Pleasantville BOE Looks to Increase Public Input

After a series of meetings involving heavy public comment periods during the resignation of Dawn Bartz and appointment of her temporary replacement, Pleasantville's Board of Education says it wants to maintain a high level of community input.

"The summer was a period of rapid change in our District. The Board of Education meetings in June and July were attended by record numbers of residents concerned about the chain of events regarding the High School principal’s position," the Board said in a community statement. "While some may disagree with the Board’s decision, we have heard from many who look forward to moving on."

Moving forward, the Board said it believes community involvement will be "essential."

"The Board of Education heard what many of you had to say over the summer regarding community collaboration and transparency," the Board said. "Over the next several months, the Board will examine and discuss different methods to increase the public’s awareness and participation. We will investigate better modes of information sharing such as through social media and a more user-friendly website."

Additionally, student outreach will also be a part of the Board's strategy going forward, according to the statement.

"Among our ideas is to involve High School students in our communications efforts and to invite at least one student to work as a Board of Education intern," they said.