On Monday night, May 19, the Pascack Valley Regional High School District Board of Education (BOE) discussed staff and student recognition, upcoming student-oriented academic events, and timely district governance updates.
At his first Board of Education meeting, Interim Superintendent Dirk Phillips delivered the Interim Superintendent’s report. He acknowledged the school district’s welcoming acceptance over his first two weeks, highlighted the efforts of district staff members, addressed preparations for graduation in June, and proposed plans for upcoming student-oriented events regarding athletic programs and the music department.
“I look forward to being part of all those events, and I thank everyone,” said Phillips.
Business Administrator Yas Usami reported on board elections scheduled to take place on Nov. 4, 2025, in the Annual School Election. Usami announced that the Board will have two vacancies, one from River Vale and one from Woodcliff Lake. Each position carries a full three-year term.
The Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology Committee Report was presented by board member Katie Keller. She highlighted the district’s curriculum driven meeting with various subject supervisors to discuss status reports on evaluation projects. She also mentioned the introduction of new course offerings for the upcoming school year, specifically for choir and band classes.
“The Music Department is actually going to have an Honors Choir and Band pilot for the next school year 2025-2026,” said Keller.
Keller elaborated on the district’s plan to maintain its recent mathematics sequence structural modifications, explaining that Geometry, Algebra I, and Algebra II with Trigonometry will continue to serve as the respective order for the on-level student body. Finally, she concluded by conveying plans for a school-wide laptop reset and subsequent distribution this summer following the collection.
Student BOE representative Andrew Varian gave his final report for the 2024-2025 school year. He discussed upcoming academic trips and recent student accomplishments. He recognized the following class trips to take place after the conclusion of AP exams:
- May 19: The AP French and Spanish classes’ trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art (“The Met.”)
- May 16: The AP Spanish Celebration following the AP Exam
- May 22: The AP World History class trip to Ellis Island
- May 27: The AP Art History class trip to “The Met”
Varian also congratulated 10 Hills DECA members for competing in the International Career Development Conference in Orlando, Florida, the Pascack Pioneers for their performances at the district and “World” competitions, the Band and Choirs’ showcases at the Spring Graduation Concert, and the Teens Against Cancer’s annual Relay for Life.
Regarding athletics, Varian recognized a series of Hills seniors for committing to various universities to play in their athletic programs, the Girls Golf Team’s success at the State Sectionals Championship, and senior CJ Driver for setting a new Bergen County Boys’ Lacrosse point record. He also commended the Hills Unified Program for participating in the Cool Students Challenge and the yearbook committee for selecting next year’s theme.
BOE President Gini Varghese congratulated the student BOE representatives for their impactful contributions in the 2024-2025 term and wished them the best in their post-secondary endeavors.
“The Board of Education wishes Andrew Varian continued success in his education and his pursuit of other activities,” she said.
The Hills and district staff members received their 2024-25 recognitions. From Pascack Hills, science teacher Dr. Aarti Mallya and Hills librarian Mrs. Megan Pettigano were formally recognized as the 2024-2025 Staff of the Year. This year’s Supporting Staff distinctions were awarded to Purchasing Compliance Officer Irene Cassa and Custodian Christopher Tocci.
Dr. Sean Strunctis, District Supervisor of Guidance, presented the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights: Self Assessment Report 2023-2024. He reviewed district-wide scoring trends along with student and staff-centered approaches within the district’s Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) Initiatives.
In honor of National School Communicators Day, District Public Relations Professionals Joe Orlak, Tracy Leigh, Michelle Ramirez, and interns Josh Baskin and Isabelle Nahass-Finneran were acknowledged for their commitment to the district.
The meeting concluded when the Board opened to take comments from the public, where several speakers addressed the football program at Pascack Valley High School.
For a full viewing of the BOE meeting, click the link below.
