03:49The meeting’s most development was the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Sarah Bilotti, effective June 30, 2025. The board accepted her resignation and approved a leave of absence for her, allowing her to use her contractually allotted days until her official departure. Additionally, an agreement was reached for her release from the district. The decision was nearly unanimous, with all but one member in favor. Following this, the board appointed Dirk Phillips as the interim superintendent beginning May 1, 2025, at a per diem rate of $825, with his term lasting until June 30, 2026. Phillips was introduced and received warmly by those in attendance.

01:31:55Another prominent issue at the meeting was the ongoing debate over the merger of theater programs between Pascack Hills and Pascack Valley. Students and parents expressed strong opposition, advocating for the programs to remain separate to preserve their unique identities and cultures. Students voiced concerns about reduced leadership opportunities and the cultural erosion of the Pascack Hills program. It was highlighted that the current merger led to a decrease in participation, with one student noting a 47% decrease in leadership roles. A student, referred to as Etiars, expressed apprehensions about the future of the program and offered to submit a digital proposal detailing the historical context and cultural significance of the separate programs.

Another student, Riley Alexander, shared logistical challenges of the merger, particularly the difficulty in balancing high school and middle school rehearsal schedules. The emotional impact of theater on student development was emphasized, with testimonies from middle school students highlighting the supportive environment of the program. Similarly, Jupiter Tam, another student, conveyed disappointment over the demanding rehearsal schedule, which forced many to choose between theater and other commitments like sports.

Parents added their voices to the discussion, sharing personal anecdotes about the positive impacts of the theater program on their children. Carrie Solomon spoke about her son’s successful transition from high school theater to professional roles. Meanwhile, Devon Alexander, a concerned parent, criticized the current merger for drastically reducing participation and urged the board to restore the program’s original structure.

01:58:33Elizabeth Gluggler, also a parent, provided historical context. She argued that the merger threatened to erase the unique opportunities and community identity that had been cultivated over decades. Gluggler stressed the urgency of appointing a new director to prevent further declines, asserting the existence of qualified candidates ready to lead the program.

The theater program debate was part of a broader conversation on various district initiatives and accomplishments. The board reviewed community efforts, including environmental clean-up projects by student clubs and the PV Interact Club’s collaboration with Lasagna Love to support local families. Athletic achievements were also celebrated, particularly Coach Jeff Jasper’s receipt of the Morgan Wooden Award for lifetime achievement in high school basketball, recognizing his extensive career and influence on student athletes.

01:12:27During the meeting, Cynthia Kirk presented the proposed budget for the 2025-2026 school year. The budget emphasized priorities such as fostering innovation, preparing students for college and careers, and expanding mental health services and extracurricular offerings. Kirk detailed significant capital projects, such as a $1.6 million rooftop unit replacement at Pascack Valley High School, funded by capital reserves. The budget proposal outlined revenue sources and anticipated tax implications for local districts, responding to board inquiries about tax distribution and its impact on community members.