HPPS Board Bulletin
Click here to view the board meeting
Superintendent’s Report: The Board welcomed Dr. Ravit Duncan, from Rutgers University, along with three 7th graders from the Middle School to share about their experiences and scientific findings from a study on the deer population in Highland Park. Click here to view their presentation that includes a video from the students. Additionally, Ms. Michele Rodrigues, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, shared information and data from the District’s NJ Performance Report. Click here to view the presentation.
Curriculum and Instruction:
Received a $500 BookSHELF grant from SPAN Parent Advocacy Network to inform families about literacy practices and the goal is to work in preschool and kindergarten. We support scheduling and structuring, but they do the training.
We will be applying for additional literacy funding, the Focus grant with the DOE, which will cover costs for universal screener in literacy if awarded.
The board approved a paid stipend for staff to run the Spanish club which will take into effect in the 26-27 school year.
The board approved an Event Monitor position which will be for public facing evening events such as a musical or choir performance. This would be hourly work for internal candidates who know the schools already. Training will be provided.
Based on the cell phone feedback form, the board is making revisions to the regulation. This will be shared at a future meeting. The policy will remain somewhat general to be applied differently across schools. There will be a full ban in Bartle and Middle School. At the HS, there will be an instructional ban. Still exploring how to store them, possibly pouches or lockers in the MS and HS. Bartle will use shoe racks.
Equity and Excellence: The Board adopted a new Comprehensive Equity Plan for 2025 through 2028. Click here to access the plan.
Finance and Facilities: The Board approved participation in coordinated transportation with a number of surrounding school districts, tuition rates, and medical, prescription, and dental plans for the 25-26 school year. The Food Service Management Contract for the 25-26 school year was renewed and awarded to Pomptonian Food Service. Also the Board voted to authorize the use of competitive contracting for the solicitation of Before & After School Program proposals.
Personnel: Please join us in welcoming our new staff -
Dr. Marc Mortellaro - Athletic Programs & Sports Medicine Administrator for the District
Dr. Derek Ressa - Interim Executive Director of Personnel and Student Services for the District
Christine Kent-Sharma - Supervisor of Accounting in the Business Office
Policy: The policy, 9322 Public and Executive Sessions Remote Participation was passed as a second and final reading. Click here to access this and other district policies and regulations.