Hillside Public Schools
Welcome to Hillside Public Schools
The mission of Hillside Public Schools is to provide all students with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful, engaged citizens; citizens that contribute to the vitality of an ever-changing world through rigorous academic, culturally responsive, instructional student support programs. Hillside programs seek to strengthen character, cultivate innovation, and foster leadership.
She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology & French and had the opportunity to study at the Université de La Sorbonne in Paris, France, where she studied Art History. Dr. Perez earned a Master’s degree in Liberal Studies with a thesis in Bio-engineering from Rutgers University, a second Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Saint Peter’s University, and earned her doctorate from Saint Peter's University under the tutelage of the renowned Dr. William Gutsch. She successfully defended her dissertation on how to teach the Atomic Structure and Molecular Theory to urban, middle school students in 2014. In addition to receiving a Teacher of the Year award and other awards, Dr. Pérez was the first woman of color to be awarded a doctorate from Saint Peter’s University. In 2023, the Union County Board of County Commissioners recognized her for being the first Latina administrator in the Township of Union Public Schools.
Dr. Pérez has been proudly serving students and families for over twenty years. She has been a teacher, academic interventionist, Science & STEAM Director, Secondary Education Director, Executive Director of Elementary Education & Early Childhood, and Assistant Superintendent over Access & Equity and Curriculum & Instruction.
Dr. Pérez became an administrator because she wanted to change perceptions about the abilities of both low-performing students and students of color. She has successfully coached administrators and teachers on how to effectively use data, incorporate the Arts in lessons, and activate curiosity among students so teachers can capitalize on the potential in all students. Dr. Pérez is an advocate for equity among all learners and recognizes the importance of providing students and staff with cross-cultural learning experiences. She is focused on developing individuals who are pedagogically and culturally competent, sensitive, and responsive, which has made her skilled at helping educators and programs evolve so that students, especially students of color, have a platform to showcase their skills and talents.
Introducing Acting Superintendent of Hillside Public Schools,
Dr. Gretel Pérez
Dr. Gretel Pérez is a proud native of Newark, New Jersey. She is the daughter of immigrant parents and a former English as a Second Language (ESL) student.
Staff Spotlight: A.P. Morris Early Childhood Center!
"When the Township of Hillside was carved out of Union Township on April 29, 1913, a Board of Education had to be formed to provide educational facilities, in accordance with state laws. Dr. J.J. Savitz, Union County's Superintendent of Schools, designated those members of the Union Board of Education who resided in the new township to form the nucleus of a new nine-member board. They were Robert K. Bloy Sr., Aaron B. Haviland, Edward Ullrich, John Leyser and Abram P. Morris.
He also named four additional men, including John Woodruff and Augustus T. Gray to represent the Saybrook area; Harry Doremus for Lyon's Farms, and Frank Baker, who was to be named the township's first mayor two weeks later, to represent the area on the West side known as West Lyon's Farms or Salem. All were approved in a special election on May 12, 1913." - Jean - Rae Turner, Along the Upper Road, the History of Hillside
Today, the Hillside Public Schools District consists of 7 schools which serve students from Pre-K through 12th Grade. These 7 schools are: Hillside High School, Hillside Innovation Academy, Walter O. Krumbiegel Middle School, Deanna G. Taylor Academy, Hurden Looker Elementary School, Ola Edwards Community School, and Abram P. Morris Early Childhood Development Center.
