Hendrick Hudson School District Welcomes Representative from U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s Office
The Hendrick Hudson School District continued its ongoing advocacy efforts this week when it welcomed Damian Garcia, the Hudson Valley Regional Director from the office of U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who visited the district on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Mr. Garcia spent the morning touring Hendrick Hudson High School, Frank G. Lindsey Elementary School, and Buchanan-Verplanck Elementary School. The visits were led by students and highlighted a range of innovative programs and classroom experiences that reflect the district’s commitment to academic excellence, creativity, and inclusion. Recognizing the importance of these programs, Hendrick Hudson has actively pursued additional state funding to help offset the budget shortfall resulting from the closure of Indian Point and the associated loss of tax revenue, as well as a decline in state foundation aid.
During the tour of Hendrick Hudson High School, Mr. Garcia visited several classrooms and special programs, including the award-winning Project Lead the Way program; an adaptive physical education class; The Academy alternative learning environment; the orchestra, band, and art rooms; and a PLAN Pilot meeting.
At Frank G. Lindsey Elementary School, he explored the STEAM classroom and met with students and teachers in the art and music rooms. His visit concluded at Buchanan-Verplanck Elementary School, where he observed an ENL (English as a New Language) classroom and another STEAM session in action.
Superintendent of Schools Michael A. Tromblee expressed appreciation for the visit and highlighted the importance of the district’s ongoing outreach to state and federal leaders:
“Our advocacy efforts are vital to ensuring that Hendrick Hudson continues to provide exceptional educational opportunities for all students, despite the significant financial challenges brought on by the closure of Indian Point,” said Superintendent Tromblee. “I want to thank our Board of Education trustees, PTA leaders, teachers union representatives, and administrators for their tireless advocacy on behalf of our schools. We are also deeply grateful to Mr. Garcia and Senator Gillibrand for their genuine interest in learning more about the outstanding work happening in our district.”
A number of district staff and leaders joined Mr. Garcia for portions of the visit, including: Superintendent Tromblee; Assistant Superintendents Lauren Scollins and Christopher Moreno; Executive Director of Technology and Innovation Vineetha Joy; Board of Education trustees Erica Mills and Allison Hooban; Hendrick Hudson Education Association representatives James Rogulski and Penny Hine; Lisa Anderson of the PTA Advocacy Committee; and Resource Development Liaison Beth Gruber. Building principals Lisa Martino Alves (HHHS), Anecia McGill (FGL) and Dr. Cynthia Kramer (B-V) also joined the students leading Mr. Garcia on tours of their respective schools.
The district looks forward to continuing conversations with Senator Gillibrand’s office and other elected officials as it seeks to secure equitable funding and sustain the robust programs that make Hendrick Hudson a model for student-centered learning.