Hudson CSD Board of Education Announces New Superintendent
On June 16, 2026, the Hudson CSD Board of Education appointed Mr. Todd B. Hilgendorff as Superintendent of Schools. “The Board of Education is proud to introduce Mr. Todd B. Hilgendorff as the next Superintendent of the Hudson City School District,” said Mark DePace, HCSD Board of Education President. “Through a rigorous interview process, Todd distinguished himself as the strongest candidate, demonstrating experience, passion, and proven results.”
Mr. Hilgendorff will officially begin serving as Superintendent of Schools on July 13, 2026. Please see the full announcement here.
Hudson City School District Launches Superintendent Search Process
HUDSON, NY — The Hudson City School District Board of Education is pleased to announce
the official launch of its search process for the District’s next Superintendent of Schools. The
Board is committed to selecting a highly qualified leader who will guide Hudson forward with a
focus on student success, strong school-community partnerships, and effective district
operations.
To ensure the selection process is inclusive, transparent, and reflective of the priorities of Hudson
families, staff, and community members, the Board has retained Hazard, Young, Attea &
Associates (HYA) — a nationally recognized executive search firm — to support the Superintendent search process.
Superintendent Position
The Hudson City School District is conducting a confidential search for a new
superintendent who is anticipated to begin on July 1, 2026, with a starting base salary range of $185,000 – $200,000, based on experience. Other benefits to be negotiated. Located in the heart of Columbia County and overlooking the scenic Hudson River, the Hudson City School District’s three schools cover 50 acres on two campuses approximately half a mile apart. HCSD has nearly 400 employees and serves a diverse student population of about 1500 (PK-12). The Board of Education formally adopted the proposed 2025-26 budget of $58,544,000, which included a 3.55% tax levy increase.The mission of the Hudson City School District is to embrace all students and inspire them to achieve their personal best as Bluehawks and beyond. Hudson, NY, provides easy access to two fairly large urban centers, Albany to the north and Kingston to the south, as well as the rural setting of historic Columbia County. Its position as a small city nestled next to rural farmland makes Hudson the best of both worlds. The Hudson City School District offers employment opportunities without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, or disability.
Superintendent Job Advertisement
Superintendent Job Posting – Includes Job Description and How to Apply
Want to learn more about Hudson? Watch our YouTube Video: Hudson’s the Right Choice.
Superintendent Search Timeline
The Hudson City School District Superintendent search will follow a structured timeline designed to ensure strong community engagement and a thorough candidate review process.
Board of Education Meetings - Executive Session Only
These are a series of special board of education meetings for the purpose of matters leading to the appointment of the next superintendent. There will be no public participation (public comment) or streaming.| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday, April 12 | 3 - 7 pm | HS Library |
| Sunday, May 3 | 2 - 8 pm | HS Library |
| Wednesday, May 6 | 5:30 - 9 pm | HS Library |
| Tuesday, May 26 | 5:30 - 9 pm | HS Library |
| Wednesday, May 27 | 5:30 - 9 pm | HS Library |
Projected timeline includes
Phase 1: Community Input (February 2026)
- Superintendent Search Survey open to stakeholders
- Focused stakeholder interviews and input sessions
- Development of Superintendent Leadership Profile
Phase 2: Candidate Recruitment & Screening (Late February–March 2026)
- Regional and national recruitment conducted by HYA & Associates
- Review of applications and candidate screening
- Selection of semifinalists
Phase 3: Finalist Interviews & Selection Process (March–April-May 2026)
- Final interviews with the Board of Education
- Reference checks and final candidate review
- Superintendent appointment announced
Phase 4: Transition & Entry Plan (June-July 2026)
- Transition planning and onboarding
- Community listening sessions with the new Superintendent
Note: Specific dates will be posted on the District website as they are finalized
Commitment to Transparency and Partnership
The Hudson City School District Board of Education remains committed to a transparent and community-driven process. Updates, timelines, and survey access will be shared regularly through the District website and official communication channels.
Focus Groups and Survey
Updated March 18, 2026
HYA facilitated seven in-person sessions and eight virtual sessions with a total of 15 sessions and 82 participants. HYA also facilitated an online survey from February 5, 2026 – March 15, 2026. There were 301 survey participants.
A draft report will be submitted to the Board of Education by March 27, 2026. Final report with summaries and Leadership Profile will be presented at the April 21, 2026 Board meeting.
Community Input Sessions
Please attend the session that best applies to you and your role in the community. Anyone who has not been able to attend previous sessions is welcome to attend a Make-Up Session. Spanish and Bengali translators (and Wordly AI translation) will be present at the Parent/Community member sessions on 02/25 and 03/02, and the Make-Up session on 03/04.
Superintendent Search - Focus Groups Schedule
| Stakeholder Group | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent/Community Members | Wednesday, February 25, 2026 | 6 pm - 7 pm | In-Person: Hudson High School Library |
| Educational Secretaries | Thursday, February 26, 2026 | 6 pm - 7 pm | In-Person: Hudson High School Library |
| Teachers/Licensed Personnel | Thursday, February 26, 2026 | 7 pm - 8 pm | In-Person: Hudson High School Library |
| LPN’S, Confidential Secretaries, Specialists, Monitors, Security Officers | Monday, March 2, 2026 | 6 pm - 7 pm | In-Person: Hudson High School Library |
| Parent/Community Members | Monday, March 2, 2026 | 7 pm - 8 pm | In-Person: Hudson High School Library |
| Make-up Session | Wednesday, March 4, 2026 | 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm | In-Person: Hudson High School Library |
| Make-up Session | Thursday, March 5, 2026 | 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm | Virtual: Video Call Link |
| Teachers’ Aides | Monday, March 9, 2026 | 6 pm -7 pm | In-Person: Hudson High School Library |
| Teachers/Licensed Personnel | Tuesday, March 10, 2026 | 3:15 pm - 4:15 pm | Virtual: Video Call Link |
| Custodial and Maintenance Staff | Wednesday, March 11, 2026 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Virtual: Video Call Link |
| Student Council | Thursday, March 12, 2026 | 2:45 pm -3:45 pm | Virtual: Video Call Link |
| Teachers' Aides | Monday, March 16, 2026 | 3:15 pm -4:15 pm | Virtual: Video Call Link |
Community Survey: A Critical Part of the Search
A key component of the search process is a districtwide Superintendent Search Survey. The survey is designed to gather input from a broad range of stakeholders, including:
- Parents and guardians
- Students
- Teachers and staff
- Community members
- Local partners and organizations
Survey results will help the Board identify the leadership qualities, experiences, and priorities most important to the Hudson community. The feedback will also directly inform the development of the Superintendent Leadership Profile and candidate selection process.
The Superintendent Search Survey has closed. Thank you for your participation.