District adopts instructional‑technology and teacher‑evaluation plans; board accepts personnel items and welcomes new hires

The Hoosick Valley Central School District board moved through its superintendent’s report and several personnel and policy items at the May hearing.

During the superintendent’s report, the presenter outlined three district goals that will guide curriculum and operations: strengthening digital‑fluency standards in classrooms, establishing expectations for ethical and responsible AI use by teachers and students, and improving transparency around programs and vendor privacy to protect student data. The superintendent said the district’s instructional‑technology plan has New York State approval and will be brought to the board for adoption and posting on the district website.

On teacher evaluation, the board discussed a new evaluation plan aligned to New York State teaching standards and the Danielson framework. The plan, as described in the meeting, will require probationary teachers to receive two observations per year; tenured teachers will be placed on a four‑year cycle with two years of observations and two years centering on goal attainment or a teacher project. The board moved and voted on the evaluation plan during the meeting.

Personnel and appointments: The board read a resolution accepting the resignation of Heidi from multiple district roles — human resources specialist, district clerk, records‑management officer and deputy tax collector — effective May 20, 2026. The chair also welcomed Michelle (announced as the district’s incoming superintendent, start date July 1) and noted Rachel Rose was present as the recommended agriculture teacher; other personnel motions, retirements and standard approvals were moved and carried during the meeting.

Quotes and context: On AI and classroom use the superintendent said, “Responsible use for AI is not just going on and getting a a report you're gonna turn in and putting that out as your own,” stressing the district’s focus on ethics and instruction rather than simple substitution of tools. The board read the resignation resolution aloud during the personnel section and then approved the listed personnel motions by voice vote.

What this means: The instructional and evaluation plans position the district to formalize expectations around technology use, teacher supports and evaluation cycles; the new agriculture teacher hire and steps toward a CTE/agriculture pathway were presented as ways to expand local career and curricular options for students. The board recorded approvals for the instructional technology plan and the teacher evaluation plan during the meeting; final implementation steps and any contract adjustments will follow normal personnel processes.