HPPS Board Bulletin
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Superintendent’s Report: The Board had the honor of celebrating three dedicated retirees whose service and impact are going to leave a lasting legacy on our district. Congratulations to Ms. May Lewis, Ms. Lianee Nagy, and Ms. Alima Zimmer. We also recognized and thanked our two exceptional student board representatives, Seth Shapiro and Ana Juricic, for their thoughtful contributions and leadership this past year.
Dr. Susca also provided an update on overnight, out-of-state field trips. Following the adoption of the 2025–2026 budget, a request for such a trip was received. However, Dr. Susca placed a pause on approval because our operating budget did not allocate funds for these types of excursions. While these experiences are valuable, we have observed increasing costs over time—including staff travel, meals, hotel accommodations, and substitute coverage.
To ensure financial sustainability and equity across schools and student groups, we are exploring a new model that limits the district’s financial contribution—not to eliminate trips, but to share costs more effectively. We are considering expanded use of student activity funds, third-party travel agencies, and more strategic planning to minimize financial strain. Dr. Susca has been working with staff to finalize guidelines and budgeting tools, and we expect to have a revised model ready over the summer to support trip planning for the 2025–2026 school year.
Curriculum and Instruction: The board approved one field trip for high school in our extended school year program, staff evaluation instruments and the required reapproval of the Safe Opening and Continuity of Service Plan, which has no updates this year. The board also approved several Rutgers University student teachers who will be completing their field experiences with district staff and a new Schedule B Spanish Club at the high school. Additional approvals included the spring school bus emergency drill report, acceptance of the FOCUS grant, which will fund the district’s Universal Literacy Screener, and two agreements with higher education institutions that will support interns placed at the Teen/Tween Center.
Finance and Facilities: The Board voted to approve a bid for renovation to one boys’ bathroom at Bartle and to approve a bid to remove hazardous chemicals stored at the high school. In addition, the Board voted on prices with no increase for breakfast and lunch for the 25-26 school year. Out of district school placements were approved, along with contracts for service providers for the Educational Services Department.
Personnel: Please join us in welcoming our new staff -
Timothy Lake - Technician for the District
Erica Martone Rocha - Part-Time Art Teacher at Irving School
Michael Spino - Guidance Counselor at the Middle School
Hannah Mendez - Elementary Teacher at the Bartle School
Policy: The Board approved two items for first reading, the first is the changes to policy and regulation 5516 - Use of Electronic Communication Devices, and the second is policy and regulation 9320 - Cooperation with Law Enforcement Agencies. Next month, both of these will be on the agenda for a second and final reading. It is important to share that the regulation 5516 involves a total ban of cell phones and other electronic communication and recording devices at Irving, Bartle and Middle School next year, as well as a ban during instructional time at the High School.
Congratulations to Dr. Susca!
The board voted to rescind Dr. Susca’s current 2022-2027 contract and approve a new contract for 2025-2030. Dr. Susca has been a visionary and strategic leader dedicated to our district’s values and to our students’ academic and social-emotional growth. We appreciate her continued commitment to Highland Park schools!