PDF: 2025-26 Budget Proposal Adopted
The Hudson City School District Board of Education held two important meetings on Tuesday, April 22, and Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the high school auditorium, addressing the upcoming 2025-26 budget, student programs, facility updates, and ongoing district initiatives. The meetings were attended by board members, faculty, students, and community members, all eager to engage in shaping the future of the district.
At the April 24 Special Meeting, the Board of Education formally adopted the proposed 2025-26 budget of $58,544,000, which includes a 3.55% tax levy increase. The budget preserves uses fund balance and reserves responsibly, will not include staff reductions, and reflects adjustments for vacancies and retirements without cutting programs for students. The finalized budget will go before voters on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. A detailed budget book and newsletter will be available for the community ahead of the vote.
During the April 22 meeting, Superintendent Dr. Pennyman and Executive Director of Business and Finance Christy Ferri presented the budget in detail, emphasizing the importance of financial sustainability while maintaining critical supports for students.
Seal of Civic Readiness Presentation
Meghan Abitabile and Rocky Payne gave a presentation on the Seal of Civic Readiness program. Now in its third year at Hudson, this New York State initiative allows students to demonstrate civic knowledge and participation for a special diploma designation. Hudson remains the only district in Columbia County offering this opportunity.
Students can achieve the Seal by earning credits through Civic Knowledge and Civic Participation pathways, encouraging real-world engagement in civic life and leadership development.
M.C. Smith Elementary School Data Presentation
Mark Brenneman, Principal of M.C. Smith Elementary, provided an overview of building data, highlighting improvements in chronic absenteeism and plans to strengthen academic achievement. Writing skills development remains a focus area, along with preparation for state computer-based testing. Mr. Brenneman also outlined efforts from the newly formed Absenteeism Task Force to support attendance district-wide.
Committee Updates
During committee updates, Amanda Grubler reported that the Policy Committee is drafting a charter and finalizing several policy updates currently under legal review. The Facilities Committee, reported by Mark DePace, is preparing for upcoming public forums about the proposed Capital Project and Energy Performance Contract, ensuring community input ahead of the May vote.
The Audit Committee plans to meet in May to finalize the district’s corrective action plan.
Superintendent’s Report
During Dr. Pennyman’s Superintendent Report, she:
- Thanked the Business Office and the administrative team for their hard work finalizing the budget.
- Congratulated Jake Petersen, Juwan Morrison, Kaitlyn Novak, and Lynn Carr on their college acceptances.
- Highlighted the “We See You” BBQ lunch organized by MBK Scholars and Bluehawk Academy students for faculty and staff.
- Reported on Ivy League tours during Spring Break, with students visiting Yale and Harvard.
- Recognized “Operation Safe Stop,” promoting statewide school bus safety.
- Presented Spotlight on Excellence awards to Dr. Kortright-Torres, Dr. Pressey, My Brother’s Keeper staff, and Bluehawk Academy staff for their outstanding support of students and college readiness efforts.
Other Actions
Elsewhere, the Board of Education approved a variety of actions, including:
- Personnel appointments and summer programming hires.
- Approval of the sale of the former John L. Edwards School to Pennrose NY Developer LLC.
- Adoption of the Questar III BOCES 2025-26 Administrative Budget and election of Questar III Board Members.
The next Board of Education, which includes the annual Budget Hearing, meeting is slated for May 6, 2025. You can learn more by visiting https://go.boarddocs.com/ny/hudsoncsd/Board.nsf/Public. Click on the April 22 or 24 Meeting Agendas, and each item can be expanded for further details. Watch live and recorded meetings on the District’s YouTube page (https://www.youtube.com/@hudsoncityschooldistrict182). Click here for a list of important and upcoming dates.