Hastings Capital Bond

The Board of Education will vote on April 22 to adopt the Recommended 2025-26 Operating Budget, following several months of deliberation and extensive public comment. The budget then goes to the vote of Village residents on May 20, 2025.

Highlights of the recommended operating budget include:

• Stays within the tax cap of 3.66%, even though the budget-to-budget change was 4.73%, requiring over $1.3 million in reductions.

• Provides for continuation of priority academic and extracurricular programs to advance Hastings as K-12 system of schools, with increased coherence and coordination across the three schools, departments and programs.

• Invests in long-needed academic and social-emotional programs at FMS, bringing to life the FMS Action Plan (January 2024). Primary focus: Increased attention to curricular and instructional improvement, including 21st Century and Authentic Learning coursework opportunities; and, stronger MTSS programming to address core academic needs of individual students.

• Maintains the High School’s same suite of academic offerings and class sizes as this year, with the expansion of the lauded Science Research Program from two to three years.

• Increases targeted support for special education in each building.

Learn more about the 2025-26 Budget

The proposed Capital Bond includes three major priorities, required to ensure that our students have the educational facilities and athletic spaces needed for their success.

• Building Conditions Survey (BCS) Items – Mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) upgrades across district facilities. These necessary improvements, identified through the state-mandated Building Conditions Survey (BCS), involve replacing old and outdated equipment and bringing building systems up to current code. Upgrading the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing infrastructure is critical to ensure safety, energy efficiency, and the long-term functionality of our schools. $11,254,780

• Farragut Complex Addition & Instructional Space – Creation of instructional space, including new classrooms and special education spaces, in the footprint of the existing cafeteria; relocating the existing cafeteria by creating a new addition in the Farragut Courtyard; the creation of a new front entrance at the Farragut building; bringing spaces up to current code standards and compliance including accessibility. $19,049,461

• Athletic Fields and Site Work at Burke Estate – Installation of two turf fields (multisport field and softball field) and associated site work at the Burke Estate. $8,171,259

What happens if it doesn't pass?

We would turn to the operating budgets for the equivalent school years (i.e., 2025-26 onward) to pay for required capital facility work as specified by the BCS. There would be a serious “push-out” effect, resulting in significantly reduced resources for academic and extracurricular personnel and programming.

Access resources about the Capital Bond on our website: https://www.hohschools.org/boe/budget-bond-information/bond-information

Visit the 2025 Capital Bond Facts to learn more.

I invite you to read the article below on the positives of one of our most recent bonds.

Over the course of the last few years, Hillside facility has seen a remarkable transformation, thanks to a Capital Bond, that was approved by voters in 2019, that afforded our community the ability to build equity in our school. These improvements have created a more inclusive, functional, and innovative learning environment for students, while also benefiting the broader school community.

Now that our students, as well as our families, have had a chance to explore our new spaces, we can now reflect on our new home that was completed in April of 2022.

A major highlight of the project was the creation of the Multipurpose Room (MPR)—a comfortable, air-conditioned space that now hosts assemblies, student performances, special events, Moving Up ceremonies, concerts, and the 4th Grade Musical. The MPR also is being utilized to host Board of Education meetings following the recent Farragut Wing flood.

“This central gathering space allows the entire school to come together, reinforcing our values of community and connection,” said Principal Amy Cazes. “The project also introduced a true cafeteria, giving students access to both breakfast and lunch options, and additional after-school program spaces, which generate income for the district.”

Additionally, four state-of-the-art classrooms (two for kindergarten and two for second grade) have been added, along with dedicated spaces like a Music Green Room, which serves as a dedicated space for instrumental lessons, and a Resource Room for Special Education.

Accessibility and equity were also key priorities. The addition of two bathrooms and an elevator has made the primary wing fully accessible to those with disabilities. Meanwhile, existing spaces were thoughtfully repurposed to enhance learning opportunities. The former café has been transformed into the Innovation Learning Commons, where students engage in coding, robotics, engineering, and literacy. The previous library and STEAM room now serve as the Student Services wing, bringing critical support services together and fostering staff collaboration in support of children.

Reflecting on the impact of these changes, Superintendent Dr. William McKersie shared:
"I was not here when Hastings went through the deliberations and the discussions as a village redoing Hillside’s MPR. I've been here for four years and now can see the benefits of this difficult work. You can see it all coming together by the village and the district."

With these enhancements, Hillside Elementary is not just meeting the needs of today’s students—it’s building a foundation for future generations to thrive.

• Wednesday, April 30, 2025
  PTSA/SEPTA Superintendent Forum - Hillside Multipurpose Room - 6:30 p.m.

• Tuesday, June 17, 2025
  Bond Vote Polls Open: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
  Location: Hastings High School - Cochran Gym, School Street

📢 Mark Your Calendars! 🗓️

The Hastings-on-Hudson UFSD Budget Vote & School Board Election is coming up:

🗳️ Tuesday, May 20, 2025
⏰ Polls Open: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
📍 Location: Hastings High School - Cochran Gym, School Street

✅ Absentee Ballots:

If you cannot vote in person, you can apply for an absentee ballot.

• Application Deadline by Mail: Tuesday, May 13, 2025

• Application Deadline in Person: Monday, May 19, 2025

• Completed ballots must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, to be counted.
  For more details or to download an application click HERE.
  
  

👥 Interested in Running for the School Board?
If you’re passionate about education and want to make a difference, consider running for the Hastings-on-Hudson UFSD Board of Education.

• Candidate Petitions Must be Received By: 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 21, 2025
  
  

• To learn more about the responsibilities of board members and how to get on the ballot click HERE.
  
  

💡 Your Voice Matters! Help shape the future of our schools by voting or getting involved.

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