Superintendent Community Updates 2025-2026
- January 9
- December 23
- December 12
- November 25
- November 14
- October 31
- October 17
- October 3
- September 19
- September 5
- August 28
- August 26
- August 19
January 9
January 9, 2026
Dear Hastings Families and Staff:
Ah, January! Back we are – to school, to winter weather – with highs and lows in spirit, energy and temperatures. Good news, which I insist on always bringing in these Hastings Happenings, is that the spirit and energy is high, with the lows primarily in the meteorological measures.
Before we have you turn to a very full issue of Hastings Happenings, please review several of what I have come to call “technical updates.”
FMS Principal Search
As FMS staff and families have been regularly informed, we are into a comprehensive and inclusive search for the next Farragut Middle School Principal, whose official start date will be July 1, 2026. The search process is running from December 8-March 3, and is designed to ensure broad input and rigorous candidate review–resulting in the appointment of a dedicated, long-term leader for FMS students, staff and families. Details on the process are listed HERE, in a document that I have shared with FMS staff.
Important to the process are a series of Roundtable Discussions I am hosting this month for families and staff. The primary Parent Roundtable was held last evening, with a strongly representative group of parents identified by PTSA and SEPTA leaders. The Roundtable Plan follows an approach I have used in previous searches–based on open-ended, simple questions, it prompts far ranging input and feedback. Last night was no exception, witness my thank you the participants this morning:
Dear Roundtable Participants,
Melissa Szymanski joins me in expressing appreciation to each of you for sharing time with us last evening to provide feedback, insights and recommendations regarding FMS, the Principal Search, and the district. We take seriously the input, as much for FMS as for what district leadership can do better for the benefit of student learning and growth. Your frank commentary will be a valuable guide for the interview and appointment process, and more importantly the work going forward of building and district leaders.
Sincerely,
Bill
Shifting from the Technical to the Deeply Essential
The next Hasting Happenings will land after we have celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr Day on January 19. This is a time for us to reflect on, reconsider and reaffirm why the work of Dr. King, as far ranging in impact and outcome that it may have been, must be a beacon for us as a school community, a Village and a nation. Some of us had personal contact and experiences with the life of Dr. King; many more of us only know it as history. Regardless, we must connect with the core meaning and value of his hopes and dreams, rigorously stated and sought, as a touchstone.
Be well.
Bill
William S. McKersie, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
December 23
December 23, 2025
Happy Holidays from the Hastings School District!
As we celebrate this special season, we extend heartfelt thanks to our students, staff, families, and community for the passion, dedication, and joyful spirit you bring to Hastings' schools each day. Your collective energy inspires learning, sparks creativity, and strengthens the connections that make Hastings such a special place to grow and thrive.
Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season and a New Year filled with health, happiness, and hope. We look forward to continuing our journey together in 2026—learning, growing, and thriving.
Be well!
Bill
William S. McKersie, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
December 12
December 12, 2025
Dear Hastings Families and Staff:
What is my catchy opening today? How to grab your eye to keep you reading? With the Muse failing me, I will cut to the chase and dive into several technical updates.
Inclement Weather Days – Count Update
We have a well established system for determining any changes to school schedules due to the weather. (Please see the August 2025 Memo if you need a refresher). We have a total of six Inclement Weather Days. As the 2025-26 School Calendar notes, we have additional days identified if we end up using more than the six days. The tough reality is that we may now be down to four Inclement Weather Days, since we likely will have to use two days to cover the evacuations due to the Chemical Spill on September 4, 2025 and the Boiler Failure on December 5, 2025. Weather experts (who really are experts) are advising me to keep “arrows in my quiver” since we anticipate an active winter from January through April. One immediate impact is that we are reconsidering if we can use Inclement Weather Days (one or more) to facilitate the move back into the Farragut Wing.
Farragut Wing Status
We continue to be on pace to have the Farragut Wing returned to use by January 15, 2026. The plan to move teachers, staff and administrators back into the space is still in process. We will be using a phased return over the following week, which may be especially important if we are not able to use an Inclement Weather Day (see above). Maureen Caraballo and Facilities are working with Dan Waldeck, Lauren Iorio and HTA leaders on the plans. More information will be forthcoming before the Holiday Recess, as well as in early January.
Safety and Well-Being Training
This week I joined staff and administrators for training on essential skills for the safety and well-being of students. On Monday, during Superintendent’s Conference Day, roughly 25 aids, monitors and administrators had annual refresher training in CPR and AED (provided by CPRed).
On Tuesday and Wednesday, 15 aides and administrators received intensive training in CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, led by a SWBOCES licensed trainer. Approximately 50-60 staff and administrators have been trained in CPI, which must be renewed annually. Our added emphasis on CPI is a highly recommended step to make sure a large number of employees have certified skills to help students manage tension and anxiety so that it does not become a path to harmful behavior. Having been through the training, I must underscore the importance of the verbal (non–physical) aspects of the skills and techniques we are taught, which take priority in all interactions with students. Simply put, we are trained to only use physical techniques (which are designed to ensure student safety) in extreme and rare situations. I am happy to answer any questions about the training.
Guest Reading – Keeping Connected & Joyful
I have started my fifth year of guest reading in each Hillside classroom. I read the same book for an entire grade in coordination with the teachers. The continuity helps me actually read well (smile) and bring a similar experience to each classroom. As I read, I weave in questions and turn-and-talk, allowing me to experience the engagement, creativity and clever thinking of the students, which clearly is being deftly fostered by each teacher. Simply put, it keeps me connected with our students, and puts a big kick in my step. Kudos to Hillside students and teachers.
Now, please read on–this Hastings Happenings is again loaded with good news.
Be well.
Bill
William S. McKersie, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
November 25
November 25, 2025
Dear Hastings Families and Staff:
Let me send you into Thanksgiving Break with a bit of free-verse, from the heart, modified from a poem I shared back in 2022. Returning to the good to prime the future good–that is good.
Ever Thankful
Walking about, I carry
Their Creativity
Their Smiles
Their Laughter
Their Insights
Their Curiosity
Who?
Our Students
Your Children
Our Joy.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Bill
William S. McKersie, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
November 14
November 14, 2025
Dear Hastings Families and Staff:
Welcome to another rich issue of the Hastings Happenings, presented as always with a mix of narrative, photos and video. There is much to underscore below (pun), covering a wide array of Hastings attributes, each of which bring to life the Portrait of a Hastings Learner:
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Promoting multicultural inquiry
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Fostering Town-Gown relationships by celebrating Hastings Veterans
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Digging into ageless (colonel) ideas
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Excelling in symphony, band and chorus
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Dancing with Junior Formal style
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Participating in selective national teacher networks
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Winning communications recognition
Read on!
But, first, please look back at the Board Brief sent out last week. This is a new communications vehicle to highlight aspects of the most recent BOE meeting. Note in particular the updates about the Capital Bond Work and the Pupil Personal Services Organizational Leadership Chart, a guide designed to help families with special education students know whom to contact when.
Lastly, I would reiterate that we continue apace to be fully back in the Farragut Wing by the end of January 2026. Details on the transition (move back) plan will be shared over the next several weeks.
Bill
William S. McKersie, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
October 31
October 31, 2025
Dear Hastings Families and Staff:
Happy Halloween! I am all treats with this brief opening to the latest Hastings Happenings. My walkabouts today came upon hundreds of costumed students and staff. "Love da spirit!"
Athletic Fields – Making Progress
A concise update on the status of Capital Bond (Proposition 3) was provided Monday night at a community forum attended by approximately 50 residents, family members and students.
The technical team from Triton, LAN, and LA Group made the presentation, along with Alex DalPiaz, Maureen Caraballo, Joe Martorana and Drew Wendol. As the presentation showed, work is holding closely to the specifications the BOE stressed as essential prior to the June 2025 Bond Vote. We are optimistic that we will have the work fully completed by Fall 2027, with earlier access to fields in a staged reopening as work is completed. We fielded questions on a series of topics, ranging from the schedule for construction and ways to accelerate the project, to environmental and health concerns, to plans for ensuring fair use of the new fields across various teams and sports. An FAQ document will be ready next week for posting on the dedicated webpage for the Capital Bond. We will be hosting another forum on the athletic fields later in November or early December. In the meantime, please review the above linked presentation.
More on the Bond – November 4 BOE Meeting
Not to be left out, Capital Bond Propositions #1-2 will be the focus of a comprehensive update at the November 4, 2025 BOE Meeting. To review, Prop #1 provides for the replacement of outdated mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems for code compliance, safety, and efficiency. Prop #2 provides for new classrooms and special education spaces, the cafeteria relocation, new main entrance, and code and accessibility upgrades. The technical team from Triton, LAN and PBDW will present on the current status of designs, schedules and budgets. We will post and distribute the formal presentation from the meeting.
Again, Happy Halloween! Here’s to a healthy and fun-filled celebration tonight!
Bill
William S. McKersie, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
October 17
October 17, 2025
Dear Hastings Families and Staff:
I often speak and write about the linked values of “Dignity and Respect.” These fundamentals of how we must act toward one another are worth repeating.
This week, I came upon an insightful statement about “respect.” I share it now, letting its meaning and guidance speak for itself:
“Respect is not a passive act. To respect someone is to look for the springs that feed the pool of their experience. The word comes from the Latin “respecere,” which means “to look again.” Its most ancient roots mean “to observe.” It involves a sense of honoring or deferring to someone. Where once we saw one aspect of a person, we look again and realize how much of them we had missed. The second look can let us take in more fully the fact that here before me is a living, breathing being.” (William Isaacs, “Dialogue: The Art of Thinking Together,” 1999.)
Today’s Hastings Happenings is rich with examples of respect—shown by our students, staff and supportive families. As you read on, I invite you to pause and “look again” at those amongst us, each of whom bring dignity to the tapestry of Hastings.
On Monday, October 20, all Hastings schools and district buildings will be closed in observance of Diwali, the Festival of Lights. We wish those who observe a joyful and peaceful Diwali, and hope this day reminds us all of the light we can share with one another through dignity, respect, and understanding.
Be well.
Bill
William S. McKersie, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
October 3
October 3, 2025
Dear Hastings Families and Staff:
Today, I go personal. I am sharing a message my nearly 96 year old father sent to the family on Wednesday. I believe it will resonate across Hastings–students, staff, families and residents. He titled it, “Thinking of you and more…”
Tomorrow, Thursday, is Yom Kippur, a very important holiday for Jewish people. I have been thinking about the power of meditation, which will be uppermost tomorrow. I have also been thinking about my mother, whose birthday it was last Sunday. I came across a card in her old recipe box with these comments: "Relaxation is the best tranquilizer. Build a quiet room within your mind. Retire within that space regularly. A little vacation every day. But don’t retire from life”.
Cheers,
bob/dad/gramps
Bob McKersie
Some context to bring extra meaning to this personal example: My grandmother, the source of the recipe box, was a “normal school trained” second grade school teacher in Haledon/Paterson, married to my grandfather, who had dropped out of school at age 14 to work in the mills before fighting in WWI (infantry) and later became a US Postal Clerk (a job that proved secure). They were a devout Methodist family.
What matters in this story? Two points jump out for me. First, the interfaith guidance, across multiple generations, to seek paths to peace and relaxation, “building a quiet room within your mind,” is extra important these days within and beyond Hastings. Second, we have many more reasons to feel connected as diverse people than to feel separated. My personal story is an example, it is not exemplary; it is akin to many Hastings stories, reaching across faiths, generations, and family histories and means. Let’s focus on the connections that bind us together; not what too easily separates us. Take time to appreciate and applaud each other.
This spirit of connection and togetherness is at the heart of this week's Homecoming celebrations. Across this week we had great contests and spirit with Girls Volleyball, Girls Soccer, Cross Country, Boys Volleyball, Girls Tennis and Boys Soccer. Tonight at 6:30 p.m. our Field Hockey team takes on Ossining at Burke Estate Field, and tomorrow (Saturday, October 4, 6:00 p.m.) our community will gather for the Homecoming Football Game against Woodlands at Reynolds Field. With food, music, and family fun, these events remind us that while we each carry quiet spaces of reflection, we also share vibrant, joyful spaces as a community. I hope you’ll join us in celebrating not only our teams, but also the bonds that unite us here in Hastings.
Be well.
William S. McKersie, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
September 19
September 19, 2025
Dear Hastings Families and Staff:
Three weeks into the school year, let us remember two touchstones:
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Hastings POHL North Star: A nurturing community of diverse learners who foster a just and compassionate society.
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Guiding Value: Dignity and Respect for Every Individual.
Over this year, we will bring forward examples of us living out these principles, which hold students at their heart. For the Portrait (POHL), we will redouble efforts to raise up examples of the essential attributes: Bold, Collaborative, Empathic, Empowered, Inquisitive, Inventive. Dignity and Respect for Every Individual must guide all our actions. Let’s strive together to be a beacon for the region and nation on these fundamental human values.
Student voice and leadership is an engine room for us. Today’s Hastings Happenings features the early impact of Hastings two School Board Liaisons, Ella Chiu and Joaquin Toledo-Chae. As many know, a new state law mandates that school districts have student representatives on the school board. Hastings for nearly 15 years has had this role, so we have become a regional exemplar for how to maximize this student leadership and voice. Indeed, this week I was asked to help lead a training session for students from 20 other districts. I shared an outline of the roles and responsibilities that Ella, Joaquin and their predecessors have helped forge–may it become a model beyond Hastings.
Over this year, I will host roundtable discussions with a wide range of students, providing the opportunity for diverse perspectives and experiences to be heard. These will include Student Union representatives, Student Liaison Groups, Student Athletic Committee and Special Education groups. I certainly learn; in turn, I hope to help the participants experience effective advocacy moments.
Update on a Serious Matter
Due to a technical glitch, for which I apologize, my Special Friday Letter 9.12.25 did not go out to families (while it did go as scheduled to employees and the BOE). We sent it yesterday afternoon to all families. A focus of the letter was the 9.4.25 chemical spill in a High School science lab and the resulting evacuation and eventual reunification process for FMS and HHS students.
I want to stress that we have been reviewing, investigating and determining how to prevent such a situation in the future, and how to improve evacuations and reunifications. We also continue to monitor the wellness and care of any of the students involved in the science lab accident. I provided a detailed update to the Board of Education in an Executive Session on Wednesday evening (9.17.25). I will share a similar update and written report at the regular meeting of the Board on Thursday, September 25, providing an opportunity for interested and concerned individuals to have more understanding and insights on what occurred and our corrective actions for the future.
In Closing…
Next week, schools will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday in observance of Rosh Hashanah. May we all join in wishing our fellow students, staff and families a sweet new year.
Be well.
William S. McKersie, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
September 5
September 5, 2025
Dear Hastings Families and Staff:
The first week of school has been rich in material for memoirs. One source of material is the emergency situation yesterday in the Farragut Complex, which I wrapped up with a summary letter at the close of the day. Today, I want to turn to a more profound source of material: student voices and images signifying the good news pervading the entire district in week one.
First, let me remind you of “What We Stand For & Strive For” in Hastings this school year. Last week I sent to all families and staff a statement on our Purpose & Priorities for 2025-26. I embed the statement below. In a phrase, this week underscored that we are living out these aspirations.
The Hastings-on-Hudson Public Schools enters 2025–26 guided by our POHL North Star: a nurturing community of diverse learners who foster a just and compassionate society. Rooted in dignity and respect for every individual, and driven by the belief that true progress comes from working together, we are committed to collaborative problem solving and shared leadership.
This year, our focus is on delivering visible growth and lasting change in five critical areas: advancing literacy (Hillside), strengthening math instruction (Hillside and Farragut MS), aligning grading practices (Farragut MS and Hastings HS), enhancing special education programming and supports (district-wide), and implementing the 2025 Capital Bond to improve facilities (district-wide). Together, these multi-year priorities reflect our collective commitment to equity, excellence, and the success of every student.
Read on for narrative, visual and video testimonials to the energizing start of the school year–in nearly all cases from the student perspective.
Be well.
William S. McKersie, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
August 28
Dear Hastings Families,
All staff arrived back yesterday morning for a rousing, energy filled Opening Convocation. Highlights included opening music by staff and senior Ariella Eliasi, and a closing keynote by seniors David Franco, Carlin McKinnon and Emmy Taylor, each of whom shared reflections and recommendations having attended the Hastings schools since Kindergarten. We will be sending out videos and articles featuring the inspiring music and speeches shortly.
I prepared a simple statement on Hastings' purpose and priorities for the new school year, which is based on extensive discussions with the Leadership Team and the Board of Education. I am sharing it here: What We Stand For & Strive For--Purpose & Priorities -- 2025-26. This is a "headlines" statement, with details to follow, but it states succinctly what matters most in the coming school year for Hastings.
I look forward to welcoming students to school next week.
Be well.
William S. McKersie, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
August 26
August 26, 2025
Dear Hastings Families and Staff,
Here WE go! A new start for students just joining us, as well as new faculty, staff and administrators. For the rest of us, a happy return.
I know that within days the new and the returnees will have begun forging a strong WE–that is ensuring WE, not US vs THEM, prevails in Hastings. (For reference, I direct you back to the introduction to the May 9, 2025 Hastings Happenings.)
Today, I bring you essential technical information from the district perspective for the start of school. You will continue to receive more specific information for the opening of school from your particular building leaders.
HOH Distraction-Free Schools
I sent an important message to all families and staff on July 23, 2025 regarding HOH Distraction-Free Schools. Given that was the height of summer and many were distracted, I repeat the message here directly:
Starting August 1, 2025, a new law in New York State will limit the use of smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices during the school day for all K–12 students. This means that from the first bell to the last, including lunch and study halls, personal devices may not be used unless specifically allowed by the school.
Schools across the state are working on plans to securely store devices during the day and to ensure parents have a way to reach their children in case of an emergency. As part of our district’s efforts to prepare, we have developed the required Policy (5695 Student Use of Internet-Enabled Devices During the School Day) and procedures to support this change.
While this is a district-wide policy applying to all three schools, the procedures focus on Farragut Middle School and Hastings High School. In accordance with Policy 5695 and NYS law, personal internet-enabled devices are not allowed in any form at Hillside Elementary School.
We will be implementing a pouch system for FMS and HHS students to store their devices throughout the school day. Each FMS and HHS student will be issued a district-owned pouch. We have developed a comprehensive set of Procedures for Storage of Internet-Enabled Personal Devices, which gives detailed instructions on the pouch system, including expectations, requirements and consequences.
It is important to note that, per state law, students will not be permitted to bring to school personal laptops, tablets or computers. These are “internet-enabled devices,” which per the state are not allowed in public schools during the school day. Fortunately, we are able to provide students the required devices for educational purposes–these may be used in school.
You will receive detailed communications from FMS and HHS regarding details on pouch distribution and related issues. For Hillside, the communication point is that no personal devices of any type are allowed at school and need to remain home. At any time, please be in touch with your HES, FMS or HHS building administrators if you have questions specific to your student(s).
We have established a dedicated webpage, Distraction-Free Schools, which will be regularly updated with information and guidance.
A big change is upon us with this new state law and its requirements for Hastings students. I would ask that we embrace the central purpose of this new law–which is to help students stay focused, reduce distractions, and support their learning. To that end, please begin discussions and planning with your students to prepare for device-free schools starting this fall.
Whom to Contact When?
Several years ago, we instituted a district-wide system for guiding families as to whom to contact with questions and concerns. Simply put, we want questions and concerns addressed as close to the student as possible, since more often than not prompt discussions at the most immediate level resolve matters quickly. Of course, when issues are not resolved, we want families to know whom to contact next.
The Whom to Contact Flow Chart, which is posted on the district website, provides specific steps, including which person to contact and their email/phone information. This system has been working well the past few years. We hope it will continue to be a good resource for families.
Inclement Weather Decisions and Communications
As is annual practice, I am announcing our communications process for changes to the daily school schedule caused by inclement weather. Adverse weather conditions are more than just ice and snow; they now include heavy rains and the risks of flooding. Thus, we must have a protocol to address bad weather events quickly and effectively.
Decisions for school delays, early dismissals, or cancellations are announced promptly. We track weather patterns to anticipate days when inclement weather may be a problem. While I make the final decision, it is based on consultation with the Director of Facilities, the Hastings Police Department, the Hastings Department of Public Works, a regional Meteorologist and Riverfront village superintendents. Nearly always, final decisions are made early in the morning of the specific school day (when the situation is best understood).
Please see the full memo, which is also posted on the district website, for detailed information.
See You Soon
All faculty and staff will be back bright and early Wednesday, August 27 for final preparations for the new school year. We look forward to seeing all students on September 2, 2025 for the first day of school.
Enjoy your final few days of summer vacation.
Be well.
William S. McKersie, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
August 19
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Dear Families & Staff: I trust your summer vacation has been refreshing and reenergizing. We are counting down the days until we welcome everyone back on September 2. Please check out my short Welcome Back video below--hopefully a source of energy for the new school year. Early in the week of August 25, please keep an eye on your inbox for my official welcome letter, with key details for the opening of the school year. I know you have been receiving back-to-school communications from your children's school(s). Welcome to the 2025-26 Academic Year
Be well. Sincerely, |
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William S. McKersie, Ph.D. |