PV Schools

Dear Putnam Valley Community:

On Friday, June 14, Putnam County and our school district lost a great friend and supporter of youth and education with the sudden death of Judge James Reitz. For many years, Judge Reitz addressed our families and our students on safety issues and the devastating consequence of drug and alcohol abuse. He had established a Drug Court that was a model for moving from a strictly punitive approach to drug related legal matters to an avenue for responsible rehabilitation. There is no question that Judge Reitz cared about the children and families of Putnam County and was willing to actively move from the bench to the public arena to persuade us that safety and health were priorities for the well-being of the community. We want to acknowledge and express sorrow at this loss of a community leader.

Services have been announced as follows:

Visitation will take place on Monday, June 17 from 2-8 PM at the Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services, Old Route 6, Carmel. Mass will be held on Tuesday, June 18 at 10:30 AM at St. James the Apostle Church.

Our deepest condolences are shared with his family and friends throughout the County.

Sincerely,
Dr. Frances G. Wills
Superintendent of Schools