June 2, 2026 - Board Brief
June 2, 2026 - Board of Education Meeting
Tuesday night’s Board of Education meeting opened with the presentation of the 2026–27 Hastings Education Foundation (HEF) Grant Awards by HEF Co-Presidents Candace Dootjes-Cohen and Marie-Angie Vassallo. 🎓 HEF continues to enrich the educational experience of Hastings students by funding innovative programs, resources, and opportunities that extend beyond the District’s operating budget. This year’s grants support teacher-created initiatives spanning STEM, the arts, history, media production, hands-on learning experiences. A new student grant program this year empowers students to bring their own ideas to life. The District is deeply grateful for HEF’s ongoing partnership and its commitment to enhancing opportunities for all students. 🚀
Dr. Melissa Szymanski, Ed.D., then presented the Instructional Technology Strategic Plan for 2026–2029, outlining a forward-thinking vision for teaching and learning grounded in purposeful technology integration to enhance learning. 💻 The plan centers on three goals: building a professional learning culture where educators can confidently select, apply, and reflect on technology tools that enhance student learning; exploring the evolving role of artificial intelligence while maintaining a strong commitment to authentic learning and academic integrity; and strengthening collaboration between home and school by guiding students and families toward healthy device use and strategies to reduce device dependency. Together, these goals support a balanced approach that advances innovation while keeping student well-being and meaningful learning at the forefront. 🤝
Dr. McKersie’s Superintendent Report highlighted learning experiences across the district. At Hillside, kindergarten students participated in a hands-on petting zoo experience connected to their nonfiction literacy unit, building curiosity, empathy, and collaboration. At Farragut Middle School, students took part in a No Place for Hate assembly in partnership with the ADL, engaging in dialogue about immigration and inclusion. At Hastings High School, student artists were selected for the Hudson River Museum Teen Seen exhibition, and SUPA American History students presented “America 250: Symbols of Our Story (Hastings Edition)” in conjunction with the Smithsonian’s Democracy in Dialogue Virtual Exchange Program, Hastings Historical Society and Public Library. 🎨✨
Dr. McKersie also shared an updated draft of the Fall 2026 Outdoor Practice Schedule, a working document developed by Mr. Drew Wendol outlining secured and potential practice locations for fall programs during the Burke renovation. 🥍
Ms. Maureen Caraballo provided an update on the Capital Bond Projects, noting that Burke Estate renovations, which began on June 1, are progressing with fencing expected to be completed next week. The site will be fully closed during construction, with equipment arriving shortly and additional signage and security measures in place to reinforce that the area is off-limits for safety. 🚧 Early next week, guidance will be provided for students who have typically traversed the Burke Estate to and from school, which is not possible with the facility is closed for construction. The Farragut Complex project (Capital Bond Prop Three) has been submitted to the State, marking the first step in the permitting process, with an anticipated review timeline of 8–12 weeks. Discussion also included scheduling the architects to return to the Board, potentially in August, to provide an update on work plans. Summer work not included in the Capital Bond, including flooring improvements in the High School was approved by the BOE (to be clear, the flooring work is not in the Farragut Wing). 🏗️
🗓️ The next Board of Education meeting will take place on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the Hillside Multi-Purpose Room. This meeting will mark the final Board of Education meeting of the school year and will begin with Retirement & Tenure Recognition (5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.), followed by Public Hearings on the 2026–27 District Code of Conduct and the 2026–27 Emergency Plans. ✨
🎥 Missed the meeting? Watch the full recording, including all presentations and discussions, HERE.