KATE NUGENT has served on the Frenchtown Board of Education for 20 years, and as president for most of that time. Frenchtown has a seven-member elected board whose job is to ensure that the school is well run. Their duties include setting district policies and goals, overseeing the budget, hiring and evaluating administrators, and serving as the communications link between the community and the school. As president, Kate is the primary spokesperson for the board. She ensures that meetings are conducted efficiently and works closely with the superintendent to discuss long-range plans. The responsibilities of the president are different from other board members, but her authority is not. She still only has one vote.

Kate and her husband have lived in their home on Third Street since 1995 and have raised four children who all attended Frenchtown Elementary School and Del Val High School.

JIM HINTENACH, known to students and staff as Mr. H, is our chief school administrator. He oversees the daily operations of the school, working closely with administrators, teachers, support staff, students, and families, striving to ensure a positive and successful learning environment for all.

Jim’s role is to implement the board’s vision and policies.

Jim is a graduate of Del Val High School who spent nearly the first 20 years of his career working in a private special education school, serving and supporting students with multiple disabilities. Now in his seventh year at the Frenchtown School, Jim is most proud of the dedicated Frenchtown School team, as well as the many meaningful community relationships he has built throughout his time in Frenchtown.

Jim resides in Holland Township with his supportive wife, their two children, and their dog, Tank.