Pleasantville, NY, August 29, 2025
News Summary
Dr. Eric Lutinski has been appointed as the interim superintendent of Pleasantville Schools after retiring from Rye Neck Schools. He will oversee preparations for a new capital bond vote scheduled for spring 2026, following a previously failed improvement proposal. Lutinski emphasizes community communication and has engaged subcommittees to address key upgrades. The district is also adapting to new educational regulations including the Distraction-Free Schools Law, which limits cell phone use during school hours. His focus includes ensuring a cohesive K-12 curriculum and enhancing local engagement.
Pleasantville, NY – Dr. Eric Lutinski has taken on the role of interim superintendent of the Pleasantville Schools following his retirement from Rye Neck Schools. Lutinski, who previously served as a high school social studies teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent in Rye Neck, officially stepped into the interim position after announcing his retirement in December 2022. He learned about the Pleasantville opportunity while vacationing in Hilton Head in early July and was drawn to the similarities he observed between the two school districts.
As interim superintendent, Lutinski will play a critical role in the preparation for a new capital bond project vote set for spring 2026. This initiative comes in the wake of a previously failed $15 million capital improvement proposal that was voted down last December. The Pleasantville school board is now reassessing potential projects to ensure that the upcoming bond addresses the community’s needs effectively.
Lutinski aims to enhance communication with the community to promote transparency and understanding regarding the necessity of this new capital bond. He believes that fostering dialogue between the school and families is essential in identifying community values and needs. To address key upgrades, the district has formed three capital project subcommittees that focus on STEAM programming, the field and its lighting, and enhancements to the Bedford Road School playground. Lutinski has recently engaged with these subcommittees, discussing their progress and scheduling future meetings, with the intention of sharing meeting minutes publicly in straightforward language via the district’s website.
In light of ongoing discussions about capital improvements, Lutinski is mindful that the Pleasantville Schools have been developing a strategic plan since 2014, leading to the adoption of a second phase titled “Pleasantville Schools 2026” in 2019. However, progress on these plans was stalled due to the pandemic, and meetings only resumed in the last three years. Lutinski emphasizes the importance of taking a measured approach to updating the strategic plan, keeping in mind the evolving educational goals set by New York State and the need for robust community engagement.
The Pleasantville Schools are also adapting to new educational regulations, including the recent Distraction-Free Schools Law, which aims to minimize cell phone use during school hours. The district has implemented a policy to limit cell phone availability, requiring students to secure their devices in lockers or backpacks during school hours except during approved activities. To support this transition, the school is providing middle school students with iPads filtered for school use and is holding ongoing meetings with students and teachers to explain the new policy and promote digital wellness.
Recognizing the challenges of tech dependence, particularly for graduating seniors preparing for college or careers, Lutinski acknowledges the need for continued support and resources. He is also advocating for the hiring of a new director of curriculum, instruction, and assessment to ensure a cohesive K-12 curriculum while allowing teachers the flexibility to adapt as needed. Furthermore, Lutinski is aware of the impact of artificial intelligence on the education system and underscores the necessity for the district to keep pace with technological advancements.
Community connection is a priority for Lutinski, who plans to engage with local leaders and participate in community events to reinforce the interdependence between the school district and Pleasantville itself. The school district recently adjusted its start times to improve student engagement and performance, with high school beginning at 8 a.m., middle school at 8:30 a.m., and elementary students starting at 8:55 a.m. The decision to change start times came in response to research supporting the academic benefits associated with later starts. However, parents have expressed concerns about the potential impact on their daily routines and child care arrangements, prompting the district to work on creating a three-tiered transportation system that accommodates these changes while managing potential scheduling issues.
Overall, with Lutinski at the helm temporarily, the Pleasantville Schools are poised to address various strategic educational goals while ensuring that community engagement remains at the forefront of their efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dr. Eric Lutinski?
Dr. Eric Lutinski is the interim superintendent of Pleasantville Schools. He previously served as the superintendent of Rye Neck Schools and has a long history in education, beginning his career as a social studies teacher in Rye Neck in 1995.
What are the upcoming changes in Pleasantville Schools?
The Pleasantville Schools are preparing for a new capital bond project vote scheduled for spring 2026, following a failed proposal last December. They are also implementing a policy to limit cell phone use during school hours in compliance with the new Distraction-Free Schools Law.
How is the district addressing community engagement?
Dr. Lutinski emphasizes the importance of dialogue between the school and families to reflect community values. He has engaged with subcommittees focused on key upgrades and plans to publicize meeting minutes to increase transparency.
What educational policies are being updated?
The district is updating its policies regarding cell phone use, adapting to the new Distraction-Free Schools Law, and is working on a cohesive K-12 curriculum while allowing teacher flexibility.
Key Features of the Transition
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| New Interim Superintendent | Dr. Eric Lutinski, previously superintendent of Rye Neck Schools |
| Strategic Bond Vote | Scheduled for spring 2026 to address capital improvements |
| Community Communication | Focus on dialogue and transparency with families |
| Cell Phone Policy | New regulations limiting use in accordance with state law |
| Curriculum Development | Hiring a new director to ensure cohesive K-12 curriculum |
| Engagement Initiatives | Meetings with local leaders and community events planned |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- 6abc News
- Wikipedia: Pleasantville, New York
- FOX 29 News
- Google Search: Pleasantville School District
- News 12 Hudson Valley
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School
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