Hastings board approves Jen Holder as assistant superintendent

The Hastings‑on‑Hudson Board of Education on April 22 approved the appointment of Jen Holder as assistant superintendent of human personnel services following a months‑long search and executive‑session interviews. Board president Alex introduced Holder as the committee’s recommended candidate after a competitive process involving teachers, parents and administrators.

Trustees praised Holder’s experience as a special‑education teacher and leader, citing her seven years in a similar senior role in Valhalla and a demonstrated focus on inclusive practices. During board discussion, multiple trustees said Holder combined deep content knowledge with a “personal touch” for families of students with special needs.

Trustee discussion led to a formal motion to appoint Holder; the motion was seconded and the board moved to approve the recommendation. The transcript records the board’s vote in favor (no roll‑call names were provided during the audio exchange).

Holder addressed the board after the vote, saying she was “humbled and deeply grateful” for the opportunity and that Hastings’s vision of inclusivity drew her to the district. She said she will begin working in July, will share a letter with the community, and plans to meet families, teachers and students as she starts the job.

Superintendent and board leadership said the district will distribute an explanatory letter to the village outlining the advisory committee’s evaluation criteria — vision for all students, special‑education expertise, literacy, leadership — and a separate message from Holder to introduce her to residents.

Next steps: Holder is expected to begin in July; the district will circulate contact details and a welcome letter to families prior to her start date.

Actions: The board made and seconded a motion to approve Holder’s appointment and recorded the motion as approved on April 22.