Special Statements 2025-26

December 11, 2025

Dear Hastings Families,

I am writing with a brief update on the situation I announced earlier today regarding two Hastings students. For now, please know the following:

1. The involved students are fine.

2. The Hastings Police Department (HPD) is taking the situation seriously, continues to investigate and will be on extra alert.

3. The media may be reporting that the car was allegedly "small" with "two male occupants."

4. District security personnel are on extra alert, and we are working closely with our Altaris Safety Consultants.

I would reiterate that families should remind their children of the importance of not engaging with adults unknown to them. Any concerns should be reported immediately to the HPD and your relevant building administrator.

As more information is available, we will provide updates.

Thank you.

Bill

William McKersie, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools

October 15, 2025

Dear Hastings Families and Staff:

October 10, 2025

Dear Hastings Families and Staff,

At the October 7th Board of Education Meeting, several important reports were shared with the community. These presentations reflect our continued attention to ensuring the fiscal and facility wherewithal required for advancing student intellectual and social-emotional growth. 

Below you’ll find summaries of each presentation, along with links to the full reports.

Annual Audit Report Presentation

Jeffrey C. Shaver, Partner, PKF O’Connor Davies, LLP, presented the Annual Audit Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, reaffirming the District’s strong financial standing and adherence to accounting standards.

Highlights include:

• The District received an unmodified (“clean”) audit opinion, indicating strong financial controls and compliance with all governmental auditing standards.
• The auditors identified no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in internal controls.
• There were no difficulties, disagreements, or management overrides encountered during the audit process.
• The report confirmed that management continues to maintain effective internal controls and accurately presents financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

The presentation reviewed General Fund revenues and expenditures, fund balance trends, debt service, and other fund activity, all demonstrating ongoing fiscal health and stability.

This annual audit reflects the District’s steadfast commitment to fiscal discipline, transparency, and responsible stewardship of community resources.

Farragut Wing Restoration Update

Maureen Caraballo, Business Official, provided an update on the Farragut Wing Restoration Project, with the solid projection that we will be able to return to the space as of late January 2026.

Project Highlights:

• Phase 1 (Demolition & Framing): Completed January–July 2025
• Phase 2 (Construction & Finishes): Began September 2025 and remains on track for completion in January 2026

Upgrades include:

• A new, energy-efficient HVAC system meeting current code standards
• Modernized electrical systems with LED lighting and networked controls
• Enhanced fire protection and alarm systems, including sprinklers and voice evacuation

Budget Overview:

• Insurance Proceeds: $4,487,879
• District Property Loss Reserve: $1,241,140
• Total Construction Cost: $5,729,019

As discussed at length with the Board, the insurance proceeds cover roughly 95 percent of the costs required to rebuild the Farragut Wing as it had been.  However, it is essential to bring the facility back to a higher and safer standard, including the noted HVAC, electrical and fire protection systems, which is the work covered by the district reserves. The Board also discussed that the Farragut Wing restoration will address the equivalent of $5-6 million in critical improvements identified in the Building Condition Survey (BCS) last year, but not included in the approved 2025 Capital Bond.  All in all, these improvements will deliver a safer, more efficient, and modern learning environment when the restored space reopens in January 2026.

2025 Capital Bond Update

John Hansen, Pre-Construction Manager, Triton Construction, provided an overview of the District’s Capital Improvement Projects, outlining their role as the Construction Manager for the voter-approved 2025 Capital Bond. Triton will oversee all aspects of the work on Propositions 1-3 from planning and coordination through completion.

Key responsibilities include:

• Comprehensive project management and oversight
• Maintaining budget and schedule accountability
• Ensuring quality control and safety throughout the construction process

This presentation marked the first in a series of updates Triton will share as the bond projects move forward.  Most immediately:

• A community forum on the Athletic Fields (Prop 3) will be held on Monday, October 27th, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Hillside School. 
• At the November 4, 2025, Board of Education meeting, the District’s architects, accompanied by Triton, will present schematic designs for the portions of the bond related to the Farragut Complex (Prop 2)  and the Athletic Fields (Prop 3).

Student Voices for Equity

Public Comment was noteworthy for the five High School students who spoke with critical compassion about the need for district leadership to engage deeply in advancing equity and excellence for all students. Particular attention was requested for curriculum, pedagogy, programming, professional learning and staffing that rigorously reflects our students of color.  Many of the points echoed the recommendations and action steps in the Preliminary Review of Independent Analyses of Cultural Competence in Hastings, which was presented to the BOE on July 14, 2025. District leadership will redouble efforts to address the needs identified by both the student leaders and the external experts.

Highlights of Student Good News 

As occurs at each Board meeting, I shared highlights and celebrations from across all three schools through the Superintendent’s Report, which includes classroom look-ins, cultural events, and upcoming district-wide activities.

For those who were unable to attend, you can watch the full Board of Education meeting HERE.

Thank you for your continued support as we move forward with these important initiatives for our students, staff, and community.

Be well.

William S. McKersie, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools

Dear Hastings Families and Staff:

I am writing to share three important updates regarding District facilities and recent events.  Each was a topic of discussion at Board of Education (BOE) Meetings this week.

Farragut Wing Renovations Progress

Significant progress has been made on the Farragut Wing flood renovations, as Maureen Caraballo updated the Board of Education on September 9, 2025. Notably, 90% of electrical wiring is complete and new data lines installed for PA and technology needs; this entailed six miles of wiring being pulled by three Hastings staff working daily for three months. The fire suppression system is now being installed, and the HVAC contractor is mobilized and submittals are in process.  With this “inside the walls” work nearly completed, the general contractor is back on site full time. Work is being phased as materials arrive, supported by ongoing on-site meetings. Importantly, the internal team’s efforts saved $1.5M, enabling additional BCS work to proceed using available insurance reserves.  Simply put, we have the financial resources necessary to complete the renovations.  An updated milestone schedule will be announced at the October 7, 2025 BOE Meeting.

Capital Bond Construction Manager Secured 

Triton Construction was appointed at a Special Meeting of the BOE yesterday as the Construction Manager for the District’s new Capital Bond. The appointment emerges from a competitive public bid process, including a comprehensive review of proposals, in-person interviews and reference checking. Triton brings more than 20 years of success with New York State school districts and, importantly, knows and understands Hastings’ commitment to construction projects that advance educational excellence, student well-being, environmental sustainability, and fiscal stability. Their experienced team will manage all aspects of the three-part Capital Bond—overseeing MEP systems work, the Farragut Complex remodeling, and Athletic Field improvements—with skill, foresight, and responsiveness.  They will provide regular updates to the BOE and be part of regular public information sessions. Triton’s strong references, proven ability to resolve issues quickly, and a proposal below budget ($1.17M vs. $1.32M) make them the clear choice to guide the District’s capital program over the next several years to success. Triton team leaders will present an updated timeline and set of milestones for the Capital Bond work at the October 7, 2025 BOE Meeting.

Farragut Complex Evacuation & Reunification

To review, on September 4, 2025 a minor chemical spill in a High School science lab required the evacuation of the entire Farragut Complex and an early dismissal for FMS & HS students.  At the September 9, 2025, BOE Meeting, I provided a detailed update on the incident, including the emergency response, the reunification process, and the steps taken to ensure the building’s safety before re-entry. I also highlighted key lessons learned and steps we are taking to enhance our emergency preparedness.  

As an update to what we informed the BOE on 9.9.25, we continue to monitor the wellness and care of any of the students involved in the science lab accident.  I also want to underscore that we are in the midst of investigating how to ensure safety in science labs and all learning spaces. Our top priority is the safety and well-being of students and staff.

Be well,

Bill

William S. McKersie, Ph.D.
Superintendent

Dear Families,

We want to inform you that, due to an isolated incident in a science classroom, all students at HHS and FMS have been evacuated as a precaution. Please be assured that the safety of our students is our top priority, and proper precautions are being taken.

At this time, all students are safe. If any parent contact is necessary, you will be notified immediately.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we ensure a safe and secure environment for all students.

Dear HHS/FMS Families,

We will be dismissing all HHS and FMS students at 1 p.m. All HHS students will be released to walk home. All FMS students must be signed out from Reynolds Field.

Dismissal will begin at 1 p.m., please do not come to Reynolds Field until after 1 p.m. To pick up your student(s) from Reynolds Field, enter via Chauncey Lane from Broadway on the Farragut roadside.

Please bring identification when picking up your student.

Dear Hastings Community, 

Due to the emergency early dismissal today all after school activities have been cancelled. The modified meet the coaches/interest meeting will no longer be happening today. All modified sports please meet in the Green Gym on Monday September 8th at 3:30pm to get directions for the season.

Thank you and sorry for the inconvenience 

Hastings Athletic Department 

Dear HHS and FMS Families,

For our FMS students who have not yet been picked up, we will be dismissing them at our normal time, 2:54 p.m. 

All HHS and FMS students will not be allowed to re-enter the building for the remainder of the day. 

All HHS and FMS classes will resume as scheduled tomorrow, September 5, 2025. If anything changes we will notify families immediately.

Dear Hastings Families and Staff,

Kindly take a moment to review the important update regarding today's Evacuation & Reunification from Dr. McKersie.

Thank you.