The board approved aly discussed new teacher contract, which had garnered strong support from the Hillside Education Association. The association president expressed optimism before the vote, highlighting that the membership had ratified the contract earlier in the week. This approval marks a notable step toward stabilizing the district’s teaching workforce, particularly in high-demand areas such as math and science.

During the meeting, concerns were raised about teacher turnover, especially in math and science—a challenge acknowledged by the board and the superintendent. The superintendent noted that these subjects are the hardest to fill, emphasizing the necessity of competitive salaries to attract and retain qualified educators. The board discussed the recruitment process and the need to align salaries with neighboring counties to mitigate these staffing challenges.

Superintendent Erskine R. Glover presented a report, emphasizing the importance of active learning environments and clear communication within the district. He highlighted the reintroduction of the student voice to the board, with the new student representative, UI Cole, a junior from Hillside High School’s student council, now participating in board meetings.

The superintendent also revealed that various awareness months would be recognized in October, such as breast cancer and cyber security awareness. He mentioned an ongoing cyber security audit that has provided valuable insights into the district’s current standing. Glover praised the efforts of educators, particularly in primary grades, for rising to new challenges to ensure all students achieve proficiency.

Student attendance and achievement metrics were another focal point of the meeting. The superintendent introduced a challenge aimed at achieving 100% attendance. Applause followed the announcement that the Early Childhood Center was the first to reach this milestone, with Hillside Academy close behind. The district’s average daily attendance has been over 95%, with some schools, like Old Edwards, maintaining rates above 96%. Glover expressed gratitude to parents for their role in ensuring students are ready for school, noting the critical link between attendance and student success.

For the first time in over a decade, the district’s free and reduced lunch status exceeded 50%, directly influencing funding for Title One programs. A new tutoring program, set to begin on October 1st, will increase the number of participants compared to the previous year, extending services to students in grades three through eight. Additionally, a partnership with Scholastic will involve 115 community mentors reading to students, including 87 high school students.

Public comments during the meeting highlighted community concerns about tutoring limitations and educational quality. Resident Angela Lawler questioned why only 60 students would receive tutoring, advocating for broader access to these services. Another resident, Vanessa, expressed frustration over her daughter’s class placement.

The board’s approval of a new curriculum was also addressed, with plans to ensure staff receive adequate training for effective classroom instruction. Furthermore, the district’s investment in high-tech digital devices for the high school CAD classroom was noted, creating new educational pathways from middle school through high school.

Superintendent Glover announced that the next board meeting would feature data from the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment conducted in the spring of 2024. He emphasized the power of data to narrate the district’s story, with current enrollment figures at 2,952 students and projections to exceed 3,000. These metrics are closely tied to the district’s priority goals, focusing on student success and continuous improvement.

Recognition of student achievements also took center stage. Miss Iang discussed the accomplishments of students from the Technology Student Association at Hillside High School, who competed in a national event in Orlando, Florida. Superintendent Glover praised Miss Iang’s dedication to her students, noting her efforts to ensure they were well-prepared and appropriately attired for competitions.

The meeting concluded with various updates on district activities, including a report from the finance committee about building and grounds transfers and the acquisition of new buses. The collaborative tone of the meeting was reinforced by acknowledgments of the hard work by the human resources department and the broader district community in overcoming staffing challenges.

A newly appointed head basketball coach addressed attendees, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and commitment to the community. The meeting ended with an invitation for public input, emphasizing respectful discourse and legal considerations regarding comments about students and staff.