One notable issue that emerged from the meeting was the potential reduction in music-related classes at Pasack Hills High School. Concerns were raised by several community members regarding the impact of these changes on students with a keen interest in music. One student, Michael McKay, highlighted the significance of music theory for those aspiring to major in music and underscored the feedback received from colleges he visited. Parents and students alike voiced their apprehensions, with one parent, Phil Langer, calling into question the apparent prioritization of athletic programs over the arts. James Guy, another community member, expressed worries about declining enrollment in music classes, urging the board to focus on solutions to enhance student engagement in these programs. Lily Plechner, a senior student, provided a personal account of how the music department positively influenced her college applications and overall well-being.

The board’s discussions ventured beyond the music department as members grappled with the broader budgetary constraints for the 2024-2025 academic year. The Finance Committee’s report, presented by a member whose name cannot be confirmed, highlighted the funding challenges, including increased employee benefit costs that necessitated the use of emergency reserves for the first time, specifically to address health insurance hikes. This financial strain prompted the board to consider staffing adjustments, though it was clarified that these were not aimed at cutting music positions but rather reconfiguring courses to absorb sections and address vacancies.

In addition to fiscal matters, the meeting addressed the impact of technological advancements within the district’s schools. A proposal for the installation of a new cellular network system in the school building was discussed, with a projected cost of $225,000. The proposed system, aiming to improve cellular coverage, involved a combination of BDA repeater systems and a dedicated source for different carriers. Concerns about cybersecurity threats, coverage assessments, and the timeline for installation were also considered.

Despite the budget and program concerns, the meeting also highlighted several positive developments within the district. Students from both Pasack Hills High School and Pasack Valley High School boasted impressive academic and co-curricular achievements, ranging from museum visits and literary art magazines to creating videos for an exchange school in France and excelling in regional music festivals. In the realm of STEM education, the district’s partnership with KidWind was spotlighted, along with the successful hosting of a STEM League competition. Additionally, both schools received the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association Award for STEM School of Excellence.

The meeting also touched on curricular enhancements, with the School Board detailing the resequencing of core math courses and the introduction of cybersecurity opportunities for students.

However, the resignation of Vice President Joseph Blundo due to work constraints was a administrative change that the meeting had to address. The process of appointing a replacement from the town of Rivervale was discussed, with the necessary qualifications for potential candidates outlined.