Montville, NJ — The Montville Township Public Schools Board of Education convened on Nov. 19 to address two notable matters: the proposed contract extension for Superintendent Dr. Thomas Gorman and Hilldale Elementary School’s recent recognition as a Blue Ribbon School.
In a move that caught the community’s attention, the board began the formal process to extend Dr. Gorman’s contract, currently set to expire on June 30, 2026. The board plans to finalize this motion with a vote at the Jan. 7, 2025 meeting, potentially extending his tenure to June 30, 2029. Meanwhile, Hilldale Elementary School’s principal, staff, and students proudly showcased their Blue Ribbon School designation, blending professional accolades with a heartwarming student-led presentation.
Superintendent Contract Extension Moves Forward
Dr. Gorman, who has led the district through significant milestones, confirmed the details of the motion to extend his contract during the meeting. Under district protocol, the motion will be published twice before the board’s official vote early next year.
The superintendent’s willingness to continue in his role aligns with approval from the County Superintendent, signaling confidence in his leadership. Board members and attendees shared mixed reactions, reflecting the weight of decisions involving district leadership. While some praised Gorman’s contributions, others suggested that discussions around such extensions require more transparency and community input.
Dr. Gorman’s current contract still has two and a half years remaining, but extending it now underscores the board’s intent to maintain continuity in leadership. This early renewal also aligns with a broader trend in education governance to secure long-term commitments from top administrators.
Hilldale Elementary Honored as a Blue Ribbon School
The meeting took on a celebratory tone when Hilldale Elementary School Principal Jill Cisneros presented on the school’s recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School in the category of Exemplary High Performing Schools. The award, bestowed by the Department of Education, highlights Hilldale’s innovative teaching methods, strong community partnerships, and data-driven success strategies.
In her presentation, Cisneros underscored the school’s focus on collaboration among educators, families, and the community. “This award reflects the dedication of our entire team to ensure every student thrives,” she said.
But it wasn’t all just numbers and methods. The students brought a spirited touch to the presentation, spelling out attributes of their school using the letters in “HILLDALE.”
- H: Hard-working and harmonious
- I: Innovative and imaginative
- L: Laudable
- L: Legendary
- D: Dynamic and determined
- A: Altruistic and appreciative
- L: Likeable (“What’s not to like?” quipped one student presenter.)
- E: Enthusiastic and empowered
The student presenters ended their lively segment with an enthusiastic cheer: “We love Hilldale!”
What the Blue Ribbon Recognition Means
The Blue Ribbon Schools Program, established in 1982, celebrates schools that achieve high academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps. The recognition signals excellence not only in teaching practices but also in fostering a supportive environment for students and staff.
For Hilldale, the award validates years of work by educators to implement effective instructional methods, support staff development, and prioritize the success of every child. According to the Department of Education, Hilldale’s strategies include:
- Comprehensive professional development for teachers
- Emphasis on data analysis to inform teaching
- Encouraging collaboration across families, educators, and the broader community
This accolade positions Hilldale as a model for other schools in New Jersey and beyond, affirming that a holistic approach to education can yield exceptional results.
Students Bring the Spotlight Back to Their Experience
While the Blue Ribbon status is a formal recognition of the school’s achievements, the students’ presentation captured the heart of what makes Hilldale special. By spelling out their school’s strengths with charm and humor, they reminded attendees that the real measure of a school’s success is its impact on students.
The audience responded warmly, applauding the students for their energy and pride. “It’s moments like these that make the hard work worth it,” said Principal Cisneros after the presentation.
With the board meeting blending administrative decisions and community celebrations, it offered a snapshot of a district balancing its strategic future while cherishing its present successes.
