The meeting commenced with a presentation from Principal Victoria Millard of the AP Morris Early Childhood Center, which serves 623 students from pre-K through first grade. The school’s focus on creating a positive learning environment was emphasized, with initiatives such as the Scratch Junior coding program being highlighted. This program introduces young students to coding in an interactive manner, and the school plans to expand it to kindergarten students in the 2025-2026 school year. A family coding night is scheduled for March 20, enabling parents to engage with the coding initiatives.

The community’s involvement was underscored by the success of the Family Math and Literacy Night, attended by over a hundred parents, where families received resources to support at-home learning. Principal Millard also reported an increase in academic performance, particularly in literacy benchmarks, attributing this success to strong family involvement and innovative educational programs.

The meeting also featured a segment where the valedictorian and salutatorian for Hillside High School’s class of 2025 were announced. Valedictorian Anthony Sana shared his transformative journey from being a BC student before the COVID-19 pandemic to achieving academic excellence, which resonated emotionally with attendees. Salutatorian Benjamin Pck expressed his future aspirations in electrical engineering. The high school’s decathlon team’s recent success was noted, as they placed third and prepared for the state competition.

The Hillside School Board is also focusing on addressing ongoing challenges within the district. A significant concern discussed was unpaid lunch balances, with a call for community support to mitigate these debts. It was noted that while 72% of students receive free or reduced lunch, outstanding balances remain a issue. Efforts to promote literacy were highlighted, with partnerships facilitating book distributions and mentoring sessions for students.

A new statewide initiative regarding a cell phone ban in schools was introduced, with the district preparing for its implementation. The need for an artificial intelligence policy was also acknowledged, with plans for board review in upcoming meetings. The superintendent emphasized the importance of reading, advocating for parents to engage in reading activities with their children at home to enhance academic success and personal development.

Public comments during the meeting addressed issues, including the condition of a plaque honoring former board member Robert Jones and concerns about the broadcasting of board meetings. Residents also raised questions about FAFSA and state aid changes, with the superintendent clarifying that while opting out of FAFSA is possible, it is important for securing financial aid for college-bound students. The superintendent also reported that Hillside receives over $2 million in grants, much of which supports mental health services.

In response to community feedback, the board discussed potential facility improvements and plans to ensure transparency and engagement in district activities.