April 24, 2026

Dear Members of the Hastings Community,
 

End of Year Mantra: Keep our eye on the ball…Keep our eye on the ball…  

Each of us have priorities over the next several weeks that require unwavering attention. For me, with laser-like focus, solely because of Hastings students and staff, my eyes are on the full adoption of the 2026-27 Budget. With a slight modification of a message from last Friday, I ask that, for the sake of Hastings students and staff, all members of the community be keenly aware of the fast approaching Budget Vote–on Tuesday, May 19.

On Wednesday night, the Board of Education (BOE) unanimously adopted the Recommended Operating and Instructional Budget for 2026-27. The vote was efficient and unanimous because the BOE had devoted several months to inquiry, debate and deliberations about the recommendations. Now, it is up to Village residents to make the final decision on the budget–with the Tuesday, May 19 Village-wide vote.  

Themes and details about the Budget can be found at the dedicated Budget Webpage, including the now posted 2026-27 Budget Book. Here is my cut on what the budget entails, provides and ensures–for Hastings students and staff.

A Strong Budget in Tight Fiscal Times

The proposed K–12 budget is a clear, forward-looking investment in both people and programs, grounded in thoughtful analysis and community voice. Developed through extensive data review, administrative collaboration, and stakeholder engagement, it reflects a disciplined effort to meet the needs of the entire system—not just individual schools—while remaining within the tax cap.

At its core, the budget prioritizes what matters most: strong staffing, expanded student support, and long-term sustainability. It invests in educators and leadership, including new instructional positions and a dedicated focus on equity and belonging. At the same time, it strengthens student services through expanded special education programming, targeted academic interventions, and the return of summer learning opportunities—all while preserving existing programs and extracurricular offerings.

Just as importantly, the budget reinforces a coherent K–12 vision. It is designed to ensure seamless, developmentally appropriate progressions for students from Hillside through the High School, elevating both rigor and alignment across the system. Regarding facilities and infrastructure, the budget balances immediate needs with future readiness.

Ultimately, this is a fiscally responsible plan with high stakes: it sustains and advances a high-performing school system; failure to approve it would risk significant setbacks in staffing, programming, and long-term quality. These are the hard facts.  

Please be sure to vote on Tuesday, May 19 (location: Hastings High School - Cochran Gym, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.).  

Be well.

Bill

William S. McKersie, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools