February 2025 | DR. CHRISTINA KISHIMOTO
Three-time school Superintendent, Dr. Marnie Hazelton sits down for a Sunday afternoon chat with Dr. Christina Kishimoto to talk about her current leadership work in Englewood Public Schools in New Jersey. Marnie brings into her talk the criticalness of local history, local context, and the diverse cultures of Englewood as she talks about her priorities around equity of access and AI and technology.
Enjoy the conversation with Dr. Kishimoto and Dr. Hazelton below.
The following transcript has been edited for length and clarity.
Dr. Kishimoto
Happy Sunday, Dr. Hazelton. It’s great to sit with you. Welcome to The Stories We Must Tell. You’ve been such an inspiration as a superintendent in New Jersey, and we share a connection through New York. I’m excited to have this conversation.
Dr. Hazelton
Thank you! I’m honored to be here.
Dr. Kishimoto
We just saw each other at the Tech, Power, and Equity Conference in Phoenix, where you and your team delivered an amazing presentation. What was your experience at the conference?
Dr. Hazelton
It was wonderful. Spending three days with like-minded colleagues, women, was a phenomenal learning experience. We discussed how to empower all students—especially in AI and technology. The group included current and former superintendents and state leaders. I’ve already seen some of the people I met there at other events, which speaks to the powerful connections that are made. It’s great to meet face-to-face, ask follow-up questions, and keep building relationships. It was truly inspiring.
Dr. Kishimoto
Your session was fantastic, and your team is sharp. I loved how you tied the content to the unique context of Englewood. Could you tell me about your district and why its location matters to the story you’re telling?
Dr. Hazelton
Englewood, New Jersey, is in Bergen County, one of the wealthiest counties in the state, just six miles from Manhattan. We’re surrounded by diverse neighborhoods like Washington Heights, Harlem, and the Bronx. Many families move to Englewood for better schools, but the area has shifted over time. We have a mix of demographics, with a large Hispanic population (60-65%) and a significant Jewish and Asian community. Our public schools serve a diverse population, but many middle and upper-class families send their children to private or charter schools. This creates a challenge for us—how to bring those families back to public schools. I’m proud to say that I’ve seen progress in that direction, with families re-enrolling, especially as we work on making the curriculum more inclusive.
Dr. Kishimoto
Your work is impressive. Let’s dive into two specific areas: girls and technology. You’ve done great work with high school girls, particularly through civic education. You’ve taken them to D.C. to empower them to have a voice in policy. I know you’re also working on AI and tech. What are your goals around ensuring equity in those areas for young women in Englewood?
