The Hudson City School District Board of Education is now in the process of selecting a new Superintendent of Schools. While that process is ongoing, it is useful to review the outcome of the board's last effort at hiring a superintendent.
Dr. Juliette Pennyman, who was selected in August 2023, resigned in August 2025, after serving as superintendent for just two years.
Pennyman had a contract to serve as HCSD Superintendent of Schools from September 7, 2023, to August 31, 2026. Although it appeared that Pennyman had resigned, Gossips recently learned that the Board of Education may have bought Pennyman out of her contract. According to the Separation Agreement between Pennyman and the BOE, upon her departure, she received a lump sum payment of $197,107.72 and a $35,000 contribution to her tax-sheltered annuity account.
Our message to the BOE: This time, please choose wisely.
COPYRIGHT 2026 CAROLE OSTERINK
Just like i said. Golden parachute.
ReplyDeleteSend a message, vote “No” May 19th!
Your vote on the budget has zero impact on the way the BOE handles a superintendent's departure. And if she had buyout or evergreen clause, their hands may have been tied. So as Carole noted, choose wisely, and maybe a more restrictive contract.
DeleteIt isn’t as much as no as it should be questioning the BOE.
ReplyDeleteIsn’t that special.
ReplyDeleteThat cost is minor compared to the disruption to the school -- kids learning! -- in teacher resignations, discipline chaos, and administrative turnover. It is past time for a forensic audit -- which I asked for more than a year ago. But since the BOE is implicated in this massive misspending, it's doubtful they'll want one.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree Peter … a forensic audit Is absolutely in order.
DeleteMy question too! Forensic audit!
DeleteCan the Board answer why they are cutting so many teachers but the salaries of athletic coaches are increasing by $62,788?
ReplyDeleteThis is an excellent question. Where in the budget did you see that or what is the footnote?
DeleteThanks!
Page 16 of the budget book:
ReplyDeleteInterscholastic Athletics
- Appropriations for all coaches of athletic teams, contractual expenses like
transportation, officials, dues and sports supplies.
Proposed
Budget Budget Dollar Percent
2024-2025 2026-2027 Change Change
Salaries $178,212 $241,000 $62,788 35.23%
Contractual Expense $68,500 $68,500 $0 0.00%
Materials & Supplies $47,000 $47,000 $0 0.00%
$293,712 $356,500 $62,788 21.38%
Thank you! Will dig in.
DeleteWhat do you think is the solution here? If the entire board was independent, wise, and unafraid of bold action, could the school be saved?
PLEASE WRITE IN PETER MEYER ANYWHERE YOU SEE A BLANK.
ReplyDelete