Pleasantville BOE May 5 Meeting Recap

Dear Pleasantville Families,

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the May 5 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: 

Recognition of Students: High School Social Studies teacher, Olivia DiFusco, discussed the high school students’ participation in a panel discussion on “Saving Civic Education” at Long Island University. 

Tenure Recommendations: APPROVED (5–0) 

The Board of Education proudly recognized this year’s tenure recipients:  

From the Middle School:   

• Allison Corrente, Special Education Teacher 
• Donna Gavagan, Elementary Teacher
• Jake Sablosky, Earth Science Teacher

 From the High School:   

• Megan Bradley, School Counselor
• Olivia DiFusco, Special Education Teacher
• Shana Guidice, Special Education Teacher
• Adrienne Sapione, Art Teacher 
• Linette Peralta, Teaching Assistant 

The Board also honored this year’s retirees for their many years of service and lasting contributions to Pleasantville schools. 

Bedford Road School 

• Christine Harris, 3rd Grade teacher
• Christen Moses, 4th Grade Teacher

Middle School 

• George Coffey, English Teacher
• Laura Drysdale, Social Studies Teacher
• Susan Baker, Teaching Assistant

High School 

• Natalie Dolgetta, Math Teacher
• Gregg Fonde, Assistant Principal
• Mary Prevost, Math Teacher

District Office 

• Diane Carson, Assistant Business Manager
• Steve Chamberlain, Director of Facilities
• Wenli Zhang, District Treasurer
• John Chow, Assistant Superintendent for Business

Teacher of the Year: Joanne Pugliese

In addition, Joanne Pugliese, affectionately known as “J Pug,” was recognized as Pleasantville’s 2026 Teacher of the Year. A High School Science teacher celebrating her 25th year in the district, Ms. Pugliese is known for her passion, innovation, and deep connection with students. Senior Lexi Busch spoke about her impact, highlighting the meaningful role she has played in the lives of so many students. 

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 ($8.25 million) 

Expedited Infrastructure Improvements ($3,786,143) 

• BRS HVAC upgrades
• PHS hot water pump replacement
• PHS auditorium lighting upgrades
• Districtwide public address and security system upgrades

Track & Turf Replacement ($3,716,827) 

• 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 and netting

BRS External Security Enhancements ($683,820) 

• 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 ($9.25 million) 

BRS Outdoor Space Reimagined ($2,158,755) 

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

Instructional & STEAM Space Upgrades ($3,450,499) 

• 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 ($3,533,785) 

• 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

 
Project-Specific Community Forums 

• The STEAM forum on March 16 highlighted proposed upgrades to instructional spaces designed to support hands-on, future-focused learning, while clarifying that capital improvements focus on facilities that enable—not define—curriculum.
• The BRS forum on April 14 included a walkthrough of the outdoor space, emphasizing plans to create a safer, more functional environment for students while maintaining community access outside of school hours.
• The Fields & Lights forum on Monday, April 27, included a presentation and a walking tour of the athletic facilities.

It's important to note that Capital Project funding can only be used for facilities and infrastructure improvements. Curriculum and program investments are supported through the District’s annual operating budget.

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. 

Absentee and early mail ballot applications are available. Please visit our website for voter information. 

RECOGNITION OF THE AUDIENCE/PUBLIC COMMENT  

Board President, Mike Busch, opened public comment by reflecting on the nearly two-year process behind the proposed capital project, emphasizing that the Board’s focus has remained on what is best for students while also working to address neighborhood concerns through mitigation measures and proposed usage restrictions. He also called for civility and respectful dialogue, encouraging community members to seek information from official district sources and remember that, despite differing opinions, “we are all neighbors.”
 
One (1) member of the community addressed the Board. 

BOARD POLICIES – SECOND READING  

• Second Reading of Policy #3285 - Use of Main Turf Field Lights (APPROVED 5-0)
• The board reiterated that the policy reflects the district’s commitment to responsible, limited use and notes that a Board Policy for Field Light Usage is not typical for most districts. The district has been following these proposed guidelines while utilizing temporary lighting.

CONSENT AGENDA: APPROVED (5–0) 
The Consent Agenda included a revised version of the 2025-26 student calendar. Revisions include half days for Prek-6 students on 6/24-6/26. 

The next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 7:30 PM in the PHS library. The agenda will be posted to BoardDocs when available.