Melissa I. Szymanski

The meeting featured presentations from the school's robotics team, the Bionic Buzzers, regarding their performance, robot design, outreach efforts, and financial management for the 2025-2026 season. The team also demonstrated their robot's capabilities. Additionally, the meeting included a presentation on the high school's science research program, which is transitioning to a three-year structure in partnership with SUNY Albany, allowing students to earn college credits.

This strategic framework, known as the Portrait of a Hastings Learner (POHL), outlines a comprehensive approach to student development tied to the service of all students. It includes the Hastings Commitment to inspire exploration, unleash enthusiasm, invite unconventional thinking, and cultivate confidence and compassion. The framework identifies six key attributes for learners: Bold, Collaborative, Empathetic, Empowered, Inquisitive, and Inventive. It establishes three main goals: nurturing diverse thinkers for a just and compassionate society, fostering authentic learning experiences, and honoring individuality while respecting shared humanity. These goals are supported by action steps focused on enhancing authentic learning, providing social-emotional learning support, and developing a community charter for behavioral expectations.

This document outlines the District-Wide Safety & Emergency Management Plan for Hastings On Hudson School District. It serves as a comprehensive framework for preventing, responding to, and recovering from various emergencies, including acts of violence, natural disasters, and communicable disease outbreaks. Key components include general planning guidelines, risk reduction and intervention strategies (such as behavioral assessment teams, staff training, and proactive building security measures), detailed response protocols for a range of emergency situations, and recovery procedures focused on continuity of operations and instruction. The plan emphasizes coordination with local emergency services and ongoing training for staff and students.

The board meeting included an executive session to discuss the proposed appointment of a specific individual. Following the return to public session, the board officially approved the appointment of an Assistant Director of Special Education, outlining the terms of the probationary period, effective dates, and professional certifications.

The board meeting included a public hearing regarding the budget, a superintendent report highlighting student achievements in academics, science fairs, music programs, and extracurricular activities, and an update on upcoming community forums. Additionally, the cabinet provided details on the fall outdoor practice schedule due to facility construction and discussed ongoing efforts to address facilities bond questions. A budget update was presented, noting shifting fiscal conditions, increased charter school costs, rising utility expenses, and significantly higher technology procurement costs, such as the doubled price of student Chromebooks.