Dear Putnam Valley Staff and Community:
Just this morning, I received my customary 4:20 am call from Pat Bellino, our Director of Operations, Technology and Transportation, to let me know that the recommendation of our transportation/maintenance crew and the Putnam Valley Highway Department was to implement a two-hour delay. These early morning conversations culminate in a message to the community, and are always supportive and helpful in making the appropriate decision related to weather. Mr. Bellino has decided that he will be leaving the District at the end of the school year and that determination is reflected on tonight’s Board of Education agenda. The role that Mr. Bellino has held in improving our facilities and operations in the District over the past five years has been instrumental in my own efforts on behalf of students, staff and community. His care for the students and community has been evident for many years. During that time, we have seen his love of the performing arts and his initiatives in continuing to advance the technology and the capacity of our music and arts programs. He has also been devoted to supporting educational initiatives recommended by principals and teachers as is evident in many changes at all of the schools, such as the outdoor classroom at the Elementary School, garden projects at each facility, the turf field at the Middle-High school campus, and the efficient move of the District office to create space for classrooms at the High School. Mr. Bellino has also helped champion and support the High School Later Start project. The District office space has proved to be an effective and efficient solution to the need that was expressed at the end of the last school year. Most recently, Mr. Bellino has facilitated the Board’s desire for an Energy Performance Contract that would model a commitment to sustainability and energy conservation. We cannot overlook Mr. Bellino’s pride in the Putnam Valley Schools and community demonstrated in his leadership of an exceptional team of custodians, technology specialists and transportation personnel, clearly dedicated to the high level of maintenance and cleanliness commonly noted by all visitors to our school campuses. Therefore, please join me in thanking Mr. Bellino for his service over many years, as he continues during this school year to ensure the well-run operation of our school district facilities, transportation and technology.
Sincerely,
Dr. Frances Wills
Superintendent of Schools