HUDSON–The Board of Education awarded the general construction work contract for Hudson High School’s new athletic field to Shaker Flats Landscaping, Inc., of West Lebanon, for $1.9 million at the board meeting Monday, February 13.
Athletic field plans are “still under budget,” and “they’re still talking about breaking ground April 17,” Superintendent Maria L. Suttmeier told the meeting.
Thanking the community for its generosity, the superintendent said that district officials have begun considering whether the new scoreboard could add “bells and whistles.” Last fall administrators were uncertain whether the new field would even have a scoreboard, but that changed after a recent contribution from the Hudson River Bank and Trust Foundation for $2,500.
Another project under preparation is moving primary grades from John L. Edwards School to the Montgomery C. Smith building, currently the Intermediate School, starting with second grade this September. Conversations are going on within all departments, from food service to transportation, Dr. Suttmeier reported. “Sixth grade was a big transition, going from elementary to high school. But this transition is even bigger, because the children are littler.” The second grade move will help prepare for moving even younger grades within the next few years.
Meanwhile, the district welcomed new staff, including Elizabeth Mazzone, a music teacher at the Intermediate School. Fresh from teaching her first day there, Ms. Mazzone said, “This has been a wonderful experience so far. Everyone has been so helpful.”
Deborah Long is to become district treasurer and tax collector, replacing Florence Stickles, who is retiring in March. Ms. Long currently is doing payroll work in New Paltz. “I’m looking forward to learning the treasury business,” she said.
Also at the meeting:
• A curriculum workshop highlighted the High School’s lab for career readiness (PAES), self-help class for social emotional development (SHAPE), and guidance department
• Student representative Kamrul Hassan was asked how current national political developments were affecting the students. He answered that some people are “up front about their political views,” and some classes spend entire sessions discussing how “ethical” President Trump’s actions are, but, he said, “The general public in school tends to be fine. They’re more concerned about snow days.”
Community budget workshops are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the Hudson High School library February 27, March 13 and March 27. The March 13 workshop will focus on special education.
Regular School Board meetings will start at 7 p.m., following each budget workshop, starting February 27.