Board of Education Proposes Change to PTA Gift Policy
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- Written by Melissa Hellman
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The Board of Education discussed a recommended change to the district gift policy at the May 5 meeting that would eliminate the $10,000 annual maximum restriction on PTA gifts for a trial period of two years. Board member William Natbony provided background stating that this issue has been under consideration since October 2014 and has been researched and discussed by the BOE subcommittee on gifts.
The subcommittee held a public meeting on November 18 to discuss the elimination of the spending limit (Policy 1800-E). One outcome of this meeting was the discovery that there were no uniform guidelines used by each school with regard to PTA gifts. The PT Council asked for responsibility to build these guidelines and was tasked to work with the PTAs and principals at each school to develop a set of gifting procedures with a focus on eliminating disparity between schools and sharing of best practices among schools. It was decided that the spending limit issue would be revisited once these guidelines were in place. On March 26, 2015 PTA Presidents, principals, the superintendent and assistant superintendent of business met to review PT Council's draft PTA gifting guidelines and provide feedback. The PT Council Board approved a uniform gifting procedure at its April 23 meeting. The result of the PT Council's work appears in its entirety at the end of this article.
Also, at the November 18 subcommittee meeting, the Heathcote PTA as well as the principals submitted statements asking that the spending limit be raised by $5000 but not eliminated. The Heathcote PTA wrote a letter to the Board dated November 17 detailing concerns.
"At Heathcote, we currently are spending nearly all the funds we raise each year. Our bank balance will support two years of programming if no additional funds are brought in. We are not aware of the financial status of other PTAs, but assume that each group has a different reserve fund. We are concerned that, by eliminating the gift cap, the district will unintentionally create or acerbate inequities among the schools due to difference in PTA balance sheets."
The position of the principals was presented to the subcommittee via a communication to Dr. Hagerman from Middle School Principal Michael McDermott.
"The Principals are supportive of increasing the annual gift from $10,000 to $15,000, but we are not supportive of seeing the annual gift increase beyond that amount. We believe that this would place the schools in a competitive mode and establish a situation that would foster inequity."
It is not certain if the Heathcote PTA or the principals have changed their position on the gift cap in light of the now clear gifting guidelines provided by the PT Council. Neither group offered comments at the May 5 meeting.
While there was wide appreciation, praise and support for the gifting procedures developed by the PT Council, the Board has to decide on the issue of whether the $10,000 spending cap for PTA gifts should remain in place. During the discussion, Board member Suzanne Seiden expressed hesitation about eliminating the cap and said she would prefer to see a trial period with a significantly increased cap rather than none. She is concerned about disparity and fund-raising competition between schools. Board member Lewis Leone stated that he was fine with eliminating the cap but would like the PTAs to formally report their yearly spending to the Board in order to keep a close eye on parity. Currently, all elementary PTAs are spending similarly, with the bulk of the total investment, ranging from $65,000 to $85,000, focused in programming. Board member Lee Maude requested that in addition to reporting yearly spending, PTAs should also report to the Board on the amount of money in the their accounts in order to get a sense of the complete financial picture for each school's PTA.
Detailed materials on this issue were provided as part of the agenda packet for the May 5 meeting available on the Scarsdale Schools website. The vote is planned for the May 18, 2015 meeting. Community members should express support, comments or concerns to the Board of Education prior to the vote.
Scarsdale Council of PTAs (PT Council) Gift(s) to District or School Procedure
The PT Council Executive Committee and PTA Presidents shall:
• Follow the terms of any existing and related Board of Education policies when considering a gift to the District or a particular school.
• Recognize, promote and maintain the concept that gifting is neither a PTA priority nor an annual requirement.
• Understand that gifting should only be considered according to the wants, needs, culture and opportunity of each school, which vary across schools and within a school year to year.
• Remember that, as stated in the NYSPTA Resource Guide, "Constant and unnecessary fundraising establishes PTA as a "fundraising" organization, and members easily lose sight of their goals. The purpose of PTA is not to buy equipment and donate it to a school district. The primary function of PTA is child advocacy."
• Understand that all tangible items purchased for immediate and primary use of the school/district are gifts. These items become the property of the school/district and the school/district shall claim full responsibility of ownership and maintenance.
• Realize that items purchased for immediate and primary use by the PTA are not gifts.
• Be aware that programs/activities are not gifts.
• Support the District or school with "core plus" gifts that do not supplant the Board of Education's responsibility to provide adequate funding for the District's programs and services it offers.
PROCESS
The PT Council Executive Committee and PTA Presidents shall:
1. Consider gifts with the full participation of the school principal. Gift suggestions can originate with faculty, administration or parents.
2. Understand that all gifts must be discussed and approved by the PTA Executive Committee and school principal.
3. Ensure that once a gift is approved by the PTA Executive Committee and school principal, the gift should be approved by the PTA Board.
4. Write a letter to the principal, once a gift has been fully discussed and approved by the membership, officially requesting that the gift be approved by the Board of Education. The principal will forward the request to the Superintendent, who will in turn forward it to the Board of Education for approval at an upcoming Board meeting.
5. Know that facilities considerations must be discussed with and approved by the District Facilities Director.
6. Know that technology considerations must be discussed with and approved by the District Technology Director.
7. Share and discuss gift ideas/plans (over $1,000 in value) at the annual October and April PT Council Executive Committee meetings. While it is the Board of Education's responsibility to enforce parity, the PTC Executive Committee and PTA Presidents must keep it in mind and monitor it.
Open Houses This Weekend
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- Written by Lori Gertzog
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6 Torrence Place, Scarsdale
List Price: $2,499,000
Public Open House: Saturday, May 2, 2015 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Meticulously updated Colonial situated on 0.62 acres in a tranquil cul-de-sac just blocks from elementary school, high school and public library. Custom kitchen with Thermador oven, range and warming 
drawer, Sub-Zero refrigerator and Miele dishwasher. French doors lead to slate patio and large, level, fenced backyard area with hot tub and outdoor shower and woods beyond. Master bedroom suite with vaulted ceiling and dramatic windows overlooking the backyard with Waterworks bathroom and custom-built cherry cabinetry in the oversized walk-in-closet. Four more large bedrooms on second floor (one 
currently used as an upstairs den). Large, bright, walk-out finished playroom/family room in lower level. Every modern convenience added in 2004 renovation (down to the plumbing and wiring) including 5-zone hydro-air heat and 5-zone central air while retaining all the gorgeous architectural features original to the house. Slate roof new over 2004 addition (fully restored elsewhere). The best of both worlds.
To learn more about this house, click here
9 Wildwood Road, Scarsdale
List Price: $1,595,000
Public Open House: Sunday, May 3, 2015 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Stately Tudor on an expansive park-like .60 acre lot. Lovely entry, gracious living room with vaulted ceiling and wonderful stone fireplace, doors leading out to screened porch, spacious dining room, sunny kitchen, powder room, family room (possible 6th bedroom) with full bath and two additional rooms with full hall bath.
On second level is the master bedroom with master bath, powder room and two more large bedrooms with Jack & Jill bathroom. Lower level has large den with fireplace and a second finished rec room (additional 593 square feet not included in total square footage). Features include: gleaming hardwood floors, two stone fireplaces, central air, heated driveway, invisible fence, and room for expansion. Not to be missed.
To learn more about this house, click here.
Two Open Houses This Weekend In Edgemont
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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A great weekend to explore these two open houses in Edgemont:
30 Mount Joy Avenue, Scarsdale PO, Edgemont
Public Open House: Sunday, April 19, 2015 2pm – 4pm
Enjoy a visit to this chic dream home boasting a completely custom renovation by a high-end designer using the finest craftsmanship and detail. This blend of exterior old-world charm and interior clean-lined, modern design reveals an 
uncompromising standard of excellence in its exceptional finishes and hip luxury. Located in a coveted neighborhood in Edgemont, only a short distance to schools, town and train. The home features a premium chef's kitchen, luxury baths, stunning dining and living rooms for elegant entertaining appointed with custom steel and tempered glass doors and a sunroom for relaxed everyday living plus an expansive patio with an awning for perfect outdoor dining. The home-office can be converted back to a garage and fabulous mud/laundry room attached to the kitchen or into an in-law/au-pair suite or great room. The lower level boasts a 500 bottle natural wine cellar and the home includes a whole house generator. Don't miss this Edgemont gem. Learn more here:
List price: $1,349,000
26 Seely Place, Scarsdale PO, Edgemont
Public Open House: Sunday, April 19, 2015 2pm – 4pm
Sanctuary in Old Edgemont. Nestled at the end of a private drive, offering supreme privacy on flat park-like .65 acres in the heart of desirable Old Edgemont, a few comfortable steps to schools, train and village, this completely renovated (2001) pristine Colonial Farmhouse offers 3500+ square feet of sunbathed living. This private retreat offers the most desirable layout with spacious eat-in kitchen with 
large centered baking island, plenty of custom cherry cabinets adjoining an equally spacious family room with stylish built-ins, access to large Mahogany deck and yard plus the ultimate convenience of an adjoining laundry/mud room. The first level is complete with a beautifully oversized dining room, living room with fireplace and study featuring an attractive stone fireplace. Second floor boasts a sky-lit master with spa-like bath, three bedrooms + 2 full baths. An extraordinary rare find, private, park-like living in exclusive Old Edgemont. Extra special hide-away in the middle of it all. Learn more here:
List Price: $1,769,900
Spring Tour of Open Houses
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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Spring is finally here and there are many welcoming homes on the market here 
in Scarsdale and nearby. Tour these open houses on Sunday April 26:
6 Cayuga Road, Scarsdale, NY
$1,780,000
Public Open House: Sunday, April 26, 2015 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Enjoy a visit to this inviting sun-filled home set on over a half acre of beautifully landscaped and private property in a coveted Heathcote neighborhood ideally located on a dead-end street. The first floor features a premium chefs kitchen with top-of-
the-line appliances, quartzite counters and sliders to the deck, French doors leading to a stunning dining room with an exceptional built-in featuring a wine fridge, an open plan spacious living room/family room combination with a fireplace perfect for everyday living and large gatherings plus a gorgeous powder room. A few steps to a laundry/mud room and two-car garage. The second level boasts a dream Master bedroom with built-ins, two walk-in closets and a luxurious Master Bath, three additional spacious bedrooms with a large renovated bath and a large fifth bedroom with an en-suite bath complete this floor. The full basement is 1625 additional square feet of quality space. Don't miss this Scarsdale gem. Learn more here:
10 Barry Road, Scarsdale, NY
$1,275,000
Public Open House: Sunday, April 26, 2015 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Fabulous Center Hall Colonial located on a very desirable street in the sought-after Edgewood neighborhood. Wonderful floor plan for everyday living and entertaining. Off the living room is a den/office/powder room and access to a large deck. Off kitchen is a great family room with skylight and door to yard. There is surround sound 
in family room and dining room speakers. All rooms are over-sized and sunlight drenches the home through an abundance of windows. How great is it to have five bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths. Property is totally flat and usable. Close to schools, train, shopping and bus. Great street presence. A must see. Learn more here:
79 Carman Road, Scarsdale, NY
$824,000
Public Open House: Sunday, April 26, 2015 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Location, Location, Location. This south facing, sun-drenched Colonial is on a private corner of a peaceful street in the heart of Edgewood. Conveniently located one block from commuter bus, two to Davis Park and close to schools. Tranquility in Scarsdale. 
Imagine yourself enjoying the sunshine in your sunroom or playing in your private and flat yard. This house oozes charm, warmth and relaxation. It's all been done for you: beautiful hardwood floors, large bright and airy rooms, great flow, new CAC, new gas furnace, HW heating, dine-in kitchen, high efficiency appliances, walk-in closet, walk-out basement, and tremendous storage. Pristine and move in ready. This Edgewood gem is a must see. Learn more here:
1195 Old White Plains Road,
Mamaroneck, NY
$1,195,000
Public Open House: Sunday, April 26, 2015 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Fabulous 19th Century Colonial set on a level park-like .46 acre property with beautiful trees and specimen plantings. This wonderful home features wide plank wood floors recently restored to their natural luster, a state-of-the art kitchen with
top-of-the-line appliances, granite counters and door that leads to a private patio. The first level also boasts a living room, formal dining room with stone fireplace, a large office/den, a paneled family room, renovated powder room and laundry. Upstairs leads to a master bedroom with dressing area and adjacent hall bath, three additional bedrooms, an office/nursery and another hall bath. Stairs to walk-up attic. Learn more here:
68 Dusk Drive, New Rochelle, NY
$842,000
Public Open House: Sunday, April 26, 2015 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Terrific Wykagyl Estates Colonial on a tranquil street with substantial renovations in 2006. Grand entry foyer leads to the sunny living room with fireplace, and to the stylish eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, plus breakfast area. Family room has a 
fireplace and sliding glass doors to the backyard. Formal dining room, laundry room and powder room complete the first floor. Master bedroom has walk-in closet, sliding glass doors to a private balcony, expanded ultra-master bath with steam shower and Jacuzzi, plus adjacent room for your gym equipment, home office or for a nursery. Three additional bedrooms and a hall bath complete the second floor. Wood floors throughout. The lower level is finished, has a full bath and adds 718 square feet to this home. Fenced backyard has a slate patio. This community has its own tennis courts. Nearby to shops, transportation, schools and worship.Learn more here:
5 Drisler Avenue, White Plains, NY
$499,000
Public Open House: Sunday, April 26, 2015 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Charming Carriage/Colonial house with slate roof has all four bedrooms upstairs. Kitchen was updated in 2000 and includes gas cooking. A formal dining room has access to the 24ft by 12ft screened-in 
back porch. The living room with 2 large bay windows that capture the morning sun has a beautiful stone fireplace with slate hearth. The 20ft x 9.5ft family room was added in 1984 and has the entrance into the 2-car garage. A laundry room and a full bathroom with tumbled marble finishes complete the 1st floor. An open staircase leads to the bedrooms on the 2nd floor. The master bedroom is 14ft x 13.5ft and has 2 double-door closets. The bathroom was updated in 2001 and has a Jacuzzi tub. The house has central air. A new in-ground 550-gal oil tank was installed in 2010 with all appropriate paperwork. The property line on the north side of the house is defined by the green Verizon post at the street. This house is worth the visit. Learn more here:
Public Open House on Sunday at 97 Brookby Road in Scarsdale
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An open house will be held at 97 Brookby Road in Scarsdale on Sunday, April 12, 2015 12pm – 2pm.
Beautifully maintained, deceptively large Heathcote home with over-sized rooms and hardwood floors sits on a .63 acres on a tranquil street just minutes to the middle school, shops and transportation. It features three en-suite bedrooms on the second level with a generous master with vaulted ceiling, private bath with Jacuzzi, shower and two walk-in closets. The main floor offers an open concept kitchen with space for large gatherings and together with the dining and family rooms enjoys access to a private large deck and fenced yard. A sunny formal living room with wood-burning fireplace, two bedrooms (office, guest room), two full baths and an updated powder room complete the main floor.
This lovely home has 4-zone heat/CAC, heated attached 2-car garage, and natural gas line for BBQ on deck, plenty of storage. The sprawling yet intimate space of this Heathcote home is comfortable and fits perfectly for the ever changing lifestyles of today. Learn more here:
List Price: $1,950,000
