This question is coming up a lot these days, and many neighbors have asked where I stand on the school bond.  I understand the importance of the question—our schools are central to our community’s values, our identity, and our future. 

Let me begin by saying: I fully support public education and the Hastings schools.  

I myself went to public schools in upstate New York and Washington, DC.  Though my daughter was grown by the time I moved to Hastings-on-Hudson and did not attend our schools, I have always considered the school district to be the heart of our Village. It’s one of the main reasons people move here—and stay. I’ve been proud to pay my share of taxes to support it, and will continue to do so, because I believe this is part of the responsibility of living in a just and functioning society.

As a Village Trustee, and now as a candidate for Mayor, I am responsible for representing everyone—those with children in the schools and those without. Intentionally, New York State has established municipalities and school districts as separate and independent governments (in all but New York City and the other “Big 5” city districts).  We don’t share identical boundaries or voters, and we each manage our own budgets and priorities — and have our own taxes. There is collaboration, yes—but there is also a vital line that maintains the independence of both bodies.

That’s why I’m choosing not to use this platform to share my personal opinion on the bond. I believe it’s more ethical—and ultimately more productive for a healthy working relationship between Village and School leadership—to stay focused on how we work together, regardless of the outcome.

I’m committed to exploring ways for our local institutions to communicate openly and meaningfully, but I also believe strongly that elected officials should not cross the line into each other’s governance. Whether in support or opposition, weighing in on the School’s bond referendum as a Village official would be, in my view, an inappropriate interference in an election that is not ours to run.

How I Will Work with Our Schools

The Village and the School District already collaborate in meaningful ways. The Mayor and Village Manager meet monthly with the School Superintendent and the School Board President to coordinate on issues that impact both entities.

These meetings have led to successful partnerships—like the renaming of Mt. Hope Boulevard to honor Kenneth and Mamie Clark, pioneering civil rights leaders and former Hastings residents.  We’ve worked together on the proposed skate park near the school’s sports fields—a project I’ve proudly supported—on the community solar initiative, which placed solar panels on school rooftops, as well as the Youth Climate Action Fund, helping fund students in advancing local climate action.

If elected Mayor, I will continue these monthly meetings and initiatives, and would also advocate for at least one joint public meeting each year between the Village and the School Board—something neighboring Villages like Pleasantville already do—so the broader community has more opportunities to listen and be heard.

A Broader Vision of Collaboration

Collaborating with the School District is one part of a broader responsibility that I take seriously. As Trustee, I’ve proudly worked with the Mayor and Board across all levels of government to get things done for Hastings—coordinating with our neighboring sister Villages to curb and repave our streets, with the County on Farragut and Warburton Avenues, with the State DEC on our Waterfront and MacEachron Park, and with our State DOT on rebuilding Ravensdale Bridge as well as planning long-overdue improvements to Broadway.

I’ll bring the same energy, relationships, and respect to my work with our schools—no matter the outcome of the bond vote—because that’s what our community deserves: open, respectful collaboration that reflects the full range of perspectives in Hastings-on-Hudson.

As always, I welcome your thoughts. If you disagree, I want to hear why. We’re strongest when we listen to each other.

Thank you for reading, and if you have questions, please reach out to me at Morgen@FleisigForHastings.com.  I’ll do my best to respond quickly and clearly.