August 5 BOE Meeting Recap: Planning for a Strong 2025–26 School Year
August 13, 2025
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the August 5 Board of Education meeting, whether in person or virtually. As we approach the start of the new school year, the Board remains focused on thoughtful planning, student well-being, and clear and consistent communication with our community.
If you were unable to attend, a full recording of the meeting is available here.
Below is a brief summary of key items from the meeting:
Adoption of Policy #7316: Use of Internet-Enabled Devices During the School Day: The Board formally adopted Policy #7316, aligning with New York State’s new Distraction-Free Schools Act. This policy requires that students are not permitted to use internet-enabled devices such as cell phones and smartwatches during the school day, unless for approved instructional purposes. The intent is to reduce distractions and create a more focused, engaging learning environment. This policy will be reviewed as we gather further feedback on its implementation and effectiveness as the year progresses.
Interim Superintendent Dr. Lutinski has already begun conversations with students, families, and staff, and will continue gathering feedback as the policy is implemented. He will be sharing a more detailed community update, including FAQs, in the coming days.Hiring of Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment: The District is in the process of hiring for a newly created leadership position - Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, which was approved in our budget last year. The interview process is ongoing with the goal of having the new hire identified and confirmed in the next few weeks.
Approval of New Food Service Provider and NY State Program for Free School Meals: The Board approved a contract with Aramark to serve as the District’s new food service provider beginning this fall. Also, as part of a new state initiative, all Pleasantville students will be eligible to receive one free breakfast and lunch per school day. More details about what’s included and how the program works will be shared in Dr. Lutinski’s upcoming communication.
Student Ex Officio Appointment: To ensure student voice and representation at Board of Education meetings, the District will appoint a non-voting student ex officio member. To begin the 2025–26 school year, this will be a rotation of four Student Council members. Moving forward, the District will work with Student Council to determine a selection process, which could include an essay, vote, or other measure.
Board Liaisons: Board liaisons are determined at the annual Organizational Meeting each July, during which Board members are assigned to serve as representatives to various community groups. At present, there are several groups without an assigned liaison. The Board is actively working to find a solution to ensure that all community groups have a designated Board liaison and a clear connection to the District, should they want one. The intent is to open additional lines of communication and assist the groups that support our kids in working with the District.
Capital Project Planning: The Board discussed the timing for the next capital project vote, noting that the project’s construction start date would be the same whether the vote is held in December 2025 or May 2026. A decision is expected in the coming week. The Community Facilities Committee has been enhanced to include faculty, administration, and Board members serving on all three subcommittees: Fields and Lights, STEAM, and the BRS Playground.
Strategic Plan: Dr. Lutinski and the Board acknowledged that the current Strategic Plan became less relevant in the years following the pandemic. In the second half of this school year, the administration will begin laying the groundwork for a new plan, which will ultimately be developed in partnership with a permanent superintendent.
These updates reflect the District’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, student well-being, and open communication. As always, the Board encourages community members to stay informed, ask questions, and be part of the conversation. We look forward to seeing you all at our next meeting scheduled for August 26, 2025, at 7:30 pm in the High School Library.
Warm regards,The Pleasantville Schools Board of Education
Michael Busch, Erin Ballard, Lucas Cascardo, Loredana Coughlan, and John Vamossy