HUDSON — By unanimous vote, the Hudson City School District has approved a three-year contract with Juliette Pennyman, who was chosen to be the next superintendent. Pennyman’s appointment takes effect Sept. 1.
According to the 2023-24 school district budget, Pennyman will earn an annual base salary of $189,630.
Pennyman said Tuesday at the HCSD Board of Education meeting that she wants to engage with the community by hearing their concerns and that every decision about the school district will be made with the students’ best interests at heart.
“I am thrilled and eager to begin serving as superintendent of the Hudson City School District,” Pennyman said. “I am committed to being supportive of the whole child and engaging with the community by listening and learning. Every decision will be made with the children’s best investment in mind. Hudson is a perfect example of a district that understands the importance of strong, safe, excellent schools.”
Pennyman detailed early plans for her first term, which will revolve around creating an atmosphere from which everyone, including students and faculty members, can benefit.
“Together, we will create a school district where students are excited about come each day and experience the joy of learning, exploration and discovery,” Pennyman said.
Pennyman spoke directly to a crowd of about 30 people at the meeting.
“Being appointed superintendent of the Hudson City School District is a significant event,” she said. “Thank you to the Hudson Board of Education for this vote of confidence. I pledge to do my best during this period. Thank you for your trust, confidence and support. Second, we must assure everyone that makes up the Hudson community that together we can provide the best education and the best opportunity for the Hudson City School District children. We will serve the community effectively and efficiently. I have one goal and that is to serve to the best of my ability. I believe in equity, fair play and I believe that no one should compromise its integrity.”
Board of Education President Willette Jones said Pennyman’s experience in different cities will be a huge win for Hudson.
“Dr. Pennyman’s vast experience as an educational leader in major cities and small districts throughout several states gives her an unparalleled insight into what it takes to create an exceptional educational system,” Jones said. “We are thrilled to have such an accomplished educator who joins our school district and are eager to see the knowledge, wisdom, compassion and love for the children she will bring to our Hudson schools.”
Cheryl Rabinowitz served as interim Superintendent since the resignation of Lisamarie Splinder on June 30. Rabinowitz will continue as interim Superintendent for the remainder of the summer, after which she will return to her permanent position as the Hudson City School District Manager of Instructional Technology and Data Protection Officer.
Pennyman served as Associate Dean of Academic Services at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, a public historically Black university in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. She most recently served as interim Superintendent of the Niskayuna Central School District in 2021 and 2022.
Her previous positions include Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning in the Reading School District in Pennsylvania and Chief of Schools, an executive position, in the Rochester City School District in western New York, a district of 32,000 students. Earlier positions included principal in the Great Valley School District in Malvern, Pennsylvania, and assistant principal in the Kansas City, Missouri, school district. She began her career as a special education teacher in several school districts, including in major cities such as Dallas and Atlanta.