Dr. Donald Howard Jr. Elected Hillside School Board President Amid Tie-Breaking Vote

Overview: The Hillside School Board meeting on November 4, 2025, unfolded with developments, particularly the election of Dr. Donald Howard Jr. as president following a tie-breaking vote. The session also saw the swearing-in of newly elected board members and the appointment of Marjorie Hargrave as vice president.

Hillside School Board Reviews Academic Initiatives and Delays in Staff Contracts

Overview: At the recent Hillside School Board meeting, discussions revolved around enhancing academic programs and addressing delays in staff contracts. The board highlighted progress in expanding Advanced Placement (AP), Career and Technical Education (CTE), and dual enrollment opportunities, while also acknowledging ongoing contractual negotiations for paraprofessionals. The meeting served as a platform to recognize student achievements and staff contributions, with public comments shedding light on pressing labor issues.

Hillside School Board Appoints Acting Superintendent Amid Community Concerns and Initiatives

Overview: In a recent Hillside School Board meeting, Dr. Gretto Perez was appointed as the acting superintendent in a unanimous decision. The meeting also highlighted pressing community issues, including concerns about special education services, ongoing outreach initiatives, and the board’s recognition of student achievements.

Hillside School Board Grapples with Payroll Failures and New Cell Phone Policy

Overview: The Hillside School Board meeting was marked by discussions around systemic payroll failures affecting district employees, the introduction of a new cell phone policy, and various community initiatives. The meeting revealed concerns from educators about payroll issues, while Superintendent Glover acknowledged the challenges and outlined steps the district plans to take to address them. The board also discussed a new ordinance targeting vaping and substance use, the success of student programs, and the importance of community engagement.

Hillside School Board Grapples with Budget Shortfalls Amid Enrollment Declines

Overview: The Hillside School Board meeting focused on budgetary challenges, including a $1.1 million decrease in state aid and a reduction in a major mental health grant, prompting discussions about raising local taxes to offset these financial losses. Superintendent Erskine Glover stressed the impact of these reductions on the district’s financial planning, noting that the loss of state aid and the mental health grant has created substantial fiscal pressure. The board deliberated on potential solutions, including a proposed increase in local tax levies, which have remained steady over the past three years, with only minor increases in the last eight years. The most recent 2% increase translates to an estimated $7 per month for the average homeowner.