Hendrick Hudson board adopts budget proposition, seeks state relief after Indian Point revenue losses

The Hendrick Hudson Central School District Board of Education adopted a resolution on April 7 sending the superintendent's proposed 2026—27 budget to the community for the May 19 vote, after a presentation that drew on several years of fund-balance draws and state-aid shifts tied to the closure of Indian Point.

Superintendent Mike told the board the proposed spending plan addresses a 6.6% budget-to-budget increase with strategic cost reductions, increased state aid and the planned use of district reserves, and includes a requested local tax-levy increase of 6.49. "We are asking for direct relief from those configurations from the state," Mike said, outlining ongoing advocacy with state budget officials. He also said the district is seeking an extension of the cessation-mitigation program referenced in the presentation.

Nut Graf: The budget presentation said the district expects to appropriate millions from its fund balance to close revenue gaps created by the loss of in-lieu and cessation aid associated with Indian Point. Administrators told the board the levy increase exceeds the statutory tax cap and will require at least 60% of voters to approve the budget on May 19; if voters do not approve it, the board faces choices including adopting a contingent budget that would restrict nonmandated programs.

Jill Figueroa, co-presenter of the budget narrative, said the district used about $3.7 million of fund balance in 2024—25, planned $4.4 million of fund balance use for 2025—26, and is projecting to appropriate roughly $7.5 million in 2026—27 to maintain programs amid revenue losses. She summarized the district's revenue and expenditure profile, saying program costs make up roughly 82% of the budget while capital and administrative costs account for smaller shares. Figueroa noted rising health and pension costs, several expiring collective-bargaining agreements and a declining tax base as key negative drivers, and retirement-related savings and lower substitute costs as partly offsetting factors.

Administrators highlighted that cessation and in-lieu aid related to Indian Point is expected to decrease substantially (presenters cited a roughly 21—22% decline), and urged residents to use available exemptions (veterans, STAR/senior, volunteer/first-responder where applicable) to limit household impacts. The presentation included three example home values and the estimated annual and monthly tax changes under the proposed levy.

On advocacy, the superintendent said district representatives have met with state education officials and planned a meeting with the New York State Office of Budget to press for targeted changes to the Foundation Aid formula, relief regarding tax-cap compliance and an extension of the cessation-mitigation program. "Many of [the decisions] do not even live in this community," Mike said of outside actors whose decisions contributed to the district's situation, calling for state consideration of the district's unique circumstances.

Votes at a glance: The board moved, seconded and approved the budget-proposition resolution by voice vote (vote tally not specified). The meeting record also shows separate approvals earlier in the evening for two donations (a Gretsch drum set for Blue Mountain Middle School and a $525 scholarship donation) and later approvals of three policy revisions (see below). For the budget vote, administrators reminded the public that the district's budget vote will be Tuesday, May 19, 2026, with the primary polling site listed in the presentation.

The board concluded the budget presentation after audience and board questions and proceeded to other items on its agenda.