Board told state denied charter application; Hillside students ask board to restore final‑exam exemptions

During the public‑comment period of the May 29 Hillside Board of Education meeting, resident Angela Lawler asked for an update on a previously discussed charter‑school application. Superintendent David Glover told the board the application was denied by the New Jersey Department of Education in early May, avoiding an estimated $5 million district budget impact.

“...we were notified that the charter school application had been denied by the New Jersey Department of Education,” Glover said, and he thanked local elected officials, associations and county and state partners who advocated with the district on the issue.

Two high‑school students addressed the board about the district’s final‑exam exemption policy. Sophomore Rachel Valerino and tenth‑grade honor student Juliana Diaz said students had understood that a course average of 95 or above would permit exemption from a course final, and argued that the rule change—announced close to finals—was unfair and stressful.

Valerino said the exemption had been understood throughout the year and that losing it “has caused disappointment” for students who worked to maintain high averages. Diaz said exemptions reward consistent effort, reduce test‑related anxiety and encourage studying over cramming. Both asked the board to reconsider the policy and to provide immediate clarity to students and families.

Superintendent Glover acknowledged the petitions and said he received about 1,000 signatures before the Memorial Day break; he promised to meet with Principal Terry Willard and the administrative team and to identify the number of students affected. “If we can truly identify those students who are truly eligible…we will make sure we get an answer to you way before final exam,” Glover said.

The board took no formal vote on the exam policy during the meeting; Glover said he and the principal would follow up with a determination.