Hendrick Hudson board reviews $96.2M preliminary budget; staffing, electric buses and reserves draw scrutiny

The Hendrick Hudson Central School District Board of Education conducted a line-by-line review of the district's preliminary 2025–26 budget on March 15, 2025, as administrators presented a proposed $96.2 million spending plan and explained options for balancing the budget within the district's tax-cap limit.

Superintendent Vanitha Drummond opened the presentation by framing the session as part of the district's transparency process. "This is one of my most favorite days of the year," Drummond said, adding that the book on the table represents the administration's current proposal. She told the board the plan is built "within the tax cap" and that the numbers in the book are current as of the day before the meeting.

Why it matters: the board is being asked to adopt a dollar amount that will be placed before voters. That amount determines staffing and program funding at all buildings, affects the local tax levy and draws on limited reserves the district set aside after Indian Point's closure and the state's temporary cessation payments.

Most important decisions and discussion

Staffing and retirements. Administrators outlined how staffing changes and attrition are the largest levers the district is using to balance the budget. The administration reported seven planned retirements; the current proposal would replace four of those positions and not refill three, producing savings through attrition and lower-cost replacements where positions are filled. The proposed budget retains four contingent positions (contingent elementary teacher, contingent special-education teachers and others) that could be activated if enrollment or student needs change before the start of the school year.

Per-diem substitutes and teaching assistants. Board members…