Vice Principals
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.
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!
Jacqueline Manning
Vice Principal
Jacqueline Manning is an experienced and intrinsically motivated instructional leader committed to the success of her school. In 2013, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Centenary University where she held several leadership positions in Student Government and Education Honor Society. Mrs. Manning developed a passion for leadership early on. After years of teaching in Newark, she earned her Master’s Degree from Rowan University where she graduated with a 4.0 GPA. Mrs. Manning has worked in several schools across the city and, in 2018, was recognized as Teacher of the Year for Chancellor Avenue School. Along with teaching, Jacqueline Manning has also served as a cheerleading coach and math tutor in Newark for several years. Grateful to join Rafael Hernandez School as a Vice Principal, Jacqueline Manning will continue to utilize her expertise in educational leadership and learn new, valuable, skills along the way.