April 24, 2025

Dear Pleasantville Families,

Dear Pleasantville Families, 

I hope this letter finds you well. Below please find a brief recap from the Board of Education meeting that took place on April 22, 2025. You can watch the meeting video here.  

2025-2026 Budget

The Board of Education adopted the proposed budget for the 2025–26 school year. Please remember to vote on May 20! Polls will be open from 6:30 AM – 9 PM in the Middle School Multi-Purpose Room, 40 Romer Avenue. 

For more information, visit the district website, which now includes a helpful flyer with key details about the adopted budget and the upcoming vote.  

If you would like to learn more about the budget, you are welcome to join us on Zoom next Wednesday, April 30, from 7:30 to for a discussion and Q&A session. 

Topic: Virtual Budget Roadshow 

Time: Apr 30, 2025, 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) 

Join Zoom Meeting 

https://pleasantvilleschools-org.zoom.us/j/92222727816 

Meeting ID: 922 2272 7816 

Passcode: 500899   

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Calendar Changes 

The Board approved the following changes to the calendar. These changes are reflected in the district’s online calendar; please be sure to update your personal calendars accordingly.  

• No School Friday, May 23 (“Give Back” for unused emergency closure days)  
• Half-Days for Grades UPK-6: June 25, 26 & 27 (last day of school) 

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT  

Pleasantville Pride Highlights: I am incredibly proud to recognize and celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of our students, which were honored at the BOE meeting Tuesday night. Their achievements reflect the diverse talents and passions that thrive across our schools. 

From our Middle School Science Olympiad team, who earned first place at regionals and brought home 19 medals at the state competition, to our winter sports teams and student athletes who demonstrated perseverance and teamwork, our students continue to shine in every arena. 

We applauded our writing award winners, participants in the Olympics of the Visual Arts, and our 7th-grade students who took part in the Human Rights Conference and brought powerful lessons of empathy, equity, and advocacy back to their peers. 

These students are a testament to the strength of our academic, arts, and athletic programs—and to the dedication of our teachers, coaches, and families who support them every step of the way. We are so proud of the many ways they represent the heart and spirit of our school community. 

BRS Wellness Days (April 24 & 25): Thanks to the incredible partnership with Northern Westchester Hospital, BRS students will participate in hands-on, engaging activities focused on health, nutrition, and wellness. From handwashing demos and teddy bear clinics to nutrition games and cooking fun, each grade will enjoy a unique experience tailored just for them. Special thanks to our amazing team and parent volunteers for helping coordinate this impactful initiative!  

Community Facilities Committee: The committee met on April 9 to continue discussions around current and long-term facility needs. Members reviewed all the foreseeable projects needed across the district. Funding sources and ideal timing of borrowing money were discussed. The committee will reconvene on April 24 to continue this important work, specifically we are going to outline the process to provide recommendations that are well thought out and reflective of the needs of the students and the community at large.  

Update on State Assessments: I want to take a moment to once again thank our entire school community—staff, students, and families—for your flexibility, patience, and support during this year’s state assessments, which suffered from technical difficulties statewide. Grades 3-8 ELA testing was rescheduled for and completed this week.  

Upcoming Musical Events: Our talented students of the PHS Orchestra and Chorus performed beautifully during their concert! Looking ahead, we’re excited to cheer on the 90 students heading to the “Music in the Parks” competition at Hershey Park in early May. We know you’ll represent Pleasantville with talent and pride! 

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our students and school community. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or feedback. 

For the youth, 

Dr. DeSa 

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