Greenville names alumnus new superintendent, Hilgendorff to lead in Hudson

GREENVILLE―As an alumnus, a former teacher, and a parent, Rachel Anderson is excited to return to Greenville as the next superintendent. She was officially hired as the district’s new leader during a special meeting of the Board of Education on Monday night.

Anderson will take the reins from Interim Superintendent Todd Hilgendorff who is heading to the Hudson City School District after being appointed Tuesday night as its new superintendent.

Hilgendorff previously served as Greenville’s high school principal, as well as director of curriculum, instruction, and assessment, and assistant superintendent for business, before taking on the interim superintendent’s role in April after the resignation of Michael Bennett.

A resident of Round Top, Hilgendorff also serves as a member of the Cairo-Durham Board of Education.

“As I begin this new role, I’m excited to deepen my connection to the Hudson community and learn from the students, families, staff, and community members who make the district unique,” said Hilgendorff.

“Throughout my career, I have been guided by the belief that strong relationships are the foundation of successful schools. Trust, communication, and collaboration are essential to creating positive opportunities for children,” he added.

Hudson City School District Board of Education President Mark DePace said that Hilgendorff “distinguished himself as the strongest candidate, demonstrating experience, passion, and proven results,” through a rigorous interview process.

Hilgendorff begins his new position in Hudson on July 13, the same day Anderson comes home to Greenville.

A lifelong resident and valedictorian of the Class of 1996, Anderson served as an agriculture teacher at the high school from 2002 to 2018. During her tenure, Anderson was also the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department chair and an FFA advisor.

She is currently the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction at Guilderland Central School District.

“Greenville has always held a special place in my heart, and I look forward to partnering with its talented and committed faculty and staff to continue to provide the high-quality education and wide range of opportunities that my family and I have benefited from over the years,” Anderson said.

She served as a New York State Master Teacher, was a member of the New York State Career and Technical Education Regents Advisory Panel and received the New York Association of Agricultural Educators Outstanding Young Teacher Award. Most recently, she served as a panelist at the Leading Literacy Summit in Albany and earned a Science of Reading Microcredential through SUNY New Paltz.

Anderson holds a Bachelor of Science in biology and a Master of Arts in teaching, biology and agriculture education from Cornell University. She also holds a certificate of advanced graduate study in educational administration from the University at Albany.

“Rachel Anderson brings a unique combination of instructional expertise, administrative leadership, and a deep understanding of our community,” said Greenville Board of Education President Tracy Young.

“We’re excited to welcome Rachel home,” Young added.