[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6640131,"mediaKeyId","2556331-5e8511ba984adae29af704a190ca03ec","parentId",2556331,"title","Board approves engineer contracts, appointments and personnel actions; several motions passed","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",11400000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2556331-5e8511ba984adae29af704a190ca03ec&start=11400&end=11400","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2556331-5e8511ba984adae29af704a190ca03ec/thumbnail_11400000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6640131/New-Jersey/Board-approves-engineer-contracts-appointments-and-personnel-actions-several-motions-passed","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6640131-a4d5969f7cd5929c353fce4ef93d133a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770540333&Signature=VuVJGUZ9FnyMrZvIE~7wSwGNa4R1Phsqg1Q0khAz3esVXgQaKI1ItIJjldRJa5nH4V64MUJtd~YyNpZ6pAg2vFQbaEDFiPEYnbdiH4xGJ~VX3EkN5wjdvOvDmM7Ve-5ePYuQ2yQSO7VNh0Hh1lvEqr4h2vDJIJ8DLsoPt-xx5t3-ac36C3epO1O5tMwu1sDTg7pnlKhZMTIKIme9sUy~yhzDeTNqAu8zoqZNPrxc~DnLNsOE5Zk-TOQgkp9Rza1spCo8YjdrMEXltRCCcoST1ZbEBFKNpLiCt9LfW3LdnP9NOEuGoLWjMv5uj7ibD5E50ieDhd6Ea-0JeIeCPSNrYw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Pleasantville Public School District","date","2025-03-12T01:13:26.287Z","article","The Pleasantville Board of Education took several formal actions during its March 11 meeting.

Key approvals
- Remington & Vernick Engineers: The board approved engineering services for Pleasantville High School and Pleasantville Middle School parking-lot reconstruction. The contract covers a design phase ($96,000) and a construction phase ($48,000), for a total not-to-exceed $144,000. The superintendent said the work will be funded through the Emergent and Capital Needs grant process.
- Board appointment: The board appointed Maria (Marie) Pepe as an interim board member to fill the ninth seat. The motion was moved and seconded and the appointment was approved by roll-call.
- Personnel actions: The board approved a rescinded-resignation (employee ID 105170) returning to active employment at a stated salary (BA step 7, $70,050) and approved two last-chance agreements with unpaid suspensions for employee IDs discussed during the meeting (one five-day suspension for ID 104667; one 30-day suspension for ID 103604). Those agreements and suspensions were approved by motion and roll-call vote.
- Minutes and routine approvals: The board approved meeting minutes (Feb. 11, Feb. 18) and several finance, transportation, facilities and policy items as listed on the agenda.

Meeting procedure
Motions were moved and seconded from the dais; multiple items were approved by roll call. Where members abstained or noted corrections during roll call, the board recorded those responses on the record.

Ending: The board closed the public meeting and announced a special meeting March 18 to consider and adopt the district budget. Members encouraged community participation at upcoming events and the budget session.
","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Pleasantville Public Schools Public Board Meeting (March 11, 2025)","oneSentenceSummary","At the March 11 Board of Education meeting the board approved an engineering contract for school parking-lot reconstruction, appointed a new board member, accepted several personnel actions including last-chance agreements, and approved routine minutes and financial items.","taxTitle","Pleasantville Public School District, School Districts, New Jersey","taxId",70399,"location","New Jersey","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_46":81,"_48":82,"_50":83,"_52":84,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":85,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":86,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6640135,"Superintendent reports NJSLA results, highlights rise in biliteracy seals and outlines tutoring, math supports",1990,6110000,8100000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2556331-5e8511ba984adae29af704a190ca03ec&start=6110&end=8100","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2556331-5e8511ba984adae29af704a190ca03ec/thumbnail_6110000.jpg","/articles/6640135/New-Jersey/Superintendent-reports-NJSLA-results-highlights-rise-in-biliteracy-seals-and-outlines-tutoring-math-supports","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6640135-0e78fe43d2fc8d9358c2249ef526b903/orig.mp4?Expires=1770540333&Signature=RKFcF2VUFkL-Dwlxs8ScDwJOogHOuy64MGwUciw7Kk64QC8w3o0VMypY5T8xCLvj2o2XrW6N8lCErgDnHYD~1clmKVSZnyCd399hMxfofS6xPCOgsT1JcXx1x6aL~D09NZ6A9Um0GR-7Ko7NuhmNkSB~iH5UPckCuCZ0hKU0aRYHgcfL0UrqK8cogMuRIC1WzdZFRbr1qKqUxANQ-f~QObsrQCQ3TldIXxh6lES4qYp-rDI1mrwir8T7PHnrAZfO5m8IMpfs4xp9-CqVdDso2ymBUw7HDEFLDE35tgip2~UnA22DlH05vWb6fqPfBk3sFOOLop7AnfM6CRbBwj-2-g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Superintendent Dr. Marilyn Martinez gave the Board of Education an overview of student assessment results and district initiatives on March 11.

Martinez reviewed New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA) results for math and science across elementary, middle and high school grades. She reported that proficiency rates were low in several grades: for example, third-grade math proficiency was 14%, with 54% below expectations; fifth-grade science showed 56% below proficient; and high-school 11th-grade math (NJGPA) showed 9% graduation-rated, with major-content scores stronger than modeling and reasoning. Martinez said modeling and reasoning were consistent areas of struggle across grade bands and that the district is targeting supports there.

Martinez also reported a notable increase in the number of Pleasantville seniors earning the New Jersey Seal of Biliteracy: she said 42 students earned the seal last year and that number rose to 56 this year, a roughly 28% increase. She introduced a group of students onstage who received the seal.

To address the assessment gaps, Martinez outlined district actions: districtwide \"power hour\" tutoring and intervention times; added manipulatives and graphic calculators at secondary levels; and planned purchases of elementary math manipulatives as part of the budget. Martinez said diagnostic runs using an interim assessment showed movement toward grade-level proficiency: she summarized that students who were multiple grade levels behind had declined in count (for example, \"two grade levels behind\" dropped from 519 to 335 students), while students at or above grade level rose from 121 to 226 on the diagnostic snapshot.

Martinez also described Read Across America events and community outreach during Black History Month, and she highlighted student awards, including a $25,000 Chick-fil-A scholarship awarded to a high-school senior.

Ending: The superintendent said the district will include targeted facility and instructional investments in the upcoming budget and asked the board to expect follow-up reporting; board members said they would review the assessment details and the proposed budget investments at the scheduled work sessions.
","Superintendent Dr. Marilyn Martinez presented district assessment results showing low proficiency on NJSLA math and science across grades, a rise in high-school biliteracy seals, and district steps including tutoring, intervention time, and new math resources to address gaps.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_46":93,"_48":94,"_50":95,"_52":96,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":97,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":98,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6640140,"Parents and coaches press Pleasantville schools to repair athletic facilities ahead of track season",1560,1020000,2580000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2556331-5e8511ba984adae29af704a190ca03ec&start=1020&end=2580","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2556331-5e8511ba984adae29af704a190ca03ec/thumbnail_1020000.jpg","/articles/6640140/New-Jersey/Parents-and-coaches-press-Pleasantville-schools-to-repair-athletic-facilities-ahead-of-track-season","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6640140-a3ee00c82b5073334b42e576bd7d659b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770540333&Signature=CXpZaBrDCi8Bf~0Xgb0VHb1hyYS1ECyQh9jgmS730SZtfVEC3GHDRfDjoCKElPdBvYxOPDy1h5FMXyAmttdXyckMvnE6l61~GpMz1fctKPp3IlNaquqJ1cikaoqvf~NOE1rxXosqkCq3vn-BSpK0YR4JSmQETjyeUPGSgMUML7DP3DG-Wb9aPSpy9zhjJqyMSjAUI49eocNC6XYW80QIUjzWjcQ39F2DXmBc9japhZGsy1o9rgngjsskKmcsbElqWqrt9t5-yevzLJyLgZmvlSqPlWOOr7mmooi~7M0VN8b2WGf1kAOmEUPrJjtb7m6qd9L23QfT6MLIaSS1oCSmwQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At public comment on March 11, parent Priscilla Noel urged the Pleasantville Board of Education to repair athletic facilities at Pleasantville High School, saying the district's track and field equipment and surfaces are in disrepair and pose safety and equity concerns as the spring season approaches.

Noel said she brought comparative photos that show nearby choice schools' facilities in better condition and that students who work hard in athletics deserve safe, usable facilities. \"We have enough over $100 million in this district. I think we can do a lot better because track is coming up and there's a lot of things in disrepair,\" she said, listing missing weatherproofing covers on the high jump and long-jump pits and crumbling asphalt near the gymnasium.

Noel said poor facilities can force meet cancellations, denying students the chance to compete. She asked the board to take executive action where possible to address immediate safety issues. Board members responded that the district would attend to the concerns; Dr. Marilyn Martinez later said the upcoming budget proposal would include facility repairs and \"newness and renewal\" in those areas.

Ending: The board acknowledged the concerns and Dr. Martinez said the next budget season would include targeted funds for repairs. Parent Noel said she will provide photos to the district and asked the board to act quickly to ensure student safety and competitive equity.
","A parent showed photos and urged the Board of Education to repair high school track and jump pit covers and fix crumbling asphalt, citing safety and equity concerns.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_46":105,"_48":106,"_50":107,"_52":108,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":109,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":110,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6640144,"Teachers union tells Pleasantville Board that HR is denying salary-guide credits; asks board to act",293,407000,700000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2556331-5e8511ba984adae29af704a190ca03ec&start=407&end=700","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2556331-5e8511ba984adae29af704a190ca03ec/thumbnail_407000.jpg","/articles/6640144/New-Jersey/Teachers-union-tells-Pleasantville-Board-that-HR-is-denying-salary-guide-credits-asks-board-to-act","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6640144-ae4a5b62afb27614a9656228227e1391/orig.mp4?Expires=1770540333&Signature=AjkRVWea-OX9XIwKh4vldFZLTPOHrbJpzUfx2F5HLxXuJi0f3SzN1H44u1rLBm5IXjEForsjcuRKI4O2AXoSC2okVjbJh3F3XSD4BEhQEghwvsw88l1fdvoGQGZxxaGtyo8-aWB0b8IcNvS-OTStAMB1zA8TTinS5vWZ61XG7cvRKbTlhAxbUwxIy7FupE67JodkD85WYwHeqwFa1hFfOWnl4KhNNW-emX4X9pGf-nXa2MJwYNXwTQeCFGxsjoxbiJuZcXGwb3ERoRbfyexZ58O4C3ZsYbn1PzpvRtPl3EnQndydavkvZXyk~IGmStKJPXIAY~e33Xoh1MvHdzLpgA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kathy Watson, president of the teachers union that represents about 600 educators in the Pleasantville Public School District, told the school board on March 11 that the union has filed a grievance alleging the district's Human Resources department has misinterpreted contract language and denied placement credit on the Salary Guide for courses teachers have earned. Watson said the union sent a response to proposed agreements on Feb. 28 and, after receiving a district reply it found unsatisfactory, intends to bring the grievance to the board and pursue arbitration if needed.

\"The Human Resources department has misinterpreted contractual language that guides tuition reimbursement and utilizes the language to deny employees advancement on the Salary Guide,\" Watson said. She asked the board to accept the grievance and to ensure teachers receive credit for graduate-level coursework beyond a bachelor's degree.

Watson read the collective-bargaining language aloud during public comment, citing provisions that: place certificated professionals on the correct pay scale only upon meeting qualifications and providing proof; state adjustments are not retroactive; and require responsibility for proving qualifications remain with employees. Watson said the contract text specifies movement across the Salary Guide is made for graduate-level credits only, and argued HR must not limit credit to coursework tied to a teacher's current assignment.

Board members offered a brief procedural response: a board member said a response had been provided to the union but the union did not accept it, that the next step in the grievance process is the board and then arbitration. Watson and the union asked the board to accept the grievance and said they sought a copy of the district's response.

The board did not take an immediate formal vote on the grievance during the meeting. Watson asked that the board be informed and that the district provide documents the union has requested.

Ending: The union flagged the issue for the board to consider as a formal grievance and said it intends to pursue the contract procedure if the board does not resolve the dispute. The board said it would forward the matter through the grievance steps shown in the contract and noted an arbitration stage could follow if the parties do not resolve the matter earlier.","The Pleasantville Education Association told the Board of Education it has filed a grievance after Human Resources denied credits for placement on the district salary guide and that the union wants the board to receive and act on the grievance.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves engineer contracts, appointments and personnel actions; several motions passed

Superintendent reports NJSLA results, highlights rise in biliteracy seals and outlines tutoring, math supports

Parents and coaches press Pleasantville schools to repair athletic facilities ahead of track season

Teachers union tells Pleasantville Board that HR is denying salary-guide credits; asks board to act