At the Hendrick Hudson Central School District Board of Education meeting on Aug. 13, district leaders reported that a gamma-radiation detection system has been installed to support community monitoring during demolition at the former Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant and that the district has received new Environmental Protection Agency sampling results from the Magna Metals Superfund investigation near 510 Furnace Dock Road.

The superintendent said the radiation-detection equipment has been installed and staff training is scheduled next Tuesday; the district will operate the monitors while it is still seeking clarity from state and federal regulatory agencies about who would be responsible for responding if the equipment records an anomalous detection. The superintendent said she had asked the New York Public Service Commission and the Department of Environmental Conservation to clarify response responsibilities but had not yet received definitive guidance.

The superintendent told the board the EPA has continued analysis of soil and environmental samples collected in 2023 and 2024 from areas near Blue Mountain Middle School and Furnace Woods Elementary, including a human-health risk assessment. The superintendent said the EPA has not issued immediate health advisories but has recommended precautionary measures; the district will meet with the EPA remedial project manager to review findings and next steps and will provide updates to the board and community as information becomes available.

Also on operations, the district announced dates and sequencing for opening-year logistics: Kthrough8 teacher assignments and K6 through 8 schedules are expected on the parent portal on Aug. 22; high school schedules will be released Aug. 15; transportation routes and pickup information will be posted Aug. 25. The districts first day of school is Sept. 2; that day will be a half day for Kthrough5 and a full day for grades 6through12. Athletic start dates: varsity and junior varsity football practices begin Aug. 23 and other high school sports begin Aug. 25. The district advised families to wait for portal-day postings for teacher assignments, schedules and finalized transportation information.

The board also heard a status update on school food services: as part of New York states 202526#x2013;26 budget provision that expands universal free school meals, Hendrick Hudson High School will join the districts existing Kthrough8 National School Lunch Program participation. The administration said they have opened a rebid for the food-service contract to support the transition; bids are due this Friday and a recommendation to the board is expected at the special board meeting on Aug. 19. The food-service director told the board she expects meals will be available to students for opening day under the new contract timeline.

The business office and other cabinet members also updated the board on summer audit work, classroom and transportation preparations, and the districts intent to hold town halls and student-specific sessions to answer family questions about the lunch program transition.

Ending: District leaders said they will continue to press regulatory agencies for clarity on response responsibilities for the gamma-detection system, will meet with the EPA about Magna Metals sampling results, and will return to the board with contract recommendations and further updates as information develops.