April 8, 2026 - Board Brief

After a restful Spring Break 🌷, the Board of Education returned to work on Wednesday evening.

The meeting opened with a presentation on the Capital Bond bid recommendations for Proposition 1 (Masonry Work only) and Proposition 3 (Burke Field Renovations). Kevin Sawyer of Triton Construction provided an overview of the bid results, including contractor recommendations, project scope, and cost analysis 🏗️. The presentation also included important information on the proposed artificial turf installation, such as product specifications, PFAS considerations, and independent testing measures to address environmental and community concerns.

Following a thorough discussion and detailed Board questions—particularly regarding turf materials and environmental impacts—the Board voted to approve the recommended bids 👍. Four members of the board voted to approve the recommended bids. One board member voted to not approve the bids. Two board members were not present at the meeting.

Renovations to the Burke Fields are scheduled to begin on June 1, 2026 (or upon completion of spring sports) with substantial completion expected by December 31, 2026. This will allow for use of key Burke fields for Spring 2027, while Lower Burke will remain under stabilization and maintenance until Summer 2027. The full Burke Estate will be closed during construction 🚧.

As a result, the June 18, 2026 HHS Graduation will be held on Reynolds Field 🎓, with Andy Clayman and his team coordinating logistics with Joe Martorana and the Facilities Department.

We also want to assure the community that the Fall 2026 athletic season will proceed as planned. All teams will have full opportunities to practice and compete. While some adjustments to locations and game schedules will be required, we are actively developing a plan to ensure a safe, organized, and positive experience for all student-athletes 🏑⚽. Additional details regarding practice and competition sites will be shared as they are finalized.

During a brief budget update, Dr. McKersie and Maureen Caraballo shared that the district continues to refine the proposed budget ahead of adoption, with additional adjustments expected through the 21st. The plan remains within the tax cap while prioritizing investments in special education and strengthening math programming, alongside all priority programs. Updates include a modest increase in utility costs due to higher usage and market rates, offset through revenue-side adjustments, including increased use of reserves. While reserve use will be higher than initially planned, the budget remains balanced, responsible, and aligned with long-term fiscal planning goals 📊.

Although not presented during the meeting, Dr. McKersie’s Superintendent’s Report is included in the official record (BoardDocs) and highlights recent district happenings 🏫. From Hillside students rescuing baby turtles and celebrating literacy through the Kindergarten “Love of Reading” Parade, to Farragut Middle School students exploring identity through art and earning recognition in the Harvard National Speech and Debate Tournament, and HHS students participating in WESEF and the Passion Project, the report showcases meaningful learning across all schools. It also reflects on Superintendent’s Conference Day and student-led conversations on race and belonging ✨.

Melissa Szymanski, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, presented an update on middle school ELA inquiry work with Diane Cunningham, focusing on common writing assessments to measure student growth through pre- and post-assessments. Teachers collaborated on assessment design and implementation planning. She also shared a draft 2026–2031 Curriculum Review Cycle developed with district stakeholders to guide future curricular work. Appreciation was extended to PTSA and SEPTA for recent Superintendent Forums 📚📊.

⚠️ Important Calendar Update: The Board approved the use of the two remaining 2025–26 inclement weather days 🌧️. As a result, school will now be closed on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 (the day after Memorial Day), extending the holiday weekend, and on Friday, June 26, 2026, making Thursday, June 25, 2026 the last day of school for the 2025–26 school year. The updated calendar reflects these changes 📅.

📌 The next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Hillside Multi-Purpose Room, where the Board will take action to adopt the 2026–2027 budget.

🎥 Due to a mid-meeting interruption in the livestream, a complete backup recording—including all presentations and discussions—will be available on YouTube next week. Stay tuned HERE.