September 16 BOE Meeting Recap

Dear Pleasantville Families, 

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the September 16 Board of Education meeting, whether in person or virtually. The Board remains committed to keeping our schools safe, our students supported, and our community informed. 

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: 

Oath of Office 

• Brian Doherty was sworn in as the new ex officio student board member and welcomed by the Board.

Special Reports 

• Celebration of Heroes: Dr. Chagares recognized Middle School staff member Marc Damon for his quick preparedness and responsiveness in applying the Heimlich maneuver to a student who was choking during lunch at the end of last year. Mr. Damon was presented with a certificate of heroism and gratitude from the Board and administration.
• Opening of Schools & Goals (click here for presentation): Dr. Lutinski and the school principals shared the annual Opening of Schools report, showcasing the energy and momentum across all three buildings. From innovative learning experiences to strong community traditions, the presentation captured the many ways Pleasantville is living its mission each day.

Dr. Lutinski also shared updates on our district goals and long-term strategic planning efforts. These priorities are centered on student success, staff support, and community engagement. Families will continue to see communication around these goals as we measure progress and celebrate achievements throughout the year and begin planning for our next Strategic Plan in the second half of the school year.

As an update to the Facilities goal, Dr. Lutinski shared that the next Capital Project, Pleasantville Forward, Together, is currently being planned with community input, working towards a vote in May. He also noted that the next Community Forum is scheduled for Monday, September 29, at 7:30 PM in the PHS Auditorium. 

Superintendent’s Report 

• Dr. Lutinski recently met with Dr. Joshua Deitch, who is getting acquainted with PUFSD before he begins as the district’s first Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment on October 7.
• Join us on Friday, September 19 (6 PM), at Parkway Field for the annual Break the Hold football game, a special event and important cause that continues to bring our school and community together.
• Schools Closed September 23 & 24: Pleasantville Schools will be closed for Rosh Hashanah. To those in our community who celebrate, we wish you a joyful and meaningful holiday.

Discussion Items  

• Community Facilities Committee Updates (given by subcommittee chairs)
  • STEAM (Erin Ballard & Loredana Coughlin): Exploring short- and long-term improvements, gathering student input, and connecting with groups such as FOPA and FOVA.

• BRS Playground (Lucas Cascardo): Vendors presented three design options; next steps include engaging parents and students for feedback.
• Fields & Lights (John Vamossy): Discussion of referendum “buckets” (Maintain, Enhance, Lights). Woodard & Curran shared lighting analysis; next steps include reviewing lighting policy, back field options, and sound mitigation.
  • Trustee Vamossy asked the Board to consider entering into a legally binding agreement regarding lights, as raised during a subcommittee meeting. Trustees unanimously expressed discomfort with binding future Boards in perpetuity. Instead, they emphasized the importance of developing a thoughtful, transparent policy that balances good-neighbor practices with student needs, while ensuring community voices are heard.
• Board Liaison Updates: Trustees reported on connections with groups including Interfaith Council, BRS PTA, Girl Scouts, Science Olympiad, SEPTA, AYSO, Dad’s Club, Senior Center, FOPA, and FOVA.

Recognition of Audience/Public Comment: A community member raised concerns about artificial turf; the Board confirmed that further discussion will take place at upcoming committee meetings. 

New Business: The Board accepted the retirement of John Chow, our Assistant Superintendent for Business of 4 years, who will complete the 2025–26 school year before retiring on June 30, 2026. Additionally, we voted to approve Donna Vitucci (currently District Clerk) to step into the role of School Business Administrator beginning July 1, 2026. We thank John for his steadfast leadership and dedication to Pleasantville and congratulate Donna on her new role! 

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 at our next meeting scheduled for October 7 at 7:30 p.m. in the High School Library.