Press Release from Hen Hud Schools: “Implementing the Vision” Bond Referendum Approved

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Montrose, NY- The Hendrick Hudson School District Board of Education unanimously approved the scope and cost of the “Implementing the Vision” bond referendum during its October 19, 2011 meeting. The $25,094,908 million referendum will be put to district voters for final approval on December 14, 2011. 

This Bond Referendum comes on the outset of extensive work and deliberation by the Board of Education, District Administrators, the Facilities Committee and the Strategic Planning teams.  Since September, district officials have hosted numerous meetings with residents, parents and community members as they sought to refine the project and ensure it met the needs of the students while also being fiscally responsible.

The final scope of the project consists of state of the art science and research labs at the High School and middle school, updated performance and rehearsal spaces at Blue Mountain Middle School, the installation of a synthetic turf field at the high school and a mutli-purpose/community turf field at Frank G. Lindsey Elementary School.

The bond also includes the construction of an 850-seat community performing arts center and the repurposing of the current high school auditorium for rehearsal space for both the choral and instrumental music programs. Also included is the creation of a gallery at the high school to display student work and achievements. The bond calls for modest improvements to the music classrooms throughout the elementary schools also. Art rooms at Blue Mountain will also see renovations and improvements under the proposed bond.

Additionally, the bond will address a number of maintenance projects throughout the district, including the partial replacement of Blue Mountain’s and Furnace Woods’ aging septic system, roofs at both Buchanan-Verplanck Elementary School and the High School, partial upgrades to the technology infrastructure in our school buildings and the completion of the installation of Smart Boards in all elementary classrooms.

Over the last several years, the district-wide Strategic Planning Team has worked diligently to create a long-term plan for our schools and programs. The Strategic Planning Action Teams focused on providing our students with “exemplary programs and facilities in science, technology, the arts, and athletics.” “This Bond Referendum is the realization of those countless hours of work and effort by members of our community and staff,” said Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Daniel McCann.

“Over the last several weeks, the Board has sought input from the community as they refined the scope and cost of this project,” said McCann.  “The Board has approved an ambitious and much needed project that will benefit our students and community for years to come.”

In developing the proposed bond, district officials sought to create facilities which were commensurate with our student’s talents and abilities and on par with schools in the tri-state area and especially with neighboring school districts.

“These projects will support both the programs we currently have and the ones we are developing. Student participation in science, technology and the arts is extraordinary,” remarked Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Daniel McCann.

Over the next several weeks district officials will meet with various senior, community, school and civic groups to speak about the bond and the impact it will have on our schools and community.  Residents are encouraged to visit the district website at www.henhudschools.org for more information about the bond and upcoming meetings. 

A public vote on the referendum is set for Tuesday, December 14, 2011 at Frank G. Lindsey Elementary School.  Polls will be open from 7a.m. -9p.m.  For information about voter eligibility or to obtain an absentee ballot, please contact Rosanne Squillante, District Clerk, at (914) 257-5112.