Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg Pays a Visit to Hendrick Hudson
The Hendrick Hudson School District hosted Dana Levenberg, a member of the New York State Assembly from the 95th district, on April 24, 2024. The Assemblywoman visited with Superintendent of Schools Michael A. Tromblee, Board of Education Vice President Erica Mills and Board Trustee Jeremy Basso to learn more about the District.
Ms. Levenberg’s visit was highlighted by a tour of Buchanan-Verplanck Elementary School that was led by James Mackin. The B-V Principal showed the Assemblywoman the school’s facilities, including the newly renovated cafetorium, the STEAM lab and library, and more. Mr. Mackin also touted the school’s academic offerings, pointing to the ELA pilot program in place this school year. During the tour, Ms. Levenberg even had an opportunity to meet several students and staff members while they returned from recess and were en route to lunch.
The introduction allowed District leaders to advocate for increased funding and for support addressing several challenges related to the decommissioning of Indian Point. Superintendent Tromblee asked Ms. Levenberg to explore the possibility of extending the term of the state’s cessation fund. The fund provides grants to eligible local government entities that demonstrate qualifying reductions in the tax liability and/or payments in lieu of taxes owed by an electric generation facility that has ceased operations. The Indian Point Energy Center, located in Buchanan, closed in 2021.
“We want to explore ways to partner in support of our community and see if her office can support the District through some of the financial hurdles we are facing,” Tromblee said.
Superintendent Tromblee also requested greater flexibility for the District’s use of the Environmental Monitoring commitment from the state in order to further ensure the safety of students and staff.
He said the meeting with Ms. Levenberg was part of his larger entry plan for the District to connect with local elected officials to advocate for Hendrick Hudson.
“If there are any opportunities to find more funding for the District, I want to be able to ask her for support,” Tromblee said.
