Pleasantville honors new tenured staff, retirees and names Joanne Pugliese teacher of the year

The Pleasantville Board of Education used part of Tuesday’s meeting to recognize career milestones across the district, awarding tenure to several certified staff, honoring dozens of retirees and naming Joanne Pugliese as the district’s 2026 Teacher of the Year.

The board president read the formal tenure resolution and, after a motion and second, the board approved the recommendation "upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools" with a voice vote. The superintendent characterized tenure as an important professional milestone and emphasized it as a sign of demonstrated proficiency and trust.

Administrators and colleagues paid tribute to multiple retirees spanning classroom teachers, building staff and district-office employees. Speakers singled out Chrissy Moses and Christine Harris for long service at BRS, and highlighted Laura Drysdale’s transition from technology assistant to longtime social-studies teacher; other retirees named included Greg Fondy (assistant principal), Natalie Dolchetta, Mary Prevost and long-serving district office staff such as Steve Chamberlain.

Board member Mr. Palumbo announced Joanne Pugliese as Teacher of the Year; senior Alexis Bush spoke about Pugliese’s classroom mentorship and practical supports, and county and village officials presented proclamations and planned additional recognitions.

The board recessed briefly after awards and then resumed business. No formal action beyond the tenure approvals and consent-agenda retiree confirmations was taken during the recognition segment.