The Highland Central School District Board of Education adopted its 2026-27 property tax levy, reviewed preparations for the upcoming school year and discussed district facilities during its Aug. 19 meeting, which also marked the final meeting for retiring Superintendent Joel Freer.

The board authorized the collection of $34,817,153 in school district taxes for the 2026-27 school year, less the amount separately provided through the state School Tax Relief, or STAR, program. It also authorized a separate $1,128,775 library levy.

The tax resolution authorizes the district to raise up to $59,608,963 for the 2026-27 school year. The amount represents the total funds the district is authorized to raise and is separate from the $34.8 million property tax levy.

Property taxes may be paid without penalty from Sept. 1 through Sept. 30. Payments made between Oct. 1 and Oct. 31 will be subject to a 2% penalty. Taxes remaining unpaid after Oct. 31 will be turned over to the Ulster County treasurer for collection.

The tax warrant covers properties within the Highland district in the towns of Esopus, Lloyd, Marlborough, New Paltz and Plattekill.

Board members approved the levy following a roll-call vote.

District officials also provided an update on preparations for the opening of school.

Eight new staff members participated in new teacher orientation, learning about district systems, logistics and other aspects of working in Highland. District administrators also held a retreat to reflect on the previous school year and establish priorities for the year ahead.

District officials attended an Ulster County superintendents retreat, where representatives from the state Education Department discussed the ongoing New York Inspires initiative. Officials said some questions remain about upcoming changes, but state representatives listened to concerns and feedback from local educators.

Staff members are scheduled to return for superintendent’s conference days Sept. 2 and 3, with students returning to classrooms Sept. 8.

Several orientation and back-to-school events are planned before then.

Sixth-grade orientation and schedule pickup at the middle school are scheduled for Aug. 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. Seventh- and eighth-grade students can pick up their schedules Aug. 26 from 5 to 7 p.m. Ninth-grade orientation will be Aug. 27 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the high school.

Safety assessment nearing completion
Board members asked about the status of a district safety assessment that was expected during the summer.

Board President Alan Barone said the board met in July with those conducting the assessment to review preliminary findings. The final report is still being completed.

“We’re hoping soon,” Barone said when asked when the board could expect the report.

The district is also preparing for its next building condition survey, which is conducted every five years. Officials said they plan to seek proposals from architectural firms to conduct the assessment.

The survey will provide a new examination of district facilities and help identify building needs that could inform future capital work.

Board members will have an opportunity to tour the buildings during a districtwide walkthrough planned for Sept. 1.

The walkthrough is expected to begin at Highland Elementary School at 5:30 p.m., continue to the middle school and conclude at the high school. Officials said the buildings should be largely ready for the start of the school year by then, with staff returning the following day.

The high school gym was among the areas discussed.

Concession stand plans discussed
Board members also discussed the district’s concession stand and how the facility will operate during athletic events.

Barone said equipment purchased through the capital project has been installed, while the Highland Educational Foundation helped purchase additional equipment.

The district is working with Highland youth football on a possible arrangement that would allow the organization to operate the concession stand during varsity events, potentially reducing the burden on the district’s food service operation.

Barone said officials are still working through details involving food preparation, ordering, payments and staffing. The goal is to establish an operation that provides spectators with food during events while making appropriate use of the new concession space.

Freer bids farewell after 22 years
The meeting took a personal turn near its conclusion when Freer reflected on his 22 years with the Highland Central School District and thanked the board, staff and community.

Freer said the meeting would be his last as superintendent and thanked current and former board members for giving him the opportunity to serve.

“We’ve had our share of challenges, and we’ve also accomplished a lot together,” he said. “And we all should be proud of the work that everybody does in this district.”

Freer spoke about Highland’s ability to come together during difficult circumstances, recalling in particular the district’s response to a fire that significantly affected the district.

“I’ve always believed best things happen when people come together, like the people in Highland,” he said. “They roll up their sleeves. They figure out what’s best for kids, and they get things done.”

Board members thanked Freer for his service, which began when he joined the district as an assistant principal at the middle school. He later served as principal of Highland Elementary School before becoming superintendent five years ago.

The board presented Freer with a retirement gift and wished him well.
Freer said Highland is being left “in really great hands” and that he is excited to see what comes next for the district.

“Thank you for the opportunity, the support, the challenges, the laughs, the memories,” he said. “It’s been a great ride, and it’s all meant a great deal to me.”