Hardyston Elementary Ranked #1 in Sussex County
Hardyston Elementary earns the top spot in Sussex County rankings, drawing praise for years of academic growth, special education excellence, and staff dedication.
Let’s start with some good news - and yes, we could all use a little of that right now.
At Tuesday night’s Board of Education meeting, Hardyston Elementary officially claimed the top spot as #1 elementary school in Sussex County.
Yep. Number one.
The energy in the room felt less like routine board business and more like a standing ovation for people who have been doing the work for years.
Parents, residents, and even a few usually skeptical voices got up to speak during public comment. And they had a point: this wasn’t luck. It was years (yes, years) of focused work, smart planning, and staff going above and beyond with almost no fanfare.
Even Finance Chair Tony Alfano, who last month was fixated on Zillow scores (because apparently that’s education policy now), changed his tune and offered praise.
And look, we’re all for people changing their minds. But the contrast was hard to miss. As resident Jeff Altieri put it during public comment:
“It’s not lost on the community that those same ratings are still unexplained, yet now we’re seeing public praise from the same source that once questioned the school’s performance.”
Translation: glad you’re clapping now, Tony - but maybe keep the real estate apps for house hunting.
Special Ed Steps Into the Spotlight
The celebration didn’t stop at rankings. The meeting also featured a compelling presentation from Special Education Attorney Robin Ballard and Dr. Gulay Maffiaa, who broke down how the district is supporting students with diverse learning needs.
This wasn’t fluff. It was strategy, outcomes, and the kind of day-to-day effort that rarely gets headlines.
Board Member Nick Demsak didn’t let the moment pass without saying what many were thinking - that this kind of behind-the-scenes dedication often goes unnoticed, but it’s what defines real educational leadership.
Equity, inclusion, individual support - not just buzzwords, but lived priorities. That’s what makes a top-tier school.
And he’s right.
Let’s be honest: success like this doesn’t come from chasing algorithms or obsessing over app ratings. It comes from listening to students, backing teachers, and investing in programs that help every kid thrive.
This ranking isn’t just a shiny badge. It’s what happens when a district keeps its focus where it belongs.
So let’s give credit where it’s due: to the educators, the aides, the support staff, the therapists, the administrators, and yes - even the board members who actually showed up for kids.
You made this happen.
Here’s to topping lists the right way - by earning it.