Skip to main content

November 18 BOE Meeting Recap

Posted Date: 11/21/25 (04:30 PM)
View Original Post


Logo for BOE Meeting Recap, featuring a the pleasantville logo tree within the letter 'O'.

November 18, 2025

Dear Pleasantville Families, 

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the November 18 Board of Education meeting, whether in person or virtually. The Board continues to focus on maintaining transparency, celebrating student achievement, and engaging the community in meaningful discussions about district priorities. 

If you were unable to attend, a full recording of the meeting is available here, and the meeting agenda can be found here. 

Below is a brief summary of key items from the meeting: 

Special Report: Dignity for All Students Act (click to view presentation) 

Assistant Principals and DASA Coordinators Gregg Fonde (PHS), Ashley O’Hara (PMS), and Michael Pinkava (BRS) presented an overview of how the district upholds the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) to ensure a safe, inclusive learning environment free from bullying and harassment for every student. 

They highlighted building-wide prevention efforts such as SEL instruction, Digital Citizenship, PBIS, character education events, and student leadership, as well as individualized supports including counseling, advisory lessons, partnerships with outside organizations, and restorative practices. 

The coordinators reviewed the district’s process for reporting, investigating, and responding to potential DASA incidents and emphasized that while they work closely with parents throughout the process, there are important privacy limitations in place to protect all children involved. 

Superintendent’s Report 

  • Rapid Dismissal Drill: Scheduled for Wednesday, November 26, at 1:30 PM; ensures the district can safely and quickly dismiss students and staff before the holiday.
  • Legislative Outreach: Dr. Lutinski and Board President Mike Busch will meet with Assemblywoman Mary Jane Shimsky to discuss district priorities for future legislative action.
  • Digital Learning Collective: Launched its first meeting and identified three focus areas for the long-range technology plan: Digital Wellness, Digital Skills, and Emerging Technologies. A second session will be held via Zoom this Thursday.

School Highlights 

  • BRS:
    • Little Theater opened with the 4th Grade Figurative Language Show.
    • Kindergarten visiting Ridgefield Playhouse for Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.
  • Middle School:
    • Alice in Wonderland Jr.was a major success.
    • Seventh graders participated in a powerful historical program with storyteller Sheila Arnold (Ona Judge).
    • Science Olympiad competed in its first remote invitational with 48 students across 18 events.
  • High School:
    • Winter sports season is underway.
    • Fourrunners competed at the NYS Cross Country Championship this past weekend; Clara Shingler finished 18th and earned All-State honors for the fourth straight year, and Sean Dooley placed 12th in the Boys Class C race to earn his first All-State recognition. Congrats!
    • Speech & Debate competed at Molloy High School.
    • Counselors hosted a Schoolinks information session for families.
    • PHS Talent Show scheduled for next week.

Superintendent’s Update on the Capital Project: Pleasantville Forward, Together 

  • Community Forum: Thursday, November 20, at 7:30 PM (the printed newsletter incorrectly listed Wednesday).
  • Fields & Lights: Draft recommendations include refurbishing the Back Field(maintaining grass), returfing fields with natural infill, replacing the track, adding fencing/bathrooms/concessions, turfing the Upper Field, and installing permanent lights with a light use policy and sound mitigation strategies.
  • BRS Outdoor Space: Goals include expanded play areas, natural grass, shade, new structures, new fencing, and improved security gate.
  • STEAM Upgrades: Proposed renovations to science, arts, and multipurpose spaces, including universal classroom technology to support instruction, modern furniture, increased storage, and improved utilities.
  • Accelerated Infrastructure: BRS chillers, HS water pumps, HS auditorium lights, and PA security system are moving forward now to align with the May vote.
  • Financial Overview: The District expects tax-neutral borrowing; state aid is anticipated to cover half the project. Final cost details will be available in January.
  • Communications: Website, postcards, and electronic updates will continue as planning progresses.

Recognition of the Audience/Public Comment: No comments shared during this session. 

Consent Agenda: The Consent Agenda was approved (4–0). *  

Following the approval of the Consent Agenda, the Board acknowledged Mr. Fonde, who will retire at the end of this school year. They expressed their congratulations and deep gratitude for his many years of dedicated service to the district, noting that he will leave “big shoes to fill.”  

The district will conduct a thorough search process to ensure the High School Assistant Principal position is filled with the same high standards, expertise, and commitment that our community expects and deserves.

The Board also extended thanks to the Tina Shaina Gambino Memorial Foundation for its generous donations to each of the schools. 

*Note: Michael Busch was not in attendance to vote. 

Closing Remarks 

  • Loredana: Attended the SEPTA meeting; reminder that the pie sale is open until midnight tonight.
  • Lucas: FOVA events will be announced at the next meeting.
  • Erin: Upcoming “Coffees with BOE Members” events will be scheduled.
  • John: Appreciative of one-on-one conversations with community members about the Capital Project and the feedback being shared.
  • Eric: Pleasantville Police continue to work with the community on traffic concerns; remind everyone not to park or double-park in driveways near schools.

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. 

The next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for December 2, 2025, at 7:30 PM in the High School Library. Please note that on December 8, the Board will participate in the Annual Joint Meeting with the Village Board at Village Hall (7 PM). 

Warm regards, 

The Pleasantville Schools Board of Education 

Michael Busch, Erin Ballard, Lucas Cascardo, Loredana Coughlan, and John Vamossy