The Croton-Harmon Union Free School District Board of Education devoted its April 9 work session to celebrating student achievement and reviewing detailed 2026-2027 budget presentations from each school building, while also accepting the resignation of a key administrator. All seven board members were present: President Ana Teague, Vice President Anamika Bhatnagar, and Trustees Sarah Carrier, Neal Haber, Omar Mayyasi, Theo Oshiro, and Allison Samuels.

Students Honored for Leadership and Technical Achievement

The meeting opened with recognition of four Croton-Harmon High School students inducted into the National Technical Honor Society through their programs at PNW BOCES. Dr. Laura Dubak, CHHS principal, introduced the honorees: Brooke Nusbaum (Child Development & Education), Avery Ragsly (Cosmetology), Bodhi Portnoy (Law Enforcement), and Sophia Misiti (New Visions Health). PNW BOCES Superintendent Neil Boyle noted that of approximately 1,500 students enrolled in career and technical education programs, only about 80 receive the honor each year. Board Trustee Neal Haber, who also serves on the PNW BOCES board, praised the range of programs available, from animation and architecture to culinary arts and veterinary medicine, and said the district's support of BOCES programs allows students to find their passions. The board then recognized the Leaders of Tomorrow, a student-founded peer mentorship program that has grown into what administrators described as the district's largest club. High school students Nicky Mukherjee, Laila Asghar, and Thomas Cornell presented alongside their CET faculty advisors Robin Woolley and Tammi Trudell. Mukherjee explained that the program originated from a school counseling advisory committee meeting where high school students reviewed behavioral data from Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School. The concept was simple: high schoolers would visit CET on Tiger Tuesdays to mentor younger students during recess, lunch, and classroom activities. What began with hopes of recruiting 35 to 40 students has blossomed into a program engaging approximately 80 high schoolers working with hundreds of elementary students. The program sends small groups of high schoolers into CET classrooms with self-designed lesson plans on topics such as friendship, handling strong emotions, and conflict resolution. The students also organize recess activities and share lunch with the younger children. Board members praised the presentation. Trustee Allison Samuels said the program reflects the district's goals of elevating student experiences. Superintendent Stephen Walker told the students they were creating a legacy, citing the concept of being part of work that is bigger than any one person and will outlast them. The program will expand to include second grade next year.

Budget Presentations Showcase Vision Map Progress

Superintendent Stephen Walker introduced five presentations covering the proposed 2026-2027 budgets for each school building and Pupil Personnel Services. Walker noted that even in a difficult budget year without new staff additions, the proposed spending plan continues to add new opportunities for students.

Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School

Principal Kerri Bianchi and Assistant Principal Craig Campanaro highlighted steady gains in third- and fourth-grade ELA proficiency since implementing the vision map, with math scores also above state averages. The presentation touched on school climate data, outdoor learning spaces, and a schedule shift from a six-day to a five-day letter cycle for the coming year. The school is also restructuring its world language program for grades K-4, moving to shorter, more frequent sessions. An outdoor classroom and garden space will be available to all students, not as a club but as an extension of the regular school day. Board members engaged in extensive discussion about field trip equity across classrooms and the balance between teacher autonomy and consistent student experiences.

Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School

Acting Principal Nichole Kelly presented a budget emphasizing academic growth and student belonging. PVC was named a Best Middle School by U.S. News and World Report, ranking 209th among approximately 3,500 middle schools statewide. Eighty-seven percent of PVC students scored at or above proficient in math, and 73 percent in reading. Kelly highlighted interdisciplinary projects, including eighth graders teaching fifth graders about space exploration, and discussed plans to refine the advisory schedule and passion pursuit offerings.

Croton-Harmon High School

Principal Dr. Laura Dubak and Assistant Principal Erica Fiorini showcased strong academic outcomes. CHHS achieved a 95 percent proficiency rate on the English Regents exam, ranking second in the region. The school earned AP Honor Roll recognition from the College Board, a distinction awarded to roughly 7 percent of high schools nationally. New course offerings for 2026-2027 include AP Psychology, an AP Business course with a Personal Finance Career Kickstart component, and a Project Lead the Way engineering class. The school is joining a national network of STEM-focused schools through the Project Lead the Way program. Fiorini detailed the three-year evolution of the vision map at the high school, noting the introduction of eight interdisciplinary courses, expanded dual enrollment opportunities, and increased access to extracurricular activities through a dedicated clubs period within the school day. A discussion emerged about tracking college acceptances to highly selective institutions. Several board members noted the changing landscape of college admissions and the importance of focusing on student success beyond just acceptance rates.

Pupil Personnel Services

Assistant Superintendent for PPS Rachel DePaul presented a budget focused on wellbeing and inclusion. Highlights included the Family Resource Center, which launched this year and offers digital navigation support, counseling referrals, tutoring, parenting workshops, and cultural events. DePaul detailed a new Vocational Readiness Program operated in partnership with Search for Change, a nonprofit that provides transition job coaching at no cost to the district. The program helps students develop soft skills and workplace behaviors, with the goal of placing them in externships and job shadowing opportunities in the village. PPS is also launching a partnership with Northwell Health to provide community education sessions, professional development for staff, and administrative consultation on mental health matters. The collaboration grew out of a community needs assessment conducted with Northwell. DePaul reported that 95 to 97 percent of students surveyed feel a sense of belonging at school, compared with a national average in the mid-70s to low 80s.

Policy First Readings

The board reviewed two policies for first reading. Policy 0000, the district's Educational Philosophy statement, is undergoing a regular evaluation cycle. The Policy Committee sought to condense it for clarity, though some trustees felt it may have been shortened too much. Trustee Allison Samuels requested more emphasis on learning and evidence-based decision-making. Policy 2510, covering New Board Member Orientation, is being updated to reflect onboarding work accomplished in recent years. Trustee Omar Mayyasi found the language dense and in need of clarification. Board President Ana Teague asked the committee to make the NYSSBA boilerplate version available between readings for reference.

Action Items

The board accepted the resignation of Christine Drago, Director of Athletics, Physical Education, Health and Wellness, effective end of day June 30, 2026. A $23,500 bid award for a scissor lift for grounds maintenance was approved, with the contract going to Olori High Reaching, LLC. The board approved a Side Letter of Agreement with the Croton Teachers' Association and accepted six donations totaling $6,275 for various scholarship funds at Croton-Harmon High School: $4,750 from the CHHS PTSA, $1,000 from Franzoso Contracting for the Erica Illescas Memorial Award, $500 each from the Croton Democratic Committee for the Frances Allen and John Habib scholarships, $500 from the Croton Police Association for the Officer Charles Riegel Scholarship, and $25 from Susan McCormack for the Class of 1985 Scholarship Fund. Two athletic mergers were approved for 2026-2027: a two-way merger with Hendrick Hudson for varsity girls swimming and diving, and a three-way merger with Briarcliff Manor and Hendrick Hudson for modified, JV, and varsity boys volleyball. The consent agenda passed unanimously, including budget transfers totaling $423,221.30 for facilities projects, non-instructional personnel changes, coaching appointments, special education recommendations, treasurer's reports for February 2026, and approval of minutes from three prior meetings. The board's next meeting is scheduled for April 21, when trustees will vote to adopt the superintendent's budget along with the property tax report card. A public budget hearing will follow on May 7, ahead of the May 19 budget vote.