At a glance
The Board of Education met Monday, June 16, 2026, for its final meeting of the school year. The board honored 15 district retirees, appointed Todd Hilgenorf as the next superintendent starting July 2026, and approved a reduction in force for 2026-27 that includes teachers and support staff. Students presented a passionate appeal for equitable support for academic teams like Model UN, Mock Trial, and Envirothon, citing transportation barriers that sports teams do not face. The board adopted policies including a new code of conduct and approved the 2026-27 school calendar.
Retiree Recognition
The board recognized 15 district retirees with service ranging from 5 to 30 years. Superintendent Bailey thanked them for their dedication and noted that many retirees stay connected to the district as substitutes, volunteers, and family members.
Key points
- Certificates were presented to retirees, though several were not present.
- Bailey emphasized that this might be the first public recognition many received in their entire careers.
- Retirees honored included Diana Olmstead, Teresa Batty, Gus Ellsworth, Wayne Kimmy, Jill Hanley, and others.
- Food service director Lisa McGovern provided a cake display.
Student Representative Report and Awards Recognition
Student representative Leona reported on end-of-year events and introduced Liba Linton as the incoming student council president. Board president Mark Morris asked Leona about the scholarship process and recognized the community members who funded awards.
Key points
- Regions exams and finals start Tuesday. Baccalaureate is June 24, graduation June 26.
- Liba Linton will serve as student representative for 2026-27.
- Leona received eight scholarships and ten recognitions at the awards ceremony.
- The writing center and guidance office help students find and apply for scholarships.
- Morris gave a shout-out to community members who donated scholarship funds, including the Blue Hawks, the Cookerstein family, and the Wardens.
Committee Reports
Board members delivered reports from the audit, facilities, and policy committees. The facilities committee covered the capital project, the pool closure for energy work, and the outdoor classroom grant from Assemblywoman Didi Barrett and Speaker Carl Heastie.
Key points
- The external auditor engagement is on the agenda.
- The pool is closed for work under the energy performance contract. The boiler room is being upgraded from steam to high-efficiency natural gas.
- Capital project bids were due Monday, with a general contractor to be selected June 18.
- The auditorium will close briefly for chair replacement, scheduled to minimize event disruptions.
- The outdoor classroom at the elementary school received $1.6 million in state funding through the Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability, and Technology program.
The board will meet Thursday, June 18, to approve construction contracts.
Outdoor Classroom Funding Discussion
Board member Diana expressed frustration that $1.6 million in state funding was awarded for the outdoor classroom while the district is cutting staff and raising taxes. Bailey explained the funding is earmarked state capital money that cannot be redirected, and noted that the visit provided an opportunity to advocate for changes to the foundation aid formula.
Key points
- Diana congratulated the parents group but said the timing was difficult given layoffs and budget cuts.
- No one on the board or in the district knew the amount of the grant before it was announced.
- The $1.6 million is part of a state capital program and cannot be used for operating expenses.
- Bailey used the visit to discuss how the foundation aid formula punishes districts like Hudson that have both extreme poverty and extreme wealth.
- The speaker of the New York State Assembly asked about tier six retirement and its impact on teacher recruitment.
The board and district administration did not know the size of the grant before it was publicly announced.
Policy Committee Report
Policy committee chair Amanda reported on annual policy renewals and the code of conduct revision. The committee is seeking more volunteers for the fall. The code of conduct has gone out for a second round of staff feedback.
Key points
- Annual policies including committee charters are up for renewal.
- The code of conduct subcommittee has been working to revamp the document for a July vote.
- Substantial changes were made based on staff feedback in the first round.
- The committee thanked Nikki and Walter for volunteering all year.
- More community members are needed for the policy committee starting in the fall.
Board President Report and Superintendent Search Conclusion
Mark Morris reported on the superintendent search, the budget vote, and improvements to election procedures. Semi-finalist interviews were held May 26 with a panel of 12 staff, community members, and a student representative.
Key points
- The board valued the perspectives of the search committee and thanked buildings and grounds, technology, kitchen, and central office staff.
- The board has received feedback on voting procedures and will examine them throughout the year.
- Proposed changes will be discussed at a board meeting in February or March 2027 before the next election.
Academic Teams Transportation Barriers
Students Liba Linton and Leona presented a detailed account of transportation problems facing Model UN, Mock Trial, Envirothon, and Triumph. They argued that academic teams deserve the same support and recognition as athletic teams.
Key points
- Advisers spend most of their time on paperwork instead of preparing students for competition.
- Envirothon filed a field trip request in January but was told two days before the competition that no bus was available. The team had to cover a $620 cost.
- Model UN paperwork was misplaced by administration, preventing the team from attending a conference they had prepared for months.
- Mock Trial advisers had to drive students themselves in multiple trips after a transportation request was denied.
- Triumph (the music honor society) was unable to compete at Six Flags for the first time in 10 years due to transportation funding issues.
- Students requested a standardized approval process for academic team transportation, similar to what athletic teams have.
Students emphasized that fundraising is not the issue. The problem is the lack of a consistent approval process and advance notice.
Envirothon has been regional champion for 10 years and placed first overall against 22 teams in 2026. Model UN has had best delegates in multiple conferences. Mock Trial placed first in county finals despite transportation issues.
District Technology Plan Update
Cheryl Rabinowitz presented the 2026-2029 district technology plan, which was approved by New York State in April. The plan focuses on professional development, digital citizenship, family engagement, and infrastructure improvements.
Key points
- The technology committee includes students, staff, community members, administrators, and support staff.
- The plan has four goals: aligned digital learning, purposeful student technology use, family workshops and communication, and infrastructure upgrades.
- The previous plan focused on infrastructure (wireless, network, cameras, phones). The new plan adds a focus on AI training and cyber security.
- The district received an award from Verizon Innovative Learning Schools for its work over the past two years.
- The smart schools investment plan is nearly approved.
Appointment of Superintendent
The board voted unanimously to appoint Todd Hilgenorf as superintendent of schools starting July 2026. Hilgenorf is a lifelong resident of Roundtop and a graduate of Cornell. He spent 13 years at Greenville Central School District in several leadership roles.
Key points
- Hilgenorf most recently served as interim superintendent, assistant superintendent for business and finance, director of curriculum, and high school principal at Greenville.
- He distinguished himself during the interview process for his experience guiding Greenville out of its TSI designation, a current priority for Hudson.
- Hilgenorf said he sees his role as listening, learning, and keeping students at the core of every decision.
- He thanked the retirees and offered to meet with them to learn about their experiences.
- He expressed excitement about working with a district that embraces diversity and values community engagement.
Personnel Agenda and Reduction in Force
The board approved the personnel agenda and reduction in force for 2026-27. Board member Amanda acknowledged the heavy impact of the reductions and the dedication of staff members who are losing their positions.
Key points
- The reduction includes ENL teachers, psychologists, and reading teachers.
- Small groups will be larger and some programs beyond state-mandated or IEP services will be discontinued.
- Bailey said IEP meetings and annual reviews will continue through the summer to finalize staffing.
- Some positions on the list were vacant during the school year. Additional vacant positions will be on the next board meeting agenda.
- Lindsay Conwitch of the clerical union noted that the list omits vacancies: three clerk typists instead of one, two computer service specialists instead of one, and a part-time inventory clerk position.
This is an incredibly challenging budget year. These choices have a real impact on the district and on lives.
Public Forum: Communication Breakdown
Nikki Janeito, who works the front desk at the high school, spoke about widespread communication failures in the district. She said emails go unanswered, phone calls are ignored, and the issues raised by students earlier in the meeting are symptoms of a bigger problem.
Key points
- Parents and community members frequently come to the front desk because no one at the district office answers the phone or emails.
- Students sent an email in January about Envirothon transportation and did not get an answer until April, two days before the competition.
- Many retirees are leaving not because they want to but because of what is happening in the district.
- Nikki suggested bringing back a policy from a previous administration that required a response to emails within 24 hours, even if just to say a longer answer is coming.
Public Forum: Columbia County Players Space Request
Molly Salisbury of Columbia County Players requested a waiver of fees to rehearse a children's play at the high school. The play will be presented at Winter Walk and the elementary school through the Spark of Hudson.
Key points
- The group requested the auditorium but said any 25-by-25 or 30-by-30 space would work.
- The board said the auditorium is not available for many of the requested dates.
- The facilities team or central office will follow up with Salisbury about alternative spaces.
Public Forum: Laura Bender on Leona and Liba
High school teacher Laura Bender thanked outgoing student representative Leona and recognized incoming representative Liba Linton as equally dedicated and articulate. She said both students are powerful reminders of the extraordinary young people in the district.
Key points
- Leona is immensely dedicated, thoughtful, and poised, meeting every responsibility despite a packed schedule.
- Liba is just as passionate and will continue Leona's work.
- These young women are examples of the success stories that deserve to define the district.
Superintendent Report: Capital Project, Booster Clubs, Election Procedures
Bailey reported on the capital project bid opening, booster club policy, and improvements to voting procedures. He emphasized the complexity of running three polling places and the importance of transparency.
Key points
- Bids for the capital project came in at the estimated amount. The board will approve contracts Thursday, June 18.
- Bailey is sending out forms for booster clubs to formalize partnerships with the district. Affiliated clubs can use facilities at no cost and use district branding.
- The district is considering having an independent observer at polling places, posting phone numbers for complaints, and better training poll workers on electioneering rules.
- Electioneering includes not just campaigning but also casual conversations about candidates within 100 feet of the entrance.
- Absentee ballots will have a secure location and will be checked in when they arrive.
The state comptroller says school districts must run their own elections and cannot hire outside firms.
End-of-Year Events
Bailey announced upcoming moving-up ceremonies and graduation. Board members are welcome to attend.
Key points
- 8th grade moving-up: Tuesday, June 23, 5 PM, high school auditorium.
- Pre-K moving-up: Wednesday, June 24, 9 AM, Greenport Town Park.
- 5th grade moving-up: Thursday, June 25, 9 AM, high school auditorium.
- High school graduation: Thursday, June 26, 6 PM.
Consent Agenda and Policy Adoption
The board approved the consent agenda and discussed upcoming policy adoptions. Several policies are up for first read, including the code of conduct, student attendance, and a new disclosure of wrongful conduct policy.
Key points
- The student attendance policy will go to the district-wide attendance committee for input.
- The parent and family engagement policy was strengthened to ensure materials go home in students' home languages.
- The code of conduct is an entirely new document thanks to the code of conduct subcommittee. It will go out for a second round of staff feedback before a July vote.
- The new disclosure of wrongful conduct policy provides a standardized process for reporting concerns.
Board Discussion: Trust and Retaliation
Board member Diana raised concerns about retaliatory behavior and the difficulty staff face when reporting problems. She said the chain of command often makes situations worse, and policies on paper do not solve the underlying lack of trust.
Key points
- Diana said one reason she ran for school board was because of retaliatory behavior at the school.
- Staff who complain to their superior, department chair, union president, or superintendent often face worse treatment afterward.
- Morale is very low because staff are not treated respectfully and there is no protection.
- Amanda and Mark acknowledged that trust has been fractured and must be rebuilt. A policy is only the first step.
Trust has to be rebuilt over time. Writing the right policy is the first step, but it is only the first step.
School Calendar Approval
The board approved the 2026-27 school calendar and board meeting calendar. Bailey explained that union leaders discussed the calendar together and left feeling it was the least worst option given the constraints.
Key points
- Amanda asked if staff were consulted about moving a superintendent conference day from April break to June 28, after the last day of Regents exams.
- Bailey said he has never seen a district come back after the last day of the state exam calendar, and it would create the same contract issues as starting before Labor Day.
- The calendar can be changed after adoption if needed.
Exit Poll Results: Pickleball vs. Tennis
The board reviewed results from an exit poll on whether to paint pickleball lines on tennis courts during the capital project. The poll was fairly close: 322 for pickleball lines in some form, 199 against.
Key points
- Pickleball line painting is an alternate in the capital project and will only happen if resources allow.
- The board still needs a clear answer on whether sanctioned tennis matches can be held on a court with pickleball lines.
- One design centers the pickleball court on the tennis net. Another superimposes two pickleball courts over the tennis court, requiring a portable net.
- The facilities committee will continue discussing which courts get pickleball lines if the project moves forward.
Adjournment
The board entered executive session to discuss personnel and litigation. No further business was conducted after executive session.
Key points
- The board thanked Leslie for her work on the election, including training staff, preparing polling places, and managing three locations.
- The next meeting is Thursday, June 18, at 5:30 PM to award capital project bids.
- The annual organizational meeting is Tuesday, July 7, at 6 PM.
About this page
FUTURE HUDSON is an experiment in civic engagement: every public meeting of the City of Hudson since January 2026, transcribed and made readable, so any resident can follow what the city is deciding without attending every meeting. This page covers one meeting; see the full archive.
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