On November 1, 2022, the Hillside Board of Education held a groundbreaking ceremony at Deanna G. Taylor Academy, in celebration of a much-needed addition to the elementary school building. "The 6,600-square-foot addition will enhance learning opportunities for our scholars by adding four new classrooms, a new cafeteria, and a multi- purpose room for visual and performing arts." Governor Phil Murphy kindly appropriated a $750,000 budget to fund this development and "jump-start the project." The appropriation was "secured through the collaborative efforts" of Senator Joseph Cryan (D) 20th Legislative District), Senator Ronald L. Rice (D) (28th Legislative District), Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (D) (20th Legislative District), Assemblyman Reginald Atkins (D) (20th Legislative District), Hillside Board of Education President Kimberly Cook, and Hillside Community Activist, Anthony Salters.