November 18, 2025 - Board Brief
Last night’s Board of Education meeting opened with a moment of silence, followed by words of remembrance honoring former Board of Education Trustee, Dr. Damaris-Lois Yamoah Lang. The Board dedicated the meeting in her honor, recognizing her lasting contributions and commitment to the Hastings-on-Hudson community. ♥️
Melissa Szymanski, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, along with Sarah Walters, English Department Chairperson, and Jennifer Lee, English teacher, presented a Curriculum Update focused on FMS Writing and FMS Mathematics. The presentation highlighted recent curriculum efforts, professional learning that has been taking place and action steps that will be forthcoming in these areas. 📚✏️
Dr. McKersie presented the Superintendent’s Report, highlighting Hillside students’ hands-on science projects, FMS sixth graders exploring literary symbolism, and Hastings High School’s lively production of Clue: High School Edition. He also shared Project SHARE’s upcoming 36th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner, where students will serve hundreds and engage in community service. These snapshots reflect our students’ creativity, curiosity, and compassion. 🌱🎭
Maureen Caraballo provided updates on three areas: Hillside’s cafeteria program has received negative feedback on food quality, and a planned survey will guide plans for next school year; maintenance has begun in the wetlands retention ponds, with contractor and engineer assessments pending; and Farragut Wing construction remains on schedule for January 15 completion, with transition planning for staff and students underway. 🏫🛠️
During her cabinet update, Dr. Szymanski highlighted a recent family information session on the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), hosted by the district and building level Dignity Act coordinators in partnership with the PTSA Inclusion Working Group. The session covered key definitions, the broader discipline framework, incident types, reporting and investigation processes, and recent improvements to data and communication protocols. 🛡️✨
The next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Hillside Multi-Purpose Room. The meeting will begin with a Public Hearing to discuss proposed amendments to the District Wide Safety Plan, which the Board will consider for adoption.
🎥 Missed the meeting? Watch the full recording, including all presentations and discussions HERE.