HILLSDALE—The Pascack Valley Regional High School District Board of Education began its Sept. 23 meeting, at the Pascack Valley auditorium, with words of remembrance for Brook Dreyerman, a Pascack Hills High School student from the class of 2025, and her parents, David and Michele Dryerman.
It fell to Hills student representative Andrew Varian to relay the sentiments of the student body. He recalled what so many have said of Brooke: that she was especially warm, deeply involved in the community, and believed in positive contributions to the well-being of others.
Varian said Brooke—who with her parents died in a crash on the Garden State Parkway on Saturday, Sept. 14, survived by her brother, Max—was always smiling and looking to help others. From Woodcliff Lake, she was a president of the school’s Camp Raspberry, helping those with special needs; a member of Pascack Hills Unified, a program centered on inclusivity, teamwork, “and providing every student with the opportunity to participate regardless of ability”; was an executive member of Teens Against Cancer; competed with the girls tennis team for three years; and looked forward to an internship at Pascack Valley’s teacher cadet program.
She also was active in Jewish youth programs, as a member of Valley Chabad’s Teen Leadership Initiative and Temple Emanuel.
Varian said, “Brooke’s dream after college was to bring our community together and not be so divided.”
He reported that students were stunned and saddened at the news of her passing. “Many students have been leaving painted rocks, cards, candles, flowers, and stuffed animals at her parking spot, making sure Brooke’s memory is never forgotten.”
He called on the school community to continue her legacy. Following the tribute, the board called for a moment of silent reflection.
Then it moved through a packed agenda, with key highlights including staff recognitions, new hires, and significant district decisions. Here are highlights from the agenda:
Staff Recognitions and Promotions
Several long-serving staff members were honored for their 25 years of service, receiving recognition from the board and superintendent:
- James Kennedy, Technology Teacher, Pascack Valley High School
- Douglas Goodman, Social Studies Teacher, Pascack Hills High School
- Deborah Horn, Social Studies Teacher, Pascack Hills High School
- Lillian Murray, General Secretary, Pascack Hills High School
- Brenda Kirk, Administrative Assistant to the Business Administrator, Board Office
In addition to these service milestones, the board welcomed several newly hired staff members across the district, including teachers, paraprofessionals, and support staff. Among the notable hires were:
- Angie DeLima, World Language Teacher, Italian, Pascack Valley High School
- Valentina DeSantis, Leave Replacement, Main Office Executive Secretary, Pascack Valley High School
- Francesco DiLello, Leave Replacement, Music Teacher, Pascack Valley High School
- Margaret Montenare, Student Assistance Counselor, Pascack Valley High School
- Tim Moriarty, Leave Replacement, Library Assistant, Pascack Valley High School
- Olga Tsoy, Special Education Teacher, Pascack Valley High School
- Jessica Wuttig, Special Education Teacher, Pascack Valley High School
- Frank Cherichello, Leave Replacement, School Counselor, Pascack Hills High School
- Deven Deppert, Paraprofessional, Pascack Hills High School
- Johnna Duffy, Part-time Secretary to the Athletic Director, Pascack Hills High School
- Cassandra Leibfried, Special Education Teacher, Pascack Hills High School
- Matthew Marini, Mathematics Teacher, Pascack Hills High School
- Ani Mooney, Social Worker, Pascack Hills High School
- Jennifer Ring, School Psychologist, Pascack Hills High School
- Jerry Rodriguez, Athletic Trainer, Pascack Hills High School
- Axelle Sandt, World Language Teacher, French, Pascack Hills High School
- Margaret Schmidt, World Language Teacher, French, Pascack Hills High School
- Jennifer Stalknecht, Paraprofessional, Pascack Hills High School
- Vivian Conboy, Executive Secretary, Special Services
- Bernadette Wilkins, Part-time Secretary, Park Academy
- Melissa Incandela, Payroll Manager, District
- Doreen Babis, Director of Personnel and Pupil Services
- Jonathan Hesney, Director of Special Services
- Tracy Leigh, Director of Technology
- Sandra Casco-Vazquez, Director of Region II
The board also recognized staff members promoted to new roles. William VanKersen, previously a science teacher at Pascack Valley High School, was promoted to Athletic Director and Supervisor of Health and Physical Education at the school.
Additionally, several staff members achieved tenure status, including Stephanie DiStasi, a school counselor at Pascack Valley High School, and Tara Flannery, the Special Services Supervisor.
Property Purchase and Financial Matters
The board addressed ongoing negotiations surrounding the purchase of property located at 63 Patterson St. in Hillsdale. A Fourth Addendum to the Agreement of Sale was approved, extending the closing date to December 19, 2024, after continued delays in obtaining necessary governmental approvals. As part of this, the board approved a capital reserve withdrawal of $14,516.12 to cover lost rent for the vacant second floor of the property.
Dual Enrollment Agreement with Seton Hall University
The board approved a new Dual Enrollment agreement with Seton Hall University, which allows Pascack Valley students to earn college credits at a rate of $110 per academic credit. This initiative aims to enhance academic opportunities for students during the 2024–2025 school year.
School Bus Evacuation Drills and Transportation Contracts
Safety remained a priority, as the board reviewed reports on school bus evacuation drills held at both Pascack Hills and Pascack Valley High Schools earlier in the month. The drills were conducted under the supervision of school administrators and involved all students. The drills are part of the district’s efforts to ensure compliance with safety standards.
In related transportation matters, the board approved multiple contracts for special education transportation services. These agreements, facilitated through Region II, include transportation for students to various schools such as New Bridges in Paramus and Windsor in Pompton Lakes, with costs varying based on the route and service needs.
Routine Matters and Reports
The meeting also featured routine reports from Superintendent Dr. Sarah Bilotti, the Policy Committee, and student representatives from Pascack Hills and Pascack Valley High Schools, who provided updates on school events and student activities. A detailed presentation on NJSLA (New Jersey Student Learning Assessments) scores was given by district administrators, highlighting performance metrics and areas for improvement across the schools.
All regular meetings will be live streamed for viewing purposes only to the Pascack Valley Regional High School District YouTube channel.