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Superintendent Volpe cites academic gains, safety upgrades and new funding in 2025 review
Summary
Superintendent Volpe told the board that Hillsborough saw improved rankings and achievement in 2025, significant safety upgrades, an S&P upgrade for the districts long-term rating and new state funding including Hazel Health approval for teletherapy and $1,657,000 for capital projects.
Superintendent Volpe delivered an extensive summary of district accomplishments in 2025, highlighting gains in student achievement, intensive safety investments and new external funding.
Volpe said the district improved its statewide and national standing, noting a Niche ranking and elementary schools gains in U.S. News & World Report listings. He cited a middle school among only 14 in the state to reach a high Algebra I pass rate for economically disadvantaged students and spotlighted teacher awards for Anjana Iyer and Mary Beth Hughes.
On safety, Volpe described upgrades including swipe access controls at Wotton Road Intermediate School, panic alarms in every building and an expanded high-school security office with a multi-monitor system for over 40 camera feeds. He said those efforts helped produce an 86% drop in suspensions for fighting at the high school and a similar reduction districtwide.
Volpe also discussed technology and services: the district has rolled out AI tools, including a chatbot and an AI HR assistant, and was featured in a national Lenovo case study. He said Hillsborough became the first New Jersey district approved for part of a $1,000,000 state allocation to provide no-cost online therapy through Hazel Health to the districts roughly 7,200 students, and that the district secured $1,657,000 in direct state funding for capital projects such as turf replacement and gym bleachers.
Financially, Volpe noted S&P Global Ratings upgraded the districts long-term rating from AA-minus to AA and the annual audit returned an unmodified opinion with no material weaknesses.
"That's what we're really here for," Volpe said, summing up the districts focus on student success and safety. He closed by citing student achievements including a state championship for the inaugural Unified Robotics Team and steps to increase physical inclusivity in playgrounds.
