Dear Putnam Valley Community:
Appreciation is the theme for this month’s message. As the Superintendent of Schools in Putnam Valley, I would like to extend my gratitude to the community members who came out and voted on this year’s school budget and propositions. Regardless of how you voted, thank you for taking the time to let your voice be heard through your ballot.
I’m happy to report that this year’s school budget, along with the capital reserve and transportation propositions, all passed. Over 750 community members supported the proposed spending plan, which will allow the district to continue offering the rigorous academic program and wide range of extracurricular activities our students have come to expect. This plan not only allows us to maintain our current staff but includes an additional guidance counselor at the middle school and smaller class sizes at the elementary school.
Please take a moment to provide some feedback here as our team will immediately start working on the 2025-2026 budget.
Two seats on the Board of Education were also on this year’s ballot and the community overwhelmingly reelected Barbara Parmly to remain on the Board and welcomed Alexandra (Sasha) Hayes as a new member to the Board. Congratulations to Barbara and Sasha and thank you for volunteering to serve this important role within our school community. I also want to acknowledge and thank Maranda Zocchi and Zayd Eljamel for their interest in serving our school community.
Each year’s school budget proposition is designed to balance the academic needs of our students with the financial impact on our taxpayers. Strong schools are built and sustained when communities come together to support them and the Putnam Valley Community continues to do so each year. Great schools are always at the center of desirable communities. The more desirable your community is to prospective home buyers, the more your home value improves.
The Putnam Valley School District continues to be known across the region for its strong academic programs, competitive athletic teams, exceptional art, music, and performing arts programs, and for the caring staff members that serve our students each and every day.
Thank you and we look forward to another amazing year here in Putnam Valley.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jeremy Luft
Superintendent of Schools