New board member sworn in; board confirms Dr. Felicia Hyman Metley as acting superintendent

DeAndre Miller was sworn in Monday during the Pleasantville Board of Education’s regular meeting, taking the oath administered by Senator Vince Palestina.

Later in the meeting the board adopted a resolution confirming the April 28 appointment of Dr. Felicia Hyman Metley as acting superintendent, retroactive to April 28, 2026, at a stipend of $350 per day. The resolution passed on a roll-call vote with one abstention (Miss Roell), according to the minutes.

Public commenters and board members voiced support for Dr. Hyman Metley during public comment. Teacher George Murray, who said he has worked in the district for 27 years, praised Metley as a district graduate with “heart” and urged the board to back her. Kathy Watson, president of the parent association, told the board she and other community members “really know the district” and urged the board to retain Metley rather than hire someone from outside.

Board President Miss White thanked staff and leadership for their work during the budget process and welcomed Miller to the board. The board did not discuss any changes to the superintendent’s compensation beyond the stipend specified in the resolution.

Next steps: the resolution puts Dr. Hyman Metley in place as acting superintendent immediately; the board indicated it may take further personnel actions after scheduled executive-session reviews.