Administration

Jessica Rios, Principal
Jessica Rios, Principal

Jessica Rios

Principal

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Stephanie Vargas-Milligan

Vice Principal

Mrs. Stephanie Vargas-Milligan is entering her thirteenth year as an educator within the Newark Board of Education.  Mrs. Vargas-Milligan graduated from Rutgers University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Latino Studies and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education with a Specialization in Middle School Social Studies.  She began her teaching career here in Newark where she taught second and third grade bilingual-Spanish for six years. During this time, Mrs. Vargas-Milligan earned a specialization certificate in Bilingual/Bicultural Education from New Jersey City University.  She began to develop leadership skills within her teaching career as Grade Level Lead, teacher mentor, and Emerging Leaders cohort member. These experiences led her to earn a second Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University receiving her certification as a  Principal.

Mrs. Vargas-Milligan has been a Vice Principal of Rafael Hernandez School since 2016. Here she oversees PK-2nd grade and the Bilingual/ESL program and school-based initiatives.

Mrs. Vargas-Milligan resides with her husband and two children.

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Robert Spat

Vice Principal

Mr. Spat earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies from Montclair State University in 2010, and went on to work for the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey. In 2013, he earned his teaching certifications through the New Jersey City University New Pathways Alternate Route program. Subsequently, he earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University in 2019.

In 2013, Mr. Spat began his teaching career in Union City, New Jersey, as a 7th Grade English Language Arts teacher. During this time, Mr. Spat utilized district assessment data to help develop an after school academic assistance program, directed a school-wide initiative that reduced student absences, and trained various educators across the district in utilizing distinctive teaching methodologies. He also served as the moderator for both the Forensics and Video Newsletter Teams, coordinating city-wide competitions and creating episodes for the school community.

Mr. Spat enjoys traveling, reading, exercising, sports, and binge-watching television with his wife. He is excited to join Newark Public Schools as a Vice Principal with Rafael Hernandez Elementary School. Go Sharks!