The Hendrick Hudson Board of Education held its first public meeting since appointing an acting superintendent of schools in a surprising shakeup.

It comes at a time when the district is trying to figure out what's next with the Princeton Plan, something the district claims saves money by separating students by grade regardless of where they live.

The newly appointed acting superintendent of schools, Dr. Dennis Lauro, said sticking with the Princeton Plan is the best option right now, but there's a compromise to be had.

Some parents support the initiative, arguing it provides substantial academic benefits and a more equitable learning experience.

Others argue the plan doesn't save money, forces some students to sit on buses for too long, and burdens parents with multiple kids in different schools.

Lauro is trying to strike a middle ground, saying there are benefits to the plan, but he knows it can be better.

"What is it that we have that we want, what are the things that we have that can be improved, and what are the things that we might have that maybe it's time for a change," he says.

Some parents were happy with that response - others were not. The issue continues to divide the district.

Lauro said the district is looking to fix how long some students are sitting on buses, as well as possibly regrouping certain grades within different buildings.

Parents also raised concerns about how the decommissioning of Indian Point could impact the district, particularly the Buchanan-Verplanck Elementary School. 

Lauro said he wants to install independent meters to monitor the possibility of nuclear waste in the school's water, air, and land. Some parents said that's not enough, and that they want the school closed until decommissioning is complete.