Board of Education Meeting Recap - July 7, 2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the July 7 Board of Education meetings, whether in person or virtually. The evening began with the Board's Annual Organizational Meeting, during which Board leadership was established, and annual appointments were made for the 2026-27 school year. The Board then convened its regular meeting and received updates on summer planning, district initiatives, and preparations for the upcoming school year. 

If you were unable to attend, a full recording of the meetings is available on the district's YouTube channel, and the meeting agendas can be found here. 

Below is a brief summary of key items from the evening. 

The Board began the evening by administering the oath of office to reelected trustees Lucas Cascardo and John Vamossy, as well as Student Ex-Officio Member Julian Giebelhaus, officially beginning their new terms of service.  

Following the conclusion of Michael Busch's term as Board President, John Vamossy was unanimously elected President of the Board of Education for the 2026-27 school year. Erin Ballard was unanimously reelected Vice President. Both were sworn into their leadership roles, along with Dr. Eric Lutinski, Interim Superintendent of Schools, Donna Vitucci, School Business Administrator, and Robyn Dunn, District Clerk.  

The Board also reviewed committee assignments and Board liaison roles for the coming year. Those assignments will be finalized in the coming weeks and posted on the district website.  

Dr. Eric Lutinski shared several personnel updates as the district prepares for the 2026-27 school year. He welcomed Donna Vitucci as the district's new School Business Administrator, Robyn Dunn as District Clerk, John Riina as Assistant Director of Facilities, and Taryn Delaney, who recently began her role as Assistant Principal at Pleasantville High School. Hiring continues for several remaining positions as the district prepares to welcome students and staff this fall. 

Dr. Lutinski also highlighted the district's administrative retreat, held July 1 and 2, where district leaders began preparing for the district's next strategic planning process. The retreat focused on establishing a framework for the work, which will include meaningful opportunities for community engagement. 

Additional summer updates included: 

Dr. Lutinski reported that work continues to move forward on the Pleasantville Forward Together capital project. Following voter approval in May, fast-tracked projects were submitted to the New York State Education Department for review and approval. Community members interested in serving on the Community Facilities Committee are encouraged to apply by July 31. Please use the button below to access the form.

The Board conducted the first reading of a proposed Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use Policy. Dr. Lutinski noted that because AI technology is evolving rapidly, the policy is expected to be reviewed and updated regularly. The proposed policy establishes AI as a tool to support teaching and learning with appropriate approval and oversight. Director of Technology Michael Sammartano will work collaboratively with faculty and staff to guide implementation. The policy also requires students to disclose the use of AI in their work and includes provisions addressing deepfakes, employee protections, and staff training. The policy will return to the Board for a second reading before being considered for adoption.  

The Board also completed the first reading and waived the second reading of the revised Information and Data Privacy, Security Breach, and Notification Policy. 

No public comments were made.

The Board approved the establishment of a new position and appointed John Riina as Assistant Director of Facilities and Jonathan DiSanto as Assistant Business Manager. 

The Board approved the consent agenda, which included adoption of the revised 2026-27 school calendar, the district's Professional Learning Plan, the 2026-27 school lunch budget, personnel appointments and resignations, professional services agreements, special education recommendations, and other routine operational business supporting the start of the new school year.  

Trustee Lucas Cascardo wished students participating in this summer's Pleasantville International Association (PIA) trips a safe and rewarding experience. Board President John Vamossy reflected on the year ahead and highlighted three key priorities for the district: conducting the superintendent search, engaging the community in strategic planning, and advancing the Pleasantville Forward Together capital project. 

The next Board of Education meeting will be announced on the district website and posted to BoardDocs when available. 

Warm regards, 

The Pleasantville Schools Board of Education 

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