Pleasantville BOE April 7 Meeting Recap

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the April 7 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 on the district’s YouTube channel, and the meeting agenda can be found here.

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

2026-27 Athletics & Non-Instructional Budget Presentation (CLICK HERE TO VIEW PRESENTATION)

Athletics – Dan Iorio
The district continues to offer a broad athletics program, with 18 sports and strong student participation across middle and high school. Updates include enhancements to athletic spaces, new equipment, and improved facilities to support student-athletes and school pride. 

Operations & Maintenance – Steve Chamberlain
The non-instructional budget focuses on maintaining safe, efficient facilities across the district. Highlights include reduced utility costs through efficiency measures, ongoing building upgrades, and continued investments in security systems and infrastructure.

PLEASE SEE ATTACHED FOR A 1-SHEET OVERVIEW OF THE BUDGET

PLEASE NOTE: All budget-related information is available on the Business Office page of the district website. Please click here to review.

Additional budget presentations will continue over the coming weeks according to the following schedule:

April 21: Budget Adoption

May 5: Budget Public Hearing

May 19: Annual Budget Vote & School Board Election

Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment Report – Dr. Deitch (CLICK HERE FOR FULL PRESENTATION)

Dr. Deitch shared an overview of how the district is strengthening alignment in curriculum, instruction, and assessment across all schools. 

Highlights included:

• A collaborative leadership structure that connects teachers and administrators across buildings 
• Professional learning that is teacher-led, aligned, and focused on instructional practice 

• Ongoing work across schools, including literacy enhancements at BRS, expanded STEAM and curriculum updates at PMS, and increased course pathways at PHS 
• A new cross-subject framework designed to bring greater consistency and clarity to teaching and learning districtwide 
• The presentation also outlined next steps focused on alignment across grades, evolving instructional practices, and future strategic planning.

Superintendent’s Report 

Dr. Lutinski shared updates aligned to the district’s mission, noting that both budget and curriculum efforts are grounded in supporting student needs and experiences.

He also previewed the next phase of strategic planning, which will include community engagement to help define a “Portrait of a Graduate” and guide future district priorities. 

District Highlights:

• BRS: Students benefited from professional learning tied to Apple integration, and enjoyed a visit from Corey the Dribbler, who shared a message about respect and perseverance
• PMS: Congratulations to the cast and crew of Legally Blonde Jr.; modified spring sports are underway
• PMS & PHS: Students and staff participated in the Saving Civics Education conference, engaging in discussions with peers and local leaders
• PHS: Students attended PrideWorks to build leadership around inclusivity; new members were inducted into honor societies
• Staff Recognition: The district recognized Assistant Principal Week, celebratingAshley O’Hara, Michael Pinkava, and Gregg Fonde.

Superintendent’s Update on the Capital Project

Dr. Lutinski reviewed the Capital Project proposition that will be featured on the ballot on May 19: 

Proposition I: Critical Safety & Aging Infrastructure Replacements

Expedited Infrastructure Improvements

• BRS HVAC upgrades
• PHS hot water pump replacement
• PHS auditorium lighting upgrades

• Districtwide public address and security system upgrades

Track & Turf Replacement

• Replace main and small turf fields
• Install acrylic-coated sand infill (no rubber) with shock pad
• Resurface track and specialty areas
• Add perimeter safety fencing

BRS External Security Enhancements

• Secure daytime entrance with gate, camera, and intercom
• ADA-accessible lift
• New perimeter fencing while maintaining community access outside school hours

Proposition II: High-Priority Investments in Learning & Community Spaces

BRS Outdoor Space Reimagined

• Replace turf surface with natural grass
• Create distinct zones for flexible student use
• Expand footprint and add new playground equipment

Instructional & STEAM Space Upgrades

• Districtwide interactive classroom displays
• New STEAM/MakerSpaces at BRS and PMS
• Science classroom upgrades at PMS and PHS

• Art, music, theater, auditorium, and multipurpose room upgrades

Main Field Area & Lights

• Public restrooms and concession stand
• Transition Upper Field to turf
• Resurface basketball court and update hoops
• Four 80-foot LED Dark-Sky Certified light poles, the only light poles that meet safety standards for use at school fields, with sound and sightline mitigation

 
Upcoming Project-Specific Community Forums

On March 16, we hosted the first project-specific community forum for STEAM at the middle school, which included a tour of classrooms and learning spaces at both the middle and high school.

Community members are encouraged to join us at an upcoming forum:

• BRS Outdoor Space: Tuesday, April 14 at 6 PM, Bedford Road School
• Fields & Lights: Monday, April 27 at 7 PM, Pleasantville High School

Field Lights “Field Trip”: On March 25, the Community Facilities Committee toured the Ardsley and Westlake campuses to see similar field lighting systems firsthand. The visit offered a clearer understanding of how the lights are operated and precisely angled to meet needs while ensuring no light spill into surrounding areas. If community members would like to see the Ardsley field lights in action, there are games scheduled for April 21, 24, and May 8.

Dr. Lutinski reiterated that full project details, FAQs, financial information, and timelines are available at pleasantvilleschools.org/capitalproject.

As a reminder, the proposed capital project includes a maximum estimated cost of approximately $17.5 million, with $4 million available in reserves and savings and $13.5 million in borrowing. The project is designed to be tax-levy neutral and is separate from the annual operating budget, with approximately 53 cents of every borrowed dollar reimbursed through state aid.

DISTRICT CLERKS REPORT: May 19 - Annual Budget Vote & BOE Election

The Pleasantville UFSD Annual Budget Vote and Board of Education Election will be held on May 19, 2026. Residents will vote on the proposed 2026–27 school budget, capital project items, and two Board of Education seats.

To vote, you must be:

• A U.S. citizen
• At least 18 years old by May 19, 2026
• A Pleasantville UFSD resident for at least 30 days prior to the vote

• Registered with the Westchester County Board of Elections or with the District

The last day to register with the District is May 14, 2026.

Board candidate petitions are due by 5 p.m. on April 20, 2026. Absentee and early mail ballot applications are available beginning April 20.

Visit our website for voter information and Board candidate materials.

Discussion Item: Advocacy for Universal Health Insurance Reserve Fund

The Board approved a resolution (4–0) to advocate at the state level for the ability to establish a universal health insurance reserve fund. This would help districts better manage fluctuations in healthcare costs and reduce the impact on other areas of the budget.

BOARD POLICIES - FIRST READING 

• First Reading of Policy #3285 - Use of Main Turf Field Lights
  • The Board conducted a first reading of a proposed policy outlining the use of field lights at the main turf field. The policy reflects the district’s commitment to responsible, limited-use, and notes that the Board Policy for Field Light Usage is not typical for most districts. The district has been following these proposed guidelines while utilizing temporary lighting.
• Approval of First Reading of Board Policies; there will be another two (2) readings of this policy to ensure the community has the opportunity to share their thoughts. (APPROVED 4-0)

RECOGNITION OF THE AUDIENCE/PUBLIC COMMENT: Three (3) members of the public addressed the board.

NEW BUSINESS

• Appointment of Taryn Delaney as Assistant Principal of Pleasantville High School, effective July 1, 2026(Approved4-0). The board welcomed and congratulated Mrs. Delany on her appointment. Please click here to learn more about Mrs. Delaney.

CONSENT AGENDA: Approved (4–0); The Board recognized Mr. Steve Chamberlain’s retirement this summer and thanked him for his many years of service to the district as Director of Facilities. 

Closing Remarks: Board members reflected on recent events, ongoing engagement, and encouraged continued community participation:

The next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 7:30 PM in the PHS library, when the Board will vote to adopt the budget. The agenda will be posted to BoardDocs when available.

Warm regards,

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