Retirements Announced at Scarsdale High School

Seven retiring members of the faculty of Scarsdale High School were honored at the Scarsdale Board of Education meeting on Monday night April 19th. Together the seven have given 218 years of service to SHS and all have made significant contributions to the school and the students. Among those retiring were a Dean, the Math and Science Department Chairs, as well as members of the English, Science, and Technology departments.

Lead technology teacher Barbara Bierbauer has been with the district since 1981. She has led the district through the installation of new technologies and according to Assistant Principal Kelly Hamm, “She dragged the faculty into the 21st century.” She was credited for being readily available, willing, and never saying no. She took on an array of difficult tasks such as creating the Senior Options sign-up process, helping the Maroon staff to design the school paper and assisting the College and Career Center. Joan Weber called her talented, knowledgeable and an exemplary member of the faculty.

Biology Teacher Art Bloom has taught two generations of Scarsdalians, and has now instructed the children of at least ten of his students. A constant learner and educator with a true passion for science, Bloom has inspired many to go on to careers in science and medicine. About Bloom, one student said, “ He is the perfect biology teacher—when he was excited, so were we.” Another credited Bloom with “making the hardest subject the most interesting and fun.”

Chairman of the Mathematics Department Carol Desoe joined the Scarsdale schools in 1973 and has served as department chair for the last eight years. Praised for her remarkable clarity and quick, calculating mind Principal John Klemme said she furthered the careers of the teachers in the department and maintained high standards of excellence. PTA President Julie Hoofnagle said that Desoe connects easily with students and applied math to real world situations.

Bella Jacobson has led the Science Department for 23 years and championed the Science Research Program, which allows Scarsdale High School students to do original scientific research and work in area laboratories. Called a “superb teacher who embodies all things we seek in a teacher,” she was lauded for her care and precision. Principal John Klemme called Jacobson a consummate people person and confidante who was a sounding board and offered good advice. Saying that we have “all been blessed” by working with Ms. Jacobson, he told her that she has left her mark on SHS. Quoting a student, Julie Hoofnagle said that Ms. Jacobson “created an atmosphere of spark and vigor.”

Dean Linda Mandlawitz will also be missed. She has counseled hundreds of students, and in the words of Fred Goldberg, she shared herself, her compassion and her high ethical standards. He called Mandlawitz a wonderful friend and colleague, a distinguished counselor and a good friend. Parents and students said that Mandlawitz cares deeply, is compassionate, approachable and gives spot-on advice. In the words of one parent, “I will always be grateful to Dean Mandlawitz for her consummate professionalism and encouragement.”

Science Teacher Steven Sepe has been at SHS for over 20 years, teaching Chemistry, Physics and Earth Science. He served as a mentor for new teachers and designed a rigorous curriculum for Earth Science classes. He connects easily with students, has a straight-forward teaching style and encourages students to develop as individuals. Funny, brilliant, sweet and friendly, Sepe battled medical issues and continued to teach this past year.

English teacher Diane Wrobleski came to SHS on a part-time assignment in 1980 and has been here for 30 years. An outstanding educator, she has taught all grade levels and abilities. As a reading specialist she championed students with special needs but also taught AP and AT courses where she has honed the writing skills of her students. Mr. Klemme praised her mentoring, organizational skills and work ethic and said she has won the respect of all who know her. She teaches her students to fully experience the classics, and one grateful student said, that after her course no one ever “reads a book the same way.”

In the words of Assistant Superintendent Dr. Joan Weber, these faculty members have provided an exemplary education for our students and made Scarsdale great.