HILLSDALE, N.J.—School trustees approved a new five-year contract with Superintendent Robert Lombardy at their Aug. 24 meeting, extending his employment through June 30, 2031.
The vote was 4-0, with trustee Justin Saxon absent. Lombardy, who joined the district July 1, 2018, had been under a contract running through July 2028. That agreement was rescinded and replaced by the new contract, which was approved by the executive county superintendent.
“Extending Mr. Lombardy’s contract reflects our strong confidence in his leadership, vision and commitment to our district,” Board President Kevin Donatello said. “At a time when consistency and steady leadership are paramount, we know he is the right person to guide our schools forward.”
Lombardy helped guide the district through two public referendums on renovations to George G. White Middle School. The first was defeated in 2023, while a revised proposal won approval in September 2024.
Despite early project setbacks, Lombardy has said the renovated and expanded middle school remains scheduled to open to students in September 2027.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the wonderful students, families and Board of Education of Hillsdale,” Lombardy said. “Working together to support our kids is such a rewarding journey, and I love the incredible work we do every day.”
The contract is retroactive to July 1 and provides annual base salaries of $246,976 in 2026–27; $253,518 in 2027–28; $261,191 in 2028–29; $269,357 in 2029–30; and $278,047 in 2030–31.
Lombardy also receives $4,000 annually for serving as the district’s school-safety specialist.
The contract provides 24 vacation days, 12 prorated sick days, five personal days, 11 paid holidays, health and dental insurance, and other standard leave and insurance benefits. It permits a maximum payout of $15,000 for unused sick leave, subject to service and eligibility requirements.
The agreement also requires the board to evaluate the superintendent annually based on its goals and objectives.
The meeting agenda provided no salary information or link to the proposed agreement. Pascack Press obtained a copy Aug. 25. Every page was marked “approved,” though the document had not yet been signed by the parties.
Superintendent’s report
Lombardy also told trustees that Hillsdale schools are largely prepared for the state’s new “bell-to-bell” restrictions on students’ personal internet-connected devices.
Mobile phones already must be turned off and stored in backpacks, he said. The policy also applies to smartwatches and smart glasses, with exceptions for documented medical needs. Students may use devices on buses traveling to and from school.
Lombardy also announced that the “Hillsdale Huddle” flag-football tournament will be held Sunday, Oct. 4, in support of a George White seventh-grader diagnosed with a rare bone cancer. Proceeds will benefit Tackle Kids Cancer.
The school year begins with staff-development days Sept. 1 and 2, followed by student half-days Sept. 3 and 4.