BOE Succession Plans, New Student Assessments and a Data Breach - from the Scarsdale Schools

The 2026-27 PTC SlateThe June 8, 2026 BOE meeting was packed with information; what follows are just a few of the highlights including a curriculum update, a cyber security update, a board transition plan, and a celebration of new hires.

During Cabinet Updates, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Dr. Edgar McIntosh announced that elementary families will receive Spring 2026 Renaissance Star assessment reports this week, providing a new level of insight into student growth in early literacy, reading, and mathematics.
The reports, generated through the district’s computer-adaptive universal screening tool, will include student growth metrics such as scaled scores, percentile rankings, and New York State benchmark categories. District officials said the data will be used alongside classroom performance and other assessments to help monitor student progress and guide instruction.

Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, families will receive Star reports during the fall, winter, and spring screening windows, allowing parents to track their child’s academic growth over time.

“Starting next year, you will be able to monitor growth across the years using those fall, winter, and spring windows,” Assistant Superintendent Edgar McIntosh told the Board of Education. He added that assessment data and student work are shared between grade levels to support smooth transitions and ensure teachers are informed about students’ learning needs.

Cyber Security Update

The board also received an update on a recent cybersecurity incident that affected district data systems. Data Protection Officer Jeannie Crowley reported that an outside actor gained access to the district’s network this spring and obtained files from a local backup of the district’s lunch processing system.

According to the district, the compromised information included student names, dates of birth, student identification numbers, addresses, parent or guardian contact information, and free-lunch status where applicable. No financial information, credit card data, or Social Security numbers were involved.
Approximately 4,000 notifications were sent to affected families through ParentSquare, while about 1,000 notices were mailed to former students over the age of 18. The district also reported the incident to the New York State Education Department, the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Crowley noted that cyberattacks against schools have increased significantly nationwide, with federal data indicating schools experience an average of five cyber incidents or attempted attacks per week. She said the district is continuing to strengthen cybersecurity protections, including enhanced monitoring and a review of long-term data retention practices to reduce future risks.

District officials encouraged community members with questions about the incident to contact the district’s privacy office directly.

Board Prepares Leadership Transition, Honors Departing Members

The Board of Education announced plans for its leadership team for the 2026-27 school year while paying tribute to departing board members and student representatives during an emotional end-of-year meeting.

Board President Suzie Hahn said she would be honored to continue serving in her current role, while Vice President Colleen Brown is committed to serving another term. Formal nominations and voting will take place at the board’s organizational meeting on July 15.

The meeting’s most heartfelt moments came during a series of tributes to departing board members Amber Yusuf and Bob Klein, as well as graduating student board representative Anish Mehta.

“Your dedication and service have made a meaningful difference,” board member Jim Dugan said of Klein, praising his architectural expertise and community perspective.

Board members repeatedly highlighted Yusuf’s leadership during the district’s superintendent search and her ability to build consensus. “Our community is better because of your service and leadership,” was a sentiment shared by all.

Mehta, one of the district’s inaugural student ex officio board members, was recognized for helping establish the role and for bringing a thoughtful student voice to board discussions. “You modeled what a strong, impactful student board member can be,” Brown said.

Returning student representative Lucy Eisenberg was congratulated on her re-election and praised for balancing board service with the demands of her junior year.

Reflecting on his six years of service, Klein said leaving the board was bittersweet. “My school board tenure has been an honor, a privilege, and a joy,” he said. “I will deeply miss being on the school board.”

Yusuf also reflected on the challenges and accomplishments of her tenure, which included navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, a superintendent transition, and a major capital bond project. “Serving this district has meant a great deal to me,” she said. “I leave this board deeply grateful for the work, for the people, and most of all for the students at the center of everything we do.”

The segment concluded with Superintendent Drew Patrick presenting commemorative gifts to the departing members and thanking them for their years of service to the district.

District Welcomes New Educators and Administrator for 2026-27 School Year

While the BOE meeting had its share of teary farewells, the District also took time to introduce several new hires, welcoming educators and administrators who will join schools across the district beginning in the 2026-27 school year.

Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, Dr. Meghan Troy highlighted the experience and student-centered approach of the district's newest staff members, who will serve in leadership, classroom, special education, music, and physical education roles.

Among the appointments is Jordan Simons, who will become Assistant Principal at Heathcote Elementary School. Simons currently serves as Assistant Principal at PS 203Q, The Oakland Gardens School in Queens and holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Fordham University.

“Throughout the interview process, Jordan exhibited a high level of experience in the role and a philosophy that centers students in his decision making,” Troy said. “He will be a wonderful addition to Heathcote.”

The district also welcomed Deirdre da Fonte as an elementary classroom teacher at Fox Meadow Elementary School. DeFonte previously taught at Greenville Elementary School and was praised for her collaborative approach and extensive classroom experience.

At Scarsdale Middle School, Kaitlin DeVasto will join the faculty as a sixth-grade English teacher. Troy noted that DeVasto, formerly of the River Edge School District, impressed interviewers by creatively engaging students during demonstration lessons.

The district also announced the hiring of Maureen Duffy as an elementary QUEST teacher. A graduate of Scarsdale Public Schools herself, Duffy said her experiences as a student inspired her career in education and world languages. She joins the district from the Suffern Central School District.

A familiar face will remain in the district as Brooke McKenna transitions into a permanent role as Learning Resource Center teacher at Edgewood Elementary School. McKenna previously served as a leave replacement teacher at Quaker Ridge Elementary School.

Also joining Scarsdale Middle School is Kevin Murray, who will teach physical education after serving at MS 331 Bronx School of Young Leaders. Patrick said Murray's relationship-focused approach and emphasis on accountability will serve students well.

Completing the list of new hires is Mahum Qureshi, who will serve as an elementary instrumental orchestra teacher. Quereshi, an Ithaca College graduate currently teaching in the Ossining Union Free School District, was recognized for her passion for music and ability to connect with students.

“Her love of music and her ability to connect with young people, including from what I hear creative memes, will help her be successful in Scarsdale,” Troy said.
The new appointments reflect the district’s continued focus on attracting experienced educators and leaders dedicated to student success as schools prepare for the upcoming academic year.

Also announcing a new slate for the 2026-27 school year, the Scarsdale PTC welcomed their new volunteer officers:

Pictured at top from left to right:

Jeannie Adashek, PTC Secretary, Rokaya Hassaballa, PTC President, Andrea Vallenilla, SMS PTA President, Aly Zamith, QR PTA President, Sean McDevitt, H PTA President, Erika Rublin, PTC Treasurer, Meg Simon, SHS PTA President, Alison Milam, G PTA President, Mary Byun, FM PTA President, Allison Waase, Ashley Luke, E PTA President, Alyse Streicher, PTC President-Elect, Stephanie Widmer, E PTA President

To watch the full meeting, see here.