Dear Putnam Valley Community:
I am excited to share some important updates regarding leadership transitions within our district. These changes reflect both our commitment to excellence and our confidence in the dedicated professionals who serve our students every day. It should be noted that all of these positions are currently filled within the District, and no new positions were created.
With the upcoming retirement of Dr. Natalie Doherty, the District will be moving Melissa Estrella into the role of Director of PPS (Pupil Personnel Services). Ms. Estrella has served the District for the past six years, first as a CSE Chairperson (Committee for Special Education) and then as Supervisor of Special Education. Over that time, Ms. Estrella has cultivated strong relationships with students, staff, parents, and colleagues across the region. As Ms. Estrella begins this new role, we know that she will continue to build on her successes and provide exceptional leadership for many years to come.
Ms. Estrella’s promotion to the Director of PPS has created a vacancy in the Supervisor of Special Education position. After an extensive interview process, the committee recommended and the Board appointed Christina Feal to the position of Supervisor of Special Education.
Ms. Feal joins us from the Hendrick Hudson School District, where she most recently served as a Transition Specialist & CSE Chairperson and previously as a Special Education Teacher. Ms. Feal demonstrated tremendous knowledge, a passion for learning, and a genuine care for all students throughout the interview process. Ms. Feal will bring many years of experience in the field of special education when she joins our team here in Putnam Valley.
The human resource responsibilities currently filled by Dr. Doherty will be transitioned to Ms. Jacqueline Levine, who will assume those responsibilities moving forward. I will be recommending that the Board of Education transition the title of Assistant Superintendent currently held by Dr. Doherty to Ms. Levine, who will become the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Human Resources.
Please join me in welcoming Ms. Feal into the Putnam Valley School Community and congratulating Ms. Estrella and Ms. Levine on their new roles and responsibilities. Ms. Feal will begin on July 1, 2025, and will work closely with Ms. Estrella throughout the summer to plan for the upcoming school year and support our summer extended year program.
Thank you,
Dr. Jeremy Luft
Superintendent of Schools