September 23, 2026 - Board Brief

Wednesday’s Board of Education meeting began with an important report on the District’s 2025 Bond Project. Members of the design and construction team: Matt Milnamow of LAN Associates, Rena Mande of PBDW Architects, Bob Kernan of The LA Group, and Kevin Sawyer of Triton Construction, shared progress across all three Capital Bond propositions. 🚧 The presentation highlighted completed façade work at the Farragut Complex, updates on planned building improvements and renovations at Farragut and Hillside, ongoing NYSED review and permitting, and construction progress on the athletic field improvements at the Burke Estate. The team also reviewed project budgets, anticipated timelines, and next steps as work continues to move forward.

While Dr. McKersie did not formally present his Superintendent’s Report during the meeting, it was posted to the agenda as part of the public record. The report highlighted many of the exciting things happening across the district, including Back-to-School Nights, classroom activities, the FMS Club Fair, and several outstanding student achievements. Highlights included four Hastings High School seniors named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists and 16 students recognized as Commended Students, as well as the Boys Varsity Soccer team’s exciting win in the inaugural Rivertowns Varsity Cup. 🏆

Maureen Caraballo, Business Official, provided the Board with updates on transportation, facilities and budget planning. She reported that transportation routes have largely stabilized following an increase in out-of-district ridership, while the District continues to monitor costs and make adjustments as needed. Caraballo also addressed stormwater monitoring related to the construction site and discussed key considerations as the District begins planning for the 2027–28 budget, including the significant and ongoing rise in health insurance costs. Looking ahead, the District will continue to focus on long-term financial planning and balancing rising expenses with its commitment to maintaining resources and services for students. 📊

Melissa Szymanski, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, provided updates on several key instructional initiatives across the District. Highlights included New York State’s transition toward one high school diploma, Hillside’s upcoming pilots of two K–4 ELA resources, and continued work around instructional technology. The K–12 Technology Committee is also advancing the District’s strategic goals around purposeful technology use, artificial intelligence and academic integrity, and healthy device habits, while Farragut Middle School continues efforts to promote thoughtful technology use and digital equity for students. 💻

Gen Holder, Assistant Superintendent of Pupil Personnel Services, provided an update on the start of the school year. The PPS team is focused on ensuring that all students entitled to related services are receiving them through the District’s MTSS structure. Gen also met with the psychologists, and the District is now able to complete certain initial evaluations and reevaluations digitally, making the process more efficient and allowing some students to respond more comfortably to the assessments. The start of the year is going well, with students receiving the services they need, and PPS is working with consultants to ensure they are available to meet the needs of our students. 🧩

🗓️ The next Board of Education Meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Hillside Multi-Purpose Room. It promises to be a highly informative meeting. The evening’s agenda features the Annual State of the District Report, presented by Dr. Szymanski and the principals, an update on the district’s plans for the now required Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK), and the Audit Report.📚

🎥 Missed the September 23 meeting? Watch the full recording, including all presentations and discussions HERE.