On Monday night, the Pascack Valley Regional High School District Board of Education (BOE) discussed budget concerns, proposed policy changes and reconsiderations, AI usage, student achievements, and potential holiday observances.
Business Administrator Yas Usami presented a budget report highlighting key financial challenges for the upcoming fiscal year. Usami projected a 15 to 20 percent increase in employee health benefits and a maximum 30% reduction in state aid due to declining student enrollment.
“The budgets are getting harder and harder each year,” Usami stated.
To mitigate financial strain, the district is budgeting for extraordinary aid—which covers students with exceptional needs—for one of the first times. Additionally, the district will utilize maintenance reserves to offset expenses, leaving less excess funding for additional projects.
Board President Gini Varghese reported on discussions regarding the 2025-2026 school calendar from the Governance Committee. She discussed how Eid may become a district holiday break depending on the current research being done on how many students currently celebrate the holiday.
Varghese also clarified the topics from the meetings such as Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) training for BOE members and board member removal policies. Google Chat monitoring concerns were also addressed; however, due to the current Pascack Valley service issues, extreme monitoring efforts have been postponed.
The topic of prom was brought up, leading to debate among the board over junior prom attendance requirements—students must attend a full school day to attend junior prom, while seniors can leave after 1:00 PM.
BOE Member Michael Weaver questioned why prom attendance policies differ from those for all other extracurricular activities, in which students are allowed to participate in events if four hours of class is attended. Superintendent Sarah Bilotti responded that the prom contract outlines the specific attendance rules instead of the general policy on extracurricular attendance.
The discussion also noted that junior prom falls right before SAT testing, raising concerns about student stress levels. The Policy Committee is expected to review this issue further considering many parents’ concerns on why prom is beyond policy.
Board member James Stankus presented the Policy Committee Report and the revisions to multiple district policies, including:
- Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying (HIB) updates.
- Student smoking policy, now explicitly includes vaping.
- Electronic Surveillance In School Buildings and On School Grounds.
- Cooperation with Law Enforcement Agencies.
- Acceptable Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) (new policy).
- Eligibility of Resident/Nonresident Students.
- High School Graduation and Academic Integrity requirements.
- Student Grievance and Food Service policies.
- Board Member Resignation and Removal.
- Spectator Code of Conduct for Interscholastic Events (new policy).
“We are waiting for clarification from the state as far as electronic devices,” Stankus noted regarding surveillance and student technology use.
Board member Stephanie Huang gave the PFA Liaison Report and highlighted the importance of AI literacy, particularly in education and the workforce.
On Jan. 28, the district hosted a parent AI literacy session featuring Amanda Bickerstaff, Co-Founder and CEO of AI for Education. Bickerstaff emphasized that while many colleges discourage AI use, most employers expect AI proficiency. She also introduced AI software designed to protect students ages 13-17.
“AI literacy matters because we must prepare our students for success in the modern world… There has been a 35% increase in AI use from just 2023 to 2024,” Huang stated.
Board member Michael Weaver discussed the Facility Committee Report on the relocation of Park Academy, confirming that the district is actively searching for new rental spaces in Bergen County to house the program.
Student BOE Representative Andrew Varian provided updates on recent academic and extracurricular activities at Hills, including:
- Entrepreneurship and marketing class ‘taste testing’ projects.
- U.S. History I research projects.
- Tri-M Music Honor Society Induction.
- A collaborative event between the history clubs at both high schools, analyzing the impact of a historical executive order.
- Black Student Union’s guest speaker event.
- Asian Culture Club’s Lunar New Year celebration.
In athletics, Varian highlighted:
- The district’s combined hockey program’s recent successes.
- The district dance team’s achievements.
- Pascack Hills Wrestling Team’s record-breaking season.
When the board received comments from the public, Hills sophomore Zahraa Islam and fellow students urged the BOE to consider granting time off for Eid, explaining that Muslim students who observe the holiday often fall behind in their coursework. Hills junior Maya also addressed attendance issues faced by students observing Ramadan and Eid with no time off.
Additionally, Pascack Theater representatives announced the upcoming musical production of Legally Blonde, offering the BOE free tickets and encouraging the community to attend.
For a full viewing of the BOE meeting, click the link below.
