Interim Superintendent Mr. Phillips told the Pascack Valley Regional High School District board Dec. 15 that construction and operational projects are progressing and described steps the district has taken to improve building safety.

Phillips said the exterior ramp at Milestone is under construction and crews replaced a broken exterior pipe encountered during excavation. He said HVAC and cafeteria ventilation work is continuing and that the kitchen ventilation remains one of the final items before building inspection and health-inspector sign-off.

On safety and access, Phillips said the district installed a visitor-management system and that parents and visitors will need to show identification upon entering buildings. He praised custodial and maintenance staff for quickly clearing walkways after a heavy snowfall and for responding to a power failure that required a school cancellation for Hills students on Nov. 20; he said in-house staff were able to complete repairs that avoided a multi-day closure.

Phillips also recognized staff members announcing retirements at the end of the school year, including Mary Ann Simic (executive secretary at Pascack Hills) and Natalie Mackey (science teacher), and congratulated Cindy Kirk on completing her first audit as business administrator. He said the district has begun the 2026–27 budget process and that he and administrators are meeting individually with directors to review budgets.

Board members told the public the district is monitoring state legislative activity that could affect schools. The board also indicated it has asked Phillips to remain in his role through April 30, 2027, to provide continuity during the superintendent search process.