HPPS Board Bulletin
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Superintendent’s Report: The Superintendent’s report highlighted the achievements and contributions of several students. The report began with a student spotlight recognizing Jasmine Levister, Justice Boyd, and Kailee Clarge from Bartle, for their positive accomplishments and representation of school values. The Board also celebrated Alissia Dumitru and Andreea Dumitru for their outstanding performances on the tennis court!
Curriculum and Instruction: The board approved several new and revised high school courses for the 2026-2027 school year. These offerings expand opportunities across multiple disciplines, including updates to Skills for Success and Astronomy and Space Science, as well as new courses in mathematics, world languages, English, and interdisciplinary studies. Together, these additions strengthen student pathways in career-technical education, literacy, global perspectives, and advanced academics, ensuring a more diverse and engaging curriculum for students in grades 9–12.
Equity and Excellence: Ms. Baldizzone and Mr. DiPane presented updates on RISE Jr and RISE. Both programs continue to provide a structured day of academic, restorative, and therapeutic support time during in-school suspension. A comparison of discipline data from last fall shows an overall decrease in discipline incidents and suspensions.
Finance and Facilities: Thank you to the Highland Park Borough Commission for Universal Access, Highland Park Educational Foundation, Highland Park Athletic Boosters, Raceway Petroleum, Inc. and the Class of 1975 for their donations to the school district. All of these donations were approved by the Board. Change orders for the Bartle Structural Repair and Bartle Bathroom Alteration were approved, along with the DOE submission of the Lead Service Line Replacement project for the high school to be funded by a Water Infrastructure Grant.
Personnel: Please join us in welcoming our new staff -
William (Leo) Mormile - Orchestra Teacher at the High School
Diedra Chatman - Media Specialist at the High School
Andrew Berenguer - Special Education Teacher, Bartle School
Policy: For first reading, the Board moved revisions to the Organizational Chart (1110) and Control of Communicable Disease (R8451). Additionally, the board moved policies for a second and final reading addressing Acceptable Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Policy 2365), Academic Integrity (Policy 5701), and Bed Bugs (Policy and Regulation 7424).
Board Liaison Report/Old Business: The district remains committed to strengthening SEPAG and supporting meaningful parent engagement. We appreciate the contributions of past SEPAG leadership and all parents who dedicate their time and advocacy. We are collaborating with Rutgers BBI and other partners to co-construct norms that support effective, inclusive meetings and to maintain a balanced approach between district involvement and parent-led efforts. Our ongoing priority is improving communication and trust with our special education families.Parents of students in special education that are interested in being a part of SEPAG should reach out to Ms. Amy Coppola at acoppola@hpschools.net.