A primary focus of the meeting was the report on Hillside High School’s academic initiatives and student accomplishments. The school serves approximately 876 students from diverse backgrounds, and there has been a concerted effort to improve communication with families through translations in school communications. The expansion of AP, CTE, and dual enrollment programs was emphasized, with particular attention to Algebra 1 instruction, deemed critical for success in upper-level math. The collaboration with NTN to enhance conceptual understanding has been a key component of this initiative. Additionally, 45 students have already earned the Seal of Biliteracy in languages including Spanish, Portuguese, and French, with further assessments scheduled for January.

In addition to academic programs, the school celebrates other achievements, such as scholarships, industry certifications, and university acceptances. Athletics and extracurricular activities have also been sources of pride, reflecting strong participation and successful outcomes. The school encourages community engagement through events like the National Honor Society induction and movie nights, fostering a sense of community and support.

The board meeting also served as a platform for public comments, where concerns regarding staff contracts were raised. A speaker introduced herself as a paraprofessional and the president-elect of the Hillside Association of Power Professionals Union. She expressed frustration over delayed contract finalizations, particularly regarding promised pay for additional duties such as toileting and substitute coverage. The speaker urged the board to resolve these contractual issues, emphasizing the vital role of paraprofessionals in the educational environment.

Another speaker, identifying as the president of the Hillside Education Association, welcomed a board member and expressed a desire for continued collaboration. She also acknowledged a prevalent illness affecting the community, wishing the board a happy holiday season.

Beyond these discussions, Dr. Perez provided an update on district matters. She emphasized the importance of teamwork across all levels, recognizing the contributions of every staff member, from custodians to directors. A new initiative to celebrate staff members at each school was announced, starting with AP Morris, where nine staff members were honored. Dr. Perez shared plans for an upcoming community event featuring “hot cocoa and hot tea,” aimed at fostering connections between community members and school officials.

Further updates from Dr. Perez included the successful implementation of intervention programs for tier two students and the inclusion of second graders in assessment data to aid instructional planning. She highlighted progress in the Seal of Biliteracy program, celebrating the significant increase in students achieving this honor.

Dr. Perez also addressed the Hillside Innovation Academy’s integration of technology in the classroom and the success of parent engagement events across different schools. Efforts to promote trauma-informed practices among staff were discussed, along with recent assemblies educating students on the effects of vaping and opiate use on mental health.

The establishment of a special education parent advisory group was introduced, aimed at fostering conversations about the adequacy of services provided to students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Dr. Perez stressed the importance of recognizing all staff contributions, not just those of teachers, and discussed initiatives to strengthen community and collaboration within the district.

Following these reports, the board transitioned to committee reports. The finance committee discussed various financial agenda items, while the buildings and grounds committee reported on the acceptance of school bus emergency evacuation drill reports and the disposal of depreciated school buses. The education committee focused on a new international exchange program and confirmed the Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) report. Lastly, the labor committee addressed both agenda and non-agenda items.