Your Voice Matters: Superintendent Leadership Discussion

November 30, 2025 

Dear Pleasantville Families, 

We hope you enjoyed a warm and restful Thanksgiving weekend. We’re sending this message on Sunday night, so it’s one of the first things you see as we return to school and look ahead to an important community conversation. 

At the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, December 2, at 7:30 PM in the Pleasantville High School Library, the Board will discuss its interest in extending Dr. Eric Lutinski’s interim superintendency for an additional year, from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. As always, we welcome your input and comments. 

At the outset of this discussion, we want to be clear: the Board of Education will conduct an in-depth, comprehensive search for a permanent superintendent beginning in July 2026. We are approaching this work with openness and care, taking the time to fully explore the field of candidates and ensure that every step reflects the needs and aspirations of Pleasantville. This effort will be inclusive, community-centered, and designed to support meaningful engagement from all stakeholders. And because a comprehensive search must be approached with care and intention, we are fortunate to have Dr. Eric Lutinski, whose leadership and willingness to continue in the interim role provides the district with the stability needed to carry this important work forward. 

Since stepping into the role this past July, Dr. Lutinski has provided thoughtful leadership, clear communication, and a steady hand during a period of meaningful work across our district. This includes supporting a smooth school opening, addressing unexpected staffing vacancies, strengthening our communications systems, launching the Pleasantville Forward, Together Capital Project initiative, and laying the groundwork for the upcoming strategic planning process. We are pleased with the direction of the district under his guidance. 

When Dr. Lutinski was appointed, one of our goals was for him to thoroughly assess district strengths, systems, and areas for improvement, and to deepen his understanding of our culture and community values. This foundational work is critical to shaping a permanent superintendent reflective of Pleasantville’s priorities.  

Over the past several weeks, we have met with all stakeholder groups, including the Teachers’ Association of Pleasantville, the School District Administrators Association, the School Aides Association, the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA), the CSEA Nurses Association, and PTA leadership across all schools. Overall, the Board has received positive feedback regarding the possibility of extending Dr. Lutinski’s interim leadership. This input has been tremendously helpful as we consider our next steps. 

Again, we want to be clear that this is the start of a conversation about Dr. Lutinski’s contract extension and that no decision has been made. Collaboration is essential, and community members will have multiple opportunities over the next six weeks to share their thoughts before the Board makes a final decision. That decision will happen at the January 13 Board of Education meeting. 

Community members are encouraged to participate by attending an upcoming meeting or by emailing the Board directly. We kindly remind everyone that public comments must follow Board policy (#1510), which means that comments, whether positive, neutral, or negative, about specific individuals cannot be made during the public session. Emailing the Board is an appropriate way to share individual questions, concerns, or feedback. 

Upcoming Board Meetings 

December 2, 2025 – 7:30 PM, High School Library 
December 8, 2025 – Annual Joint Meeting with Village Board, 7 PM, Village Hall 
December 16, 2025 – 7:30 PM, High School Library 
January 13, 2026 – 7:30 PM, High School Library (anticipated date of final vote) 

We look forward to hearing from the community and engaging in open, thoughtful discussion as we move toward this important decision. 

Warmly,
 
Pleasantville Board of Education
Michael Busch, Erin Ballard, Lucas Cascardo, Loredana Coughlan, and John Vamossy