Residents, teachers urge Hillside district to sustain home-instruction program and keep tutor Anthony Salters

Community members and school staff told the Hillside Public School District Board of Education that the district’s home-instruction program provides essential services for students who cannot attend regular classes and urged officials to preserve funding and staff.

Barris Grant, a community member, said he was "here tonight in support of Anthony Salters," calling Salters "a pillar in the community" and a long‑time advocate and mentor for students and athletic programs. Ann Marie Cumberbatch, a Hillside parent, said the district serves "a student population of over 3,000 children" and described home instruction as "not merely an alternative, but an essential educational service that ensures continuity of learning and prevents academic setbacks." Cumberbatch said Salters currently supervises six students, including her son, who she said is three classes away from graduating high school after this year.

"Home instruction is not a one‑size‑fits‑all solution," Cumberbatch said, adding it "maintains academic progress and prevents learning gaps, addresses individualized education program requirements, provides free appropriate public education, which is FAPE, as mandated by law, ensures flexibility and accessibility for students with varying needs, supports students struggling with school anxiety and school refusal, [and] facilitates a structured approach to students transitioning back to school." She urged the district to "ensure that [home instruction] remains fully funded and accessible."

Jevon Roberson, a teacher at HIA, also spoke in support of Mr. Salters and praised staff at his school, saying their work "reinvigorated my feelings and my passion" for teaching. Roberson added that school custodians and other support staff are important to daily operations and student morale.

District officials acknowledged the program during the public comment response portion of the meeting and said program funding and staffing are part of broader budget discussions. The superintendent noted multiple programs and staff positions are being considered as part of budget planning but did not announce any formal changes to the home‑instruction program during the public meeting.

Speakers at the meeting asked the school board and district leadership to recognize the value of individual home instructors and to protect the program’s funding so students who rely on home instruction can continue to progress academically.