Hendrick Hudson board adopts several policies at second reading, updates language to 'instructional resource'

The Hendrick Hudson Central School District Board of Education completed second readings and adopted several policies at its July 1, 2025 meeting, including Policy 5300 (Code of Conduct), Policy 2121 (Board Member Qualifications), Policy 4810 (Teaching About Controversial Issues) and related materials for curricular and instructional resource selection (Policy 45-11 regulation and exhibit).

Board members described the policy process: proposed policies go through a committee review, stakeholder input and a first reading before returning for a second reading and final action. The board specifically discussed language in the materials for Policy 45-11 and agreed to change instances of the word “textbook” to “instructional resource” to reflect a mix of print and digital materials used by teachers.

On Policy 4810, a board member noted the policy’s purpose is to provide a framework so teachers can address developmentally appropriate controversial topics without imposing bias and while relating discussions to the curriculum. The board emphasized that selection decisions for instructional resources involve stakeholders and a committee process and that the board’s role is to approve final recommendations.

All policy adoptions were recorded in the transcript as voice approvals following second readings; the board waived full oral readings of policy text where posted materials were available. The board also noted that regulations and exhibits may include plain-language guidance, sample letters and review forms used by teacher and stakeholder committees when recommending resources.

The board asked that staff make the textual change from 'textbook' to 'instructional resource' within the regulation and evaluation exhibit before final publication, and confirmed that the superintendent or designee will retain responsibility for developing regulations to implement board policy.