Mayor and Council Clash Over Field Committee Reconstitution, Elevate New Acting Police Chief

Overview: In a contentious Hillsdale Borough Council meeting held on September 12, council members and Mayor John Ruocco engaged in a debate over the reorganization of the field committee, initially formed in January. The discord emerged from Mayor Ruocco’s proposal to revamp the committee to include himself, replacing Councilman John Escobar.

Bergen Community College Board of Trustees Honors Late Steve Paulino with Scholarship

Overview: In a Bergen Community College Board of Trustees meeting held on September 6, 2023, members united in mourning and honoring the life and legacy of the late Steve Paulino, a former board member who served from November 2019 until his passing earlier this year. Alongside this, the board navigated discussions on new collaborations, celebrated student achievements, and steered the course for institutional accreditation.

South Bergen Jointure Commission Advances Inclusive Partnerships, Staff Changes, and Financial Health

Overview: In a recent meeting that spotlighted key issues affecting South Bergen Jointure Commission schools, the board members discussed several significant matters, including a new partnership with the Boys and Girls Club, a para-training agreement with Felician University, and important personnel changes.

School Board Ratifies Four-Year Labor Deal, Adjusts Policy for Online Instruction and HIB Cases

Overview: In a multifaceted session on July 17, 2023, the Hillsdale Board of Education ratified a significant Collective Negotiations Agreement (CNA) with the Hillsdale Education Association (HEA) while also approving new salary adjustments and revisions to online education and harassment policies.

Award-Winning Pascack Dance Team Makes Appeal for Uniform Funding

Overview: Members of the Pascack Regional Dance Team, which boasts over 22 national championship titles, appeared before the Pascack Valley School Board to appeal for financial assistance to purchase new uniforms. The appeal came amid discussions of remarkable advancements in standardized test scores and academic achievement metrics, with the district outperforming state averages in multiple categories.