Dr. Lisamarie Spindler, Superintendent of Schools
Dear Hudson Families and Community Members,
With great honor, I officially introduce myself as the new Superintendent of Schools. I want to thank the Board of Education, administrators, staff, students, families, and community for the warm welcome. It is clear that Bluehawk pride is embedded in all aspects of this school community, and there is a sense of belonging that excites me as I enter this role.
During the past month, I’ve been working with Dr. Suttmeier to ensure as smooth a transition as possible. This includes participating in meetings with the Columbia County Department of Health and regional superintendents so we can continue the partnership that has allowed schools to remain open for in-person instruction. As an educator and a mother of two children in school, I know how important it is for our kids to be learning within the walls of their classrooms alongside their peers, and I want to know they are safe while at school. I will continue engaging in these conversations with local officials and keep the school community informed of any impactful developments. The safety and well-being of our school community will remain a top priority during this transition.
Since beginning my career as an educator more than 20 years ago, I’ve worn almost every hat there is to wear. Across grades K-12, I’ve been a classroom teacher, a building principal, an Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, an Assistant Superintendent of Finance, and recently an Acting Deputy Superintendent. These roles allowed me to participate in innovative curriculum and program changes across 14 schools with over 11,000 students and nearly 2,000 staff members. My experiences in teaching, curriculum, strategic planning, innovative program development, and financial management solidifies the executive-level leadership that Hudson can depend on.
As the next leader of the Hudson City School District, I am dedicated to continuing and improving the positive gains made by students and staff despite the ongoing challenges brought on by the pandemic. I am committed to a culture of collaboration with our administrators, faculty, families and community groups to develop and enact strategies for combating learning loss and getting Hudson’s scholars back on track. Federal funding received through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) will allow HCSD to provide enhanced academic supports, particularly related to math and reading instruction, as well as more enrichment opportunities for students. The District’s comprehensive plan for the use of this federal stimulus can be reviewed online at www.hudsoncsd.org/arpfunding.
Over the next few months, I will be working collaboratively with school leaders to develop a general budget proposal for the 2022-23 school year. We will be engaging in many discussions about district priorities and how we can leverage the federal ARP funds to increase educational and enrichment opportunities for students while minimizing the impact on our general budget. We will work hard to maintain fiscal responsibility for district taxpayers while ensuring our students have everything they need to succeed and thrive.
Leadership starts with listening and learning. During my first week and throughout the coming weeks, I am meeting with various stakeholders to learn what matters most. Already I’ve had many engagements in our schools and the community such as the Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Johnson, the Hudson Youth Department, Chief Moore from the Hudson Police Department, Operation Unite, the Greater Hudson Promise Neighborhood, and the Hudson Children’s Book Festival, just to name a few. I will be having countless conversations to learn about what is working and what we can do to make our programs and partnerships even more successful.
I will be holding a “Coffee Talk” on Friday, February 18, 2022, from 5-6 p.m. in the Hudson Junior/Senior High School cafeteria. I hope you will stop by to say hello and chat before the HHS Talent Show at 6 p.m. I value the knowledge and expertise of the school and greater Hudson community, and will enjoy the many insightful conversations we’ll have. We will keep embracing the challenges and find solutions together that will allow us to continue educating the next generation.
In Collaboration,
Dr. Lisamarie Spindler
Superintendent of Schools
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