Parents push back on possible music cut; advocates defend gender‑affirming lessons at Hastings board meeting

Public comment at the beginning of the March 5 meeting highlighted two intense, separate community concerns: potential music staffing reductions and elementary lessons related to gender and pronouns.

Andy Zimmerman (address given as 7 Ridge Street) told the board that slide materials and advertising showed a proposed decrease of 0.6 FTE in districtwide specials that he believed referred to music staffing. “Twice within the last six years there’s been a proposal in the budget to bring the number of music teachers in the district from 6 down to 5... We thought it was over, but now we’re hearing rumbling,” he said, urging the board to reverse any such reduction.

District officials later explained the 0.6 FTE proposal arose from a prior retirement and a rehire at reduced time; presenters said the department chair and principals worked on a revised schedule intended to preserve the district’s core music offerings through creative reassignments.

Patrick Rembish (137 Southside Avenue) spoke about gender lessons for young children. He said teaching pronouns and terms like “transgender” to kindergarten and second‑grade students risks confusion and, he asserted, could lead some students toward irreversible medical interventions later in life. He urged the district to reconsider the timing and content of those lessons.

Speaking directly afterward, Laura Heisler Mitten, representing Hastings Rainbow Families and Allies, described recent local tragedies involving trans and non‑binary youth and urged continued support for gender‑affirming lessons and services. “The work you are doing is life saving,” she told the board, and thanked district leaders for creating safe, supportive spaces for gender‑expansive students.

Administration representatives told the board the district is following New York State laws that protect gender‑expansive students and has offered opportunities for parents to meet with building principals and staff to discuss concerns. No policy change was adopted at the meeting; the board and administration said they will continue outreach and dialogue with parent groups.