HPS Summer Newsletter
June 22, 2026
June 22, 2026
Dear Holliston Schools Community:
As I retire this year as your Superintendent of Holliston Public Schools, after over thirty years in public education, I want to take a moment to say a heartfelt farewell to the many amazing administrators, staff, and community members I have had the privilege to work with in Holliston these past six years.
On a good day, the job of a superintendent in public education is incredibly challenging, and at times, isolating. However, I have always grounded myself in my "why"—the children and the community I serve. Recently, I received a note from an amazing student that brought tears to my eyes and reminded me of that purpose. They wrote:
“Congratulations on a very well-earned retirement! From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Holliston has been the perfect place for me to grow as a student, leader, and human being. I have your support and care to thank for that. I’m enormously grateful for all you have done for me and this town. I am just one of the many countless lives you have impacted throughout your great career!”
The past few years in HPS have brought their share of challenges, but they have also brought monumental victories. While it is impossible to list everything, I am incredibly proud of a few key, intertwined milestones that our leadership team, staff, and I brought to life together:
Tuition-Free Full-Day Kindergarten: Developed and executed a four-year plan using ESSER, ARPA, and revolving funds to deliver free full-day K ahead of schedule to provide equity and affordability to all families.
Five-Year Strategic Plan: Collaborated with community stakeholders to build a targeted plan directly tied to our budget and professional development.
Curriculum Reconfiguration: Empowered educators in every building to reinvent our curriculum review process and implement high-quality, aligned resources.
School Start-Time Alignment: Forged ahead with elementary principals to align start times for Miller and Placentino, ensuring student safety and family convenience despite initial public concerns.
Holliston High School Building Project: Personally authored five Statements of Interest (SOIs) to secure a new HHS. While I won't be here for the groundbreaking, I am thrilled for what this means for our students.
Teacher Contracts & Funding: Advocated, through a successful town override process, to ensure our educators received a strong, competitive contract and the structural support they deserve, while increasing time on learning for all students.
For the past six years, my commitment to Holliston has never wavered. Every single day, I have come to work driven by a singular purpose: to advocate fiercely for our incredible students and dedicated staff. Serving as your Superintendent has been a profound privilege. As you navigate the transitions of the upcoming school year, I leave you with absolute confidence in this community's strength. May this next chapter be a time of renewal—an opportunity to rebuild, learn, and grow stronger together. Thank you for the honor of serving you, and I wish the HPS community nothing but the very best.
Farewell Holliston,
Dr. Susan Kustka
Superintendent of Schools
Congratulations 2026 Graduates!
Holliston High School Graduation!
Summer Support & Mental Health Resources
Summer can bring opportunities for rest, connection, and fun, but it can also bring changes in routine and unexpected challenges. If your child or family could benefit from additional support, please know that resources are available for both students and caregivers.
Cartwheel (Teletherapy Services)
Virtual therapy and consultation with licensed clinicians in partnership with Holliston Public Schools.
Connect Your Child to Cartwheel: Link for referral
Family Flyer (English, Spanish & Portuguese): Flyer
Care Solace
Free, confidential care coordination helps families connect with mental health providers and community resources.
Access Care Solace: https://www.caresolace.com/holliston
Holliston Youth & Family Services (HYFS)
Local counseling, prevention, and family support services for students, parents, and caregivers.
Learn More About HYFS: https://www.townofholliston.us/321/Youth-Family-Services
Explore Additional Local Resources (HDAAC): https://hdaac.org/
Remember: Whether you have a quick question, need help navigating resources, or are looking for ongoing assistance, you are not alone. Our schools and community partners are here to help.
Wishing all our Holliston families a safe, healthy, restorative, and joyful summer.
Jariel Vergne
Director of Social-Emotional Learning & Equity
Holliston Public Schools
District Teaching & Learning Newsletter
At Holliston Public Schools, we are constantly evolving how we teach and how our students learn. To keep you connected to the "why" and "how" behind our classrooms, we are thrilled to share our latest District Teaching & Learning newsletter.
This newest edition is designed to give you a direct look at the innovative curriculum and fresh experiences happening across our schools. Additionally, this issue includes a special goodbye message from me as I begin a new professional journey as the East Longmeadow Superintendent.
Arch #1: Communication Practices
FY27 Budget Projections (Level Service)
The above document covers in detail the HSC’s recommended budget for the 2026-2027 school year. Level services are projected at 3.26%, with an additional $158,000 in Priority Needs, bringing the overall budget increase to 3.61% over FY26.
Additionally detail is also provided on the Spring Capital Requests, which center around a $2,500,000 Feasibility Study for a new high school
370 Hollis Street
Holliston, MA 01746
(508) 429-0654