Mitchell leaves MCSD, Hernandez-Pidala steps up

MILLBROOK — In what some saw as a surprise move, a special Board of Education (BOE) meeting called on Monday, Aug. 1, announced Superintendent of Schools Laura Mitchell had resigned, among other news. The agenda also noted the board planned to officially accept her resignation that evening.

A letter from the school board dated Aug. 2 was sent to parents and guardians in the MCSD explaining the BOE had approved an Addendum Agreement to Mitchell’s May 3, 2020, Employment Agreement at the Aug. 1 special meeting. BOE President Perry Hartswick expanded on Mitchell’s departure in an interview with The Millerton News.

“The parties were able to reach a mutually acceptable agreement to resolve the employment relationship,” he said. “We wish her well in her future endeavors.”

Beyond that, Hartswick did not elaborate on the cause for Mitchell ending her term as superintendent early. She began it in 2020. Mitchell came to the MCSD as interim superintendent in May 2020 to replace former Superintendent Philip D’Angelo and was officially named superintendent in July 2020.

Former Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Pupil Personnel Caroline Hernandez-Pidala has been appointed interim superintendent while a search is conducted for a new superintendent.

“Caroline has been an integral part of the MCSD team since 2015, and most recently, since October 2021 as deputy superintendent of schools,” Hartswick stated in the BOE letter. “Ms. Hernandez-Pidala has demonstrated a tremendous capacity for forging positive relationships within the school community and has enriched the education programs and opportunities for many of the district’s students.”

Hernandez-Pidala came to Millbrook as principal for the high school in 2015; she was previously a principal in the Arlington school district.

“I am truly humbled at the opportunity to lead the Millbrook Central School District into the 22-23 school year,” she said. “Emerging from the global pandemic has left our school community with new and different needs than ever before. I look forward to working in collaboration with the faculty and staff and in partnership with the community to face these new challenges head on. 

“We have an incredibly supportive community network and some of the best educators and support staff in the region,” added Hernandez-Pidala, “and I look forward to many positive days ahead.”

Hernandez-Pidala reminded the community the MCSD has a new strategic planning initiative, which will resume with the new school year. 

“I encourage participation from all stakeholder groups as those opportunities become available to help shape the mission, vision and values of our district,” she added.

Other BOE business

The board then moved on to other business, beginning with a discussion of cameras on school buses.

The meeting then went into Executive Session to discuss the employment history of particular individuals, which led to the appointment of particular individuals to receive legal counsel.

The regular meeting then reopened, and the earlier mentioned addendum agreement was approved; Mitchell’s resignation was also accepted.

A leave of absence was then approved for Hernandez-Pidala (for her former post)an appointment made and an execution of an addendum agreement was authorized.

Amended appointments were then made, from Mitchell to Kenneth Crowley, for the following: Purchasing Agent; trustee for Dutchess Education Health Insurance Consortium; and trustee for Dutchess Worker’s Compensation Consortium (no added compensation for 2022-23).

The resignation comes about a month after Graduation Day for Millbrook High School’s Class of ‘22; Mitchell had congratulated students that day. Her sudden departure seems to have taken many in the MCSD by surprise.