The Hillside Public School District Board of Education said it will defer a final appointment for an acting superintendent until its next official meeting and will begin a comprehensive search for a permanent superintendent at the start of 2026.

"The board has completed discussions and vetting of the candidates who expressed interest in serving as acting superintendent. We plan to make our final decision at the next official board meeting," the Board President said, noting that "in accordance with state rec requirements, it is most common practice that the county executive superintendent review and approve the candidate prior to the board's formal appointment to the acting role." The president added that the board aims to be transparent and to follow established guidelines.

The board did not name the finalists or provide a schedule of next steps beyond stating the appointment decision will occur at the next meeting and that the district will launch a permanent-superintendent search at the start of 2026. The transcript does not record any formal vote or final appointment on the acting-superintendent position during this meeting.