Diana Balsamo

This document provides an update on the Hendrick Hudson Central School District's 2026-2027 budget development process, addressing the significant challenge of balancing the budget following a substantial revenue reduction from the closure of the Indian Point Energy Center. The plan involves the Board of Education proposing a budget that exceeds the allowable state tax cap to maintain essential educational programs and services. The district commits to evaluating opportunities to reduce expenses and control costs while ensuring transparency and community engagement throughout the process.

The meeting commenced following an executive session, with the agenda approved thereafter. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the recognition of high-achieving students, including the Valedictorian, Braxton Schultz, the Salutatorian, Victor Delgado, and the Master of Ceremonies, Katarina Carvalo, who shared highlights of their academic experiences. Following the student recognitions, there was a public comment period where a resident raised concerns regarding potential budget impacts due to neighboring municipal construction plans and sought clarification on the board's advocacy efforts with the governor and legislators. Subsequently, the board transitioned into budget presentations, starting with the Superintendent's office budget, which included preparations for the 2027 strategic plan and a budget reallocation. The second budget presentation covered the business and finance department, including legal services and debt financing.

The meeting featured a presentation on budget development, highlighting key areas for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. Discussions included curriculum development services, noting an increase due to external vendor costs (Boseies), and a decrease in textbook budgeting due to prior investment in the HMH reading program. Focus areas for next year include play-based learning materials, professional development, and ongoing work related to the MTSS process. Building principals from K-2 schools presented on initiatives such as providing wipeoff tables to support differentiation and play-based learning, and the implementation of the Drums Alive curriculum. Middle school representatives detailed investments in collaborative furniture, the implementation of the PBIS system aligned with MTSS, and professional development for math and English as a New Language (ENL) instruction, including vertical alignment efforts with high school and consultant support from Sienna College. The middle school section also emphasized resource optimization and planning for the Project Venture course and PBIS/PSS funding continuity for the following year.

The meeting began with the Board voting to enter an executive session for matters related to collective negotiations, medical financial credit, or employment history of individuals or corporations, before reconvening for the public session. Key discussions included recognizing staff members with over 20 years of service to the district, with two members receiving recognition in person. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to presentations regarding student support protocols, detailing threat and risk assessment models (SEAG and Columbia model) used to ensure student mental health and safety, and highlighting new coordination of care partnerships with Northwell Health. Another presentation focused on feedback from a recent food service program survey (Thought Exchange), which indicated mixed student satisfaction with perceived declines in quality, menu variety, and meal appeal, especially following the transition to the National School Lunch Program. The administration outlined next steps, including a planned follow-up survey in January and the creation of a SWOT analysis to strategically address concerns like menu diversity, vegetarian options, and potential decline in program participation.

The meeting commenced with an executive session to discuss matters related to collective negotiations, medical, financial, credit, employment history, appointment, promotion, discipline, suspension, or removal of a particular person or corporation. Upon reconvening, the board recognized student Sophia Jones, Hendrick Hudson High School student of distinction, in partnership with Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES. The main agenda involved curriculum midyear updates, including discussions on progress towards stated goals, data analysis from local and regional scores, and specific points of pride such as improvement in elementary ELA and exceeding regional average in third-grade math proficiency. Areas for continued growth identified included math proficiency alignment (K-8), ELA focus in seventh and eighth grade, and addressing absenteeism, with efforts focused on the new student services position and revamped Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) process. Building principals provided updates on instructional strategies, including the 'WIN' block (What I Need) for targeted ELA and math intervention, data meetings, weekly grade level meetings, and continued alignment across both schools.