Hendrick Hudson School District voters on Tuesday, May 19, approved the district’s proposed $102,611,139 budget for the 2026-2027 school year, with the measure passing by a vote of 986 (62.6 percent) to 590 (37.4 percent), according to unofficial results released Tuesday night.

The budget includes a 6.49 percent local tax levy increase and required a 60 percent supermajority for approval. 

Residents also approved two other funding propositions and elected incumbent Amelia Silverman and newcomer Antoinette Pio to three-year terms on the district’s seven-seat Board of Education.

Superintendent Michael Tromblee provided the following statement to the Peekskill Herald:

“We are deeply grateful for the trust and support shown by the Hendrick Hudson community in this vote. This outcome allows us to continue supporting our students with the programs, opportunities, and educational experiences that help prepare them for the future, while continuing to manage district resources thoughtfully and responsibly.”

“This vote reflects the community’s commitment to its students and its schools. We recognize the financial pressures many residents continue to face, and we remain committed to balancing educational priorities with responsible long-term planning and stewardship.”

“This outcome reflects the value our community places on its students and on the educational experiences that help them learn, grow, and prepare for the future. We are grateful for that support, and we remain committed not only to serving our students responsibly, but also to continuing the broader work of pursuing sustainable long-term solutions for our district. Our community continues to navigate the long-term financial impacts resulting from the closure of Indian Point, and that work remains critically important moving forward.”

The Budget Process

District officials said the proposed spending plan was developed amid significant fiscal pressure following the closure of Indian Point, which eliminated a major source of PILOT [payment in lieu of taxes) and tax revenue.

The closure reduced the district’s overall revenue base by 25 to 30 percent, creating a projected shortfall of more than $25 million for the 2026-27 school year.

To address the deficit, the district used a zero-based budgeting approach requiring each department to identify efficiencies and reduce spending requests.

Officials said reductions were focused primarily on non-instructional areas to preserve academic programming. District staffing has been reduced from 654 positions in the 2023-24 school year to approximately 602 positions, largely through attrition and position reviews.

Proposition Results

In addition to the budget vote, residents approved the following funding propositions:

Proposition 2, authorizing financing of up to $775,000 for district transportation maintenance, operations, and home-to-school vehicle purchases, passed 1,019 to 550.

Proposition 3, allocating $1,490,794 to the Hendrick Hudson Free Library, passed 1,121 to 455. The library funding is separate from the district budget.

Board of Education Election

Five candidates competed for two open seats on the Board of Education: Antoinette Pio, Daniel Saleem, Devys Rivera, Tomica Dietrich, and Amelia Silverman.

Unofficial vote totals were: Amelia Silverman (774), Antoinette Pio (626), Tomica Dietrich (615), Daniel Saleem (448), and Devys Rivera (294). Incumbent trustee Dietrich fell a dozen votes short in her bid for re-election.

The two highest vote-getters, Silverman and Pio, will begin their three-year terms on July 1, 2026, alongside current trustees Alexis Bernard, Allison Hooban, Lauren Stanco, Cori Boudin, and Erica Mills.  

“I am deeply grateful for the trust and support this community has shown me. Thank you to all who participated in my campaign by voting, offering encouragement, sharing kind words, and providing support,” Pio told the Herald.

 “Your confidence in my ability to serve on the School Board is truly humbling. I look forward to working collaboratively, thoughtfully, and always prioritizing students’ needs in every decision. Our schools thrive when our community works together, and I am eager for the opportunities ahead.”

Silverman, a board trustee since 2023, noted the following in an email to the Herald: “I am deeply honored and incredibly grateful to have earned the trust of the Hendrick Hudson community once again by being to serve a second term on the Board of Education.”

“Thank you to every voter, every supporter, every volunteer, and every community member who believed in the work we have accomplished together and in the vision we continue to share for our schools. Serving on this board has been one of the greatest privileges of my life, and I am humbled by the confidence this community has placed in me to continue that service.”

“I am especially proud that we passed  the school budget with a supermajority vote. That result speaks volumes about our community’s commitment to public education and our shared belief in supporting students, teachers, staff, and families.”

“Over the course of my first term, I have worked hard to listen, collaborate, and advocate for what is best for our students and community. While there is always more work to do, I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and I remain committed to thoughtful leadership, transparency, fiscal responsibility, and keeping students at the center of every decision.”

“I also want to thank my husband, Brian, our four beautiful children, Oliver, Max, Aubrey, and Emmett,  and all my friends for their constant support and understanding. Public service requires sacrifice, and I could not do this work without them beside me.

Turnout and Voter Registration

At least 1,576 district residents cast ballots during voting held from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Frank G. Lindsey School gymnasium, according to unofficial results. 394 more people voted in this year’s school election than the previous year.

Election results remain unofficial until certified by the district.

Residents who have not already registered to vote may do so through the district or the New York State Board of Elections before the next election. To check voter registration status, residents may contact District Clerk Carmen Koch at (914) 257-5112.