January 27, 2026 - Board Brief

Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting was brief yet productive, with several important updates and presentations efficiently covered.

In lieu of a written Superintendent Report, Dr. McKersie provided a verbal update on regional collaboration efforts, highlighting Hastings’ participation in three priority areas: administrator mentoring and leadership, the superintendent coordinating group, and partnerships with colleges and universities to build a pipeline for hard-to-hire teachers. 🎓 These initiatives support leadership development and help attract high-quality, diverse educators, while ensuring district priorities and staff capacity remain protected. Future updates will outline additional areas and the rationale for selective participation. ✨

Maureen Caraballo, Business Official, shared an update on the Farragut Wing and school operations. The top two floors are now open and looking fantastic thanks to staff efforts, while the lower level remains under construction with completion anticipated around February break. 🛠️ Locker adjustments are helping reduce congestion, with additional lockers planned for fifth graders. Buildings & Grounds also worked closely with the village and police during the recent snowstorm to ensure the safety of students and staff. ❄️

Melissa Szymanski, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, provided a status update on action items from the Cherry Bakaert Diversity & Inclusion audit. ✅ Progress includes enhanced ENL training for all staff, a new data review cycle for student performance, updated policies, reallocated funding for multicultural initiatives, and the creation of a centralized repository for Diversity Committee documentation. Several governance and oversight items remain under review.

Ms. Caraballo also presented the Initial 2026–27 Budget, which was well received by the Board of Education. The presentation highlighted preliminary tax cap calculations, the Governor’s proposed state aid increase of 5.19%, and major cost drivers including health insurance, retirement contributions, transportation, and special education staffing. Board members emphasized the importance of remaining within the tax cap (2.76%) and maintaining fiscal responsibility, noting that any additions to staffing should be balanced with corresponding reductions as the budget continues to be refined. 📊

The Board voted to adopt revisions to the District’s Student Attendance Policy 5100, effective March 1, 2026. The updated policy reflects extensive input from administrators and promotes greater clarity and consistency across the District. Key updates include expanded reasons for excused absences and a clear expectation that only excused absences qualify for make-up work, quizzes, and tests. 📚✏️ District leadership will work closely with building principals and assistant principals to ensure a smooth and consistent rollout.

📅 The next Board of Education meeting will take place on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Hillside Multi-Purpose Room. Presentations will include an update on Athletic Turf Options ⚾🥎 as well as the Non-Instructional Budget. 💰

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