Redistricting Shake Up Coming To Hillsborough Schools: See When

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — The time is nearly here for Hillsborough families to find out if their students will have to switch schools as part of the district's redistricting plan.

Assistant Superintendent Joel Handler, who is spearheading the redistricting process, outlined the next steps in an ongoing redistricting plan.

Handler said the district has spent the past few months working on how to redraw attendance lines at the district's six elemntary schools while limiting disruption for students.

"We've been finalizing the new redistricting lines over the next two to three weeks, and families who are affected by the boundary changes will be notified directly after spring break on Friday, April 10," Handler said. "We are approaching the transition humanistically."

Handler said the district’s goal is to make only limited changes now so schools can be rebalanced while also preserving room for future growth.

The district plans to monitor new construction development on the east and north sides of town and then re-evaluate boundary lines in two to three years as construction is completed.

"Our ultimate goal is to minimize movement using a phased-in incremental approach," Handler said. "By shifting boundaries slightly now, we can rebalance our elementary schools while intentionally preserving space for future growth when it's needed."

He also told families, "Our core promise to parents is long-term stability. That is, if your child is moved now due to the current phase of needing to redistrict, you will not be moved again when future boundaries are adjusted."

Handler recognized that moving schools for a single year can be difficult for children and families.

Where space allows, the district is planning to offer a stay-put option for rising fourth graders in the 2026-27 school year so they can remain at their current school for their final elementary years, said Handler.

He said the option would depend on capacity and that families would need to provide their own transportation because district busing would not be available.

Later this spring, principals will offer opportunities for redistricted students and their families to visit their new schools.

Handler also urged families with incoming kindergartners or first graders who have not yet registered to do so as soon as possible.

The redistricting process is also tied to the launch of full-day kindergarten for the 2026-27 school year, which Handler said remains on schedule.

Superintendent Michael Volpe said the district will send an email to the full community when school resumes on Tuesday after spring break to alert families of the upcoming redistricting announcement.

"And then on Friday, you will get emails directly from your new principals," Volpe said.

Previous Reporting:

• Hillsborough Slows Down School Redistricting Plan: See How This Impacts Students

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