On Monday night, the Pascack Valley Regional High School District Board of Education (BOE) discussed school renovations, financial planning, curriculum adjustments, student and district accomplishments, the Pascack Theatre production, and the preliminary Budget Report.
The meeting began with committee reports by board members, reviewing the district’s current standing and future plans.
Board Member Michael Weaver delivered a summary of the Facilities Committee Meetings, outlining the ongoing progress of the Hills auditorium renovations, Pascack Theatre assistance, the anticipated completion of the Hills bleachers by May, and efforts to improve handicap accessibility.
The Finance Committee Meeting highlights were summarized by Board Member Kristin Martin, reporting the district’s finances and strategic planning. She explained the intricacies of the estimated tax levy, state aid allocation, staffing considerations post-retirements, and current budget balances.
Board Member Debra Stephans provided an overview of the Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology Committee Meeting, highlighting key initiatives such as the summer laptop reboot, curriculum adjustments, evaluation process updates, extra help resources, a state climate change grant, and the district’s unique achievement as the only Bergen County school to secure an AI grant.
Student BOE representative Andrew Varian delivered his monthly student report, showcasing the talents and accomplishments of the student body. He highlighted class spotlights such as the Forensics class presentation about “ghost guns” by a visiting Syracuse University professor, the Spanish classes’ trip to Spain, the creative writing class’s author talk with screenwriter Neil Goldman and the school-wide celebration of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) day.
Varian further elaborated on the success of DECA’s Atlantic City conference, where over 45 members participated and 14 advanced, the MUN team’s award-winning conference at Saint Peter’s University, and the Environmental Club’s plastic bottle collection initiative.
He also announced the commencement of spring sports on March 10th. Academically, he applauded Elizabeth Huang as Valedictorian and Zoe Green as Salutatorian.
Assistant Business Administrator Cynthia Kirk delivered the 2025-26 Preliminary Budget Report, illustrating the district’s goals through visuals and reviewing key areas such as curriculum highlights, curricular and extracurricular proposals, capital projects, revenue sources, budget expenditures, and tax implications.
The meeting also celebrated the Pascack Theatre performance of the “Legally Blonde” musical this past weekend, and a Pascack Theatre parent reminded the board to see the musical this upcoming weekend for their final performances. Multiple BOE members expressed admiration for the production and encouraged others to attend.
“It was wonderful I should hope everyone goes and you don’t have to take my word for it. My 12-year-old who said ‘I think I’m going to fall asleep in this play’ walked out saying ‘wow that was pretty good’ so just putting that out there,” said Board Member Gia Guzman.
For a full viewing of the BOE meeting, click the link below.
