the same district,” Hall said. “It’s such a dream. I know this community, I know the staff and I know what makes Ogden such a special place.”
Superintendent of Schools Dina Anzalone said Hall distinguished herself among a strong pool of candidates because of her leadership skills, commitment to students and deep understanding of the Hewlett-Woodmere community.
“Among a highly accomplished and talented pool of candidates, Mrs. Hall distinguished herself as the exceptional leader to serve as the next principal of Ogden Elementary School,” Anzalone wrote in a statement. “Having served the district for the past 18 years, Mrs. Hall has built meaningful relationships with our students, families and staff, earning the trust and respect of the entire community.”
Anzalone said Hall’s experience and dedication make her uniquely prepared to guide Ogden into its next chapter.
“Strong schools are built on relationships, consistency and a shared commitment to students,” Anzalone wrote. “Mrs. Hall embodies each of those qualities. She is a thoughtful, compassionate and highly respected educator who leads with integrity, listens carefully and always puts students first.”
Hall has more than 23 years of experience in education, including the last 18 years as a teacher and administrator in Hewlett-Woodmere. Most recently, she served as assistant principal at Hewlett Elementary School, a position she held since 2024.
Before moving into administration, Hall spent 16 years as a special education teacher in the district’s Integrated Co-Teaching Program and Self-Contained 12:1:1 Program. She also served as assistant principal of the district’s Summer Learning Academy in 2022 and 2023 and as technology integration lead teacher from 2023 to 2024.
Hall began her teaching career as a fifth-grade teacher at PS 14 Fairview School in Corona from 2003 to 2008.
Hall said her decision to apply for the Ogden position came from her desire to continue helping the district succeed.
“Ultimately, I want our district as a whole to succeed,” Hall said. “I’ve been here as a special education teacher for 16 years, then as assistant principal at Hewlett Elementary, and I felt like I knew I could do the job.”
Her years working alongside educators throughout the district have helped her build relationships that she hopes to continue strengthening.
“I know a lot of the staff because we worked together as teachers,” Hall said. “We learned and grew together throughout our educational careers, so I know what a special place this is.”
As she begins her first year as principal, Hall said her goal is to preserve Ogden’s traditions while continuing to build on the school’s strong foundation.
“Ogden has such a strong foundation,” she said. “They have traditions, they have a strong culture and they are a team here. My role will really be to continue to foster those traditions and build upon what already is a strong foundation.”
Hall described school leadership as a responsibility centered on serving students, families and staff.
“This position is a job of service,” she said. “You’re here to serve the community — teachers, staff, students, families and the district as a whole.”
