Superintendent of Schools

Superintendent Message for June 1, 2026

Hello Hempstead Family,

June is here and where did the year go! I want to thank the community for all your support as 25-26 has been a year of growth, achievement, and progress throughout the Hempstead Union Free School District. Together, we have celebrated student success, strengthened community partnerships, and continued our commitment to providing every child with the opportunities they deserve.

At the elementary level, our youngest learners continued to make tremendous academic and social-emotional growth. Students participated in engaging literacy and mathematics activities, arts programs, and enrichment opportunities that helped build a strong foundation for future success. It has been inspiring to witness the excitement and enthusiasm our students bring to learning each day.

Our middle school students demonstrated resilience, leadership, and academic growth throughout the year. From classroom accomplishments and extracurricular activities to community service projects and student leadership opportunities, our middle schools have continued to focus on preparing students for a successful transition to high school while fostering a positive and supportive learning environment.

At the high school level, we celebrated the accomplishments of our seniors as they prepare to embark on the next chapter of their lives. Whether attending college, entering the workforce, serving in the military, or pursuing other pathways, our graduates have much to be proud of. Throughout the year, Hempstead High School students excelled academically, athletically, and artistically while continuing to demonstrate the talent and determination that make our district proud.

This year also brought exciting developments across the district, including expanded student programs, enhanced academic supports, increased community engagement, and improvements to our facilities. We extended the school day by having our after-school programs end at 6:15pm instead of 5:15pm, and we hope to continue this into the 26-27 school year.  We were especially grateful for the community's support of the 2026-2027 budget and capital projects, which will help us continue investing in our students and schools for years to come.

As we begin planning for the upcoming school year, I would like to remind families that Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten registration remains open. We encourage parents and guardians of eligible children to register as soon as possible so we can welcome our newest learners into the Hempstead school family. It is so important to have students engage in a school setting as early as possible. This benefits them both socially and academically.

None of the great happenings this year would have been possible without the support of our Board of Education, administrators, teachers, support staff, families, and community partners. I want to thank everyone for their dedication and support throughout the year. Most importantly, I want to congratulate our students for their hard work and accomplishments.

I wish everyone a safe, healthy, and enjoyable summer. Learning never stops, so we want our students to continue stimulating their minds over the summer. We look forward to welcoming our students back in September for another exciting year of learning and achievement.

With appreciation,

Gary Rush

Superintendent of Schools

Hempstead Union Free School District