Pleasantville Chooses New Schools Superintendent

PLEASANTVILLE, NY — The Pleasantville Board of Education announced the appointment of Dr. Tina DeSa as the district’s next superintendent of schools.

DeSa will assume the role of superintendent Jan. 1, as current Superintendent Mary Fox-Alter retires. She will join the district Nov. 1 and serve as deputy superintendent for two months, to facilitate a seamless transition, the trustees said.

Dr. DeSa is an assistant superintendent in the Arlington Central School District in LaGrangeville.

"Her deep interest in Pleasantville and our schools was clear throughout the interview process in the research and astute observations she brought to our conversations, along with the insightful questions she asked," the trustees said in the announcement. "We feel confident that she will lead our schools in ways that maintain all that is special while pushing us to be even better for every student. We ask that the community join us in welcoming her into our community as our next district leader."

DeSa began her career in education as a teacher. She spent three years as principal of Nassau Elementary School in the Spackenkill Union Free School District in Poughkeepsie. She also served as the network team leader for Dutchess BOCES where she supported teacher and administrator professional learning.

In the Arlington district she oversees and coordinates K-12 programs including special education, counseling services, safety and security, health services, central registration, home tutoring, speech-language and OT/PT therapy.

She also has experience in school sports from both sides, having played Division I soccer at Manhattan College and worked as assistant director for the Student Development for Athletes Center at St. John’s University.

She has a Doctor of Education in Instructional Leadership, a Professional Diploma in Instructional Leadership, and a Masters in Sociology from St. John’s University and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Manhattan College.

“Pleasantville has a history of excellence in education and is clearly committed to working collaboratively to support all students,” said Dr. DeSa. “I look ahead with gratitude to lead and serve Pleasantville, a district focused on ensuring we set up learning experiences and nurture a culture that allows each student to be their very best self – as defined by them.”