Details

Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 23 March 2026

Created: 23 March 2026

Last Updated: 23 March 2026

Hits: 1256

The 2026 School Board Nominating Committee (“SBNC” or the “Committee”) has selected Omer Wiczyk and Kevin Ziegler for the 2026 non-partisan slate for election to the Scarsdale Board of Education. The Committee chose Omer and Kevin from a pool of dedicated candidates after a thorough vetting process. If elected during the school board election on May 19, 2026, Omer and Kevin will assume their roles as first-term school board members effective July 1, 2026.

The Candidates

The SBNC enthusiastically endorses Omer and Kevin for election to the School Board. These two qualified candidates will bring different perspectives and draw on complementary backgrounds and experiences to serve our community. What they have in common is a deep commitment to maintaining the excellence of the Scarsdale schools and serving different constituents. Upon notification of being slated, both candidates expressed gratitude to the SBNC members and Chairpeople for their diligence and hard work during this slating process and, voiced that if elected in May, each looks forward to serving our incredible Scarsdale community and working collaboratively with the other Board of Education members and Scarsdale School District Administration to support our students and move our schools forward.

Omer Wiczyk

Omer has been a resident of Scarsdale for 10 years where he and his wife have raised their two children. He has demonstrated a deep commitment to public service, both professionally and personally. Omer holds a BA from Brandeis University and a JD from NYU School of Law. He spent twenty years at the Bronx District Attorney’s Office. While there, he was a Supervisor with the Rackets Bureau, followed by being the Deputy Chief and later Chief of the Public Integrity Bureau. In 2024, he joined The Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law as Senior Counsel, where he now works to protect civil rights in education.Omer Wiczyk

In his personal life, Omer continues this commitment to service for our local community. He has served as a member and then Chairperson of Scarsdale’s Citizens’ Nominating Committee (CNC), as well as on the CNC Election Committee. He is a member of the Scarsdale Forum, including holding the role of President. Omer currently serves as the Chair of Scarsdale’s Judicial Qualifying Committee and is on Scarsdale’s Advisory Council on Communications. These roles, while often behind the scenes, are essential to the health of our community, and Omer took them on with seriousness and pride.

As a seasoned litigator, Omer brings strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively. His legal background, combined with his experience in commercial real estate and finance through his family’s business, gives him valuable insight into complex operational and financial matters. Just as important, he is described as warm, approachable, hardworking, and genuinely invested in the people around him. These attributes, paired with the deep knowledge he has of our community based on his years of volunteering and his professional experience, position him to be a welcome addition to the School Board.

Kevin Ziegler

Kevin, his wife, and their three sons have been thrilled to call Scarsdale home since 2023. Kevin holds a BS in Journalism from Ohio University and an MBA from Northwestern University. Kevin is the Vice President for Global Distribution for Hyatt Hotels Corporation, overseeing a global team that is  accountable for strategy, technology management, and negotiations for Hyatt’s largest booking channel partnerships. He previously worked in leadership roles for Marriott International, and before entering the lodging industry, Kevin worked for ten years in public relations in media and crisis management. He was Manager of Communications at Cleveland Clinic, Senior Account Executive at the PR firm Dix & Eaton, and Kevin ZieglerDirector of Strategic Communications at Cleveland State University.

In addition to his professional experience, Kevin also brings volunteer and civic experience. During his time in Cleveland, he served for five years on an appointed committee advising the city of Cleveland Heights on the allocation of several million dollars annually of federal grants to a combination of community agencies and infrastructure priorities. He has also served as an advisory board member for American Hotel and Lodging Association and HSMAI (hotel sales/marketing professional association). Kevin is a coach for Scarsdale Little League as well as the Scarsdale basketball clinics, and a member of the Fox Meadow Neighborhood Association.

Kevin is described as being analytical, a thoughtful listener and communicator, collaborative, and a person of integrity who very much cherishes a strong public education system. These attributes, combined with his financial, managerial, and PR acumen make him a strong candidate for the School Board.

The Committee 

The SBNC is a non-partisan committee comprised of 30 voting members (with representatives from each of the five elementary  districts) who serve for a three year term, and is chaired by two non-voting members. Over the course of Sunday meetings from January through March, this year’s committee conducted extensive candidate outreach to encourage interested community members to apply, listened to applicant presentations, questioned them, conducted detailed due diligence on all applicants, and considered potential candidates’ qualifications and characteristics. Pursuant to the SBNC Resolution, committee deliberations concerning candidates are confidential and the SBNC selects candidates “solely on their qualifications to serve the community” and not on their campaigning abilities or positions on specific issues. All discussions, deliberations, and references shared in Committee are instructed to be kept confidential. Informed and engaged residents willing to serve on the SBNC and the School Board, along with voter participation, help to ensure the highest quality school board leadership. 

The SBNC congratulates Omer and Kevin on their nomination and thanks all applicants who went through the nominating process. “We are grateful to the Committee members for their dedication, hard work, and thoughtful consideration, to the applicants for their demonstrated commitment to our community which was further evidenced by their courageous willingness to participate in our rigorous selection process, and to the broader Scarsdale community for its support of the SBNC's efforts to help shape the excellence of the Scarsdale schools and ensure student success and wellbeing,” noted the Chair and Vice-Chair of the SBNC for 2025-26 comprised of Jenny Simon Tabak and Jennifer Zola.

Voters in the School District are encouraged to vote on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 in the Scarsdale Middle School Gym. In addition to voting for two School Board seats, District voters will also be voting on a proposed School District Budget for the 2026-27 school year and a School Capital Improvements Bond. 

For more information on the SBNC, please visit our website at http://scarsdalesbnc.org or contact the SBNC Chair.  Inquiries and contacts concerning this press release:  [email protected]

Please Participate

Scarsdale is fortunate to maintain a nonpartisan election process for the Board of Education that selects candidates based solely on their qualifications to serve, not on their campaigning abilities or positions on specific issues. Informed and engaged residents willing to serve on the SBNC and the School Board, along with voter participation, help to ensure the highest quality school board leadership. Please consider serving or suggesting other school district residents to fill future vacancies. You can do so at any time by emailing [email protected].

In addition, please consider a donation to the SBNC. The SBNC elections and process are financed by your contributions alone. Donations are solely used for running the SBNC elections and not towards any candidate. Any amount would be appreciated. Please visit https://scarsdalesbnc.org/please-donate/

Details

Written by: Wendy MacMillan

Published: 19 March 2026

Created: 19 March 2026

Last Updated: 19 March 2026

Hits: 592

Though the Scarsdale School District is in the thick of budget season, the Board of Education remains equally dedicated to the regular issues of business. At the Board of Education on Monday March, 16th, district leaders provided updates on hiring, transportation, and a bond update, while also hearing from community members who shared their concerns during public comment. 

Board Members State Their Support for Proposed Bond 

After a brief update on the proposed bond, the Board of Education unanimously voted to adopt the resolution for the Bond Proposition to be presented to qualified voters at the Annual District Meeting and Election on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. See the draft of the bond proposition here.

Before voting, Board members took turns sharing their statements of support. 

BOE President James Dugan related, “I just wanted to add my perspective that I believe that this capital bond project is an important milestone for the District.  We recognize that this is a significant investment in the future of our District, and we are confident that this investment at this time is the right step to ensure the continued vitality and exceptional experience for which Scarsdale schools are so well-known.

I am thankful for all of the work that has been done here, by community volunteers, School District employees, and our professional advisors. I am proud of what we have done so far, but there is still a lot of work left to do to educate the public and gather support for the bond.  I am confident that the Scarsdale community will assess this project with an open mind and in good faith, as they have done so far, and I look forward to a favorable vote in May.”

BOE member Laura Lui shared, “The quality of our physical learning spaces is central to student experiences. As our buildings get older, there are a large amount of much-needed improvements that we must address…I believe the proposed bond scope strikes the right balance between needs and affordability. 

The incremental tax impact on households from this proposed bond is made more manageable by the anticipated reduction in debt service. Those previous bonds remind us that this community has continuously supported our schools. And now we need to do the same. 

The process that brought us to this proposed bond has been deliberate, transparent, and inclusive. Multiple perspectives were carefully considered, and members of the community as well as many constituent groups spoke not only for their own needs but also for the broader good of the district. In that sense, the bond process itself is an exercise of our school value of non sibi — not only for one self, but also for service to others.”

In her statement Colleen Brown related, “Scarsdale has always taken pride in supporting its students and maintaining a school system that families value. For more than 200 years, our community has understood that investing in education is an investment in our future.

As a board member, I recognize that asking residents to support a $101 million bond is significant. However, it is also necessary. Our buildings are aging, many systems are reaching the end of their useful life, and several spaces no longer meet the needs of today’s students. Addressing issues such as outdated HVAC systems, overcrowded school buildings, and aging learning spaces is essential to maintaining the high standard of education Scarsdale is known for.

Our schools are one of the primary reasons families choose to move to Scarsdale, and they remain central to the strength of our community and our property values. This bond allows us to modernize our facilities, better support our students, and ensure that future generations continue to benefit from the exceptional education our district provides.

For these reasons, I strongly support this bond and believe it represents an important investment in both our students and the long-term vitality of the Scarsdale community.”

Adding his perspective as a resident who no longer has children in the school system, Bob Klein shared, “As both a School Board member and Scarsdale community resident that is an empty nester, I have viewed the proposed bond through both lenses and want to confirm that I believe the proposed bond represents an appropriate balance between my fiscal responsibility and my commitment to support the school district in providing an education for all students that is inclusive and demonstrates vision for what our youth will require to enter the adult world with the skills to be successful in whatever avenue the pursue. This balance was not easy or simple to achieve but I am confident it acknowledges the community's priorities as well as being consistent with the strategic plan the district has embarked on.”

In her thoughtful statement, Suzie Hahn echoed many of the aforementioned sentiments and added, “The scope of work upholds strongly held values in Scarsdale as articulated in our Strategic Plan of Learning, Living, and Leading - allowing us to preserve class sizes at the elementary level, for example, as well as further developing student centered community spaces throughout our schools. This bond responds to the fact that the way we teach and learn has evolved, and will continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of our students.”

Amber Yusef’s comment also voiced her support for the proposed bond in which she stated, “Comments we received show a thoughtful community focused on fiscal discipline, prioritization, and fairness. Residents asked for clarity around costs, careful project scoping, and reassurance that investments address core needs such as safety, infrastructure, and long-term reliability. These are expectations of good stewardship, not objections to progress.

This bond reflects those values. It prioritizes essential building systems, health and safety improvements, and facilities that support high-quality education today while preparing for the future. Choices were made, some needs deferred, and discipline is evident in the plan.”

Leah Dembitzer shared her passionate support of the proposed bond by saying, “The schools are the crown jewel of our community; they are central to Scarsdale’s identity. They unite us, enhancing our lives in so many ways. We must invest in our schools over time and this is one such moment as there is need and significant debt is rolling off in 2027-28. 

Buildings that were built 100 years ago – such as Fox Meadow, Edgewood and even Scarsdale High School – were not set-up and designed for teaching and learning as is currently taking place in public education. 

I strongly believe that the proposed improvements, which will touch all seven of our schools, will make an incredible impact on teaching and learning, and the education and development of the whole child. 

I’d like to comment specifically on how I view the Scarsdale Schools’ approach to educating and enriching the whole child. The “whole child” is not just a phrase used in an empty way; it is a very real effort and experience cultivated within our school community. Educating the whole child is more than just offering a required math class; rather, it’s inspiring and nurturing the passions and interests of our students. The realization of this concept empowers our students by giving them the tools and support needed to develop the myriad facets of their character, bringing them joy, learning and edification in ways beyond rote memorization and studying for a test. I strongly believe in this concept and I believe that the crux of this bond is about furthering this essential school community value. 

This bond focuses on enhancing the spatial experience of several of our buildings; creating classrooms, libraries, multi-use spaces that are current, engaging and collaborative. It focuses on repairing and rejuvenating the fields where our students play and learn, where they become good teammates, where they learn to win or lose and to be stronger physically and mentally. This bond will provide dignified spaces for nuanced support services now essential to public education and student well-being. This bond will touch several of our libraries – at Fox Meadow, Heathcote, Scarsdale Middle School and Scarsdale High School - improving and renovating hubs of student learning and collaborative work. Further, this bond adds air conditioning to our largest spaces, which will allow our students to use and enjoy a space throughout the school year and summer; fostering and furthering the development of the whole child in a healthier, safer, cooled space.

The process of building this bond made me realize, internalize that we are creating, visioning, not just for this moment but for the future of our community. I take that responsibility very seriously; preserving the schools not only for our current students but protecting and enhancing our spaces and grounds for future generations, for the future children of Scarsdale. I appreciate the work of the district, my fellow board members, and especially the engagement of our incredible community. We are Scarsdale - we are leaders in public education. I am proud to vote yes on the bond resolution to preserve our schools, not just for us but for the future, non sibi.”

Other Board Meeting Highlights

Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Meghan Troy, reported several open teaching positions due to retirements, along with assistant principal vacancies at the middle school and Heathcote Elementary. Recruitment efforts are ongoing, with postings active and candidates applying following outreach at job fairs. Interviews are expected in the coming weeks, with hiring committees, including educators, administrators, and trained stakeholders, playing a central role. Final candidates will be presented to the Board later this spring.

In his Cabinet Update, Assistant Superintendent of Business, Andrew Lennon announced the arrival of its first electric school bus, which he described as “very quiet” and significantly different from traditional diesel models. The bus is expected to begin service soon after registration and driver training, supported by new charging infrastructure, as part of a broader push toward sustainability and in response to state requirements.

Additionally, the Board approved contracts for a new high school turf practice field, with construction expected to be completed before graduation.

Public Comment

During public comment, Erika Rublin, current SHS PTA President, urged the district to reconsider deferring a full-time math teaching position.

“While we understand the fiscal pressures,” Rublin said, “we respectfully request that the district reconsider the deferral… We’re concerned about its impact on the student experience.”

Rublin, speaking on behalf of the SHS PTA Executive Committee, noted that class sizes already exceed 25 students in multiple math sections and 28 in physics, arguing that continued staffing constraints could undermine both instructional quality and flexibility for students.

“Sufficient staffing is required to maintain this flexibility,” she added, referencing the school’s ability to adjust student placement midyear. “We believe we are now at an inflection point where staying under the tax cap may have a direct impact on our students’ experience.”

Residents Voice Strong Opposition to Artificial Turf

Multiple residents spoke at length about concerns surrounding artificial turf, with several urging the district to reconsider or pause planned installations.

One speaker, a practicing physician, described synthetic fields as “costly and an environmental nightmare, toxic for humans and devastating for our environment,” arguing that natural grass fields could be re-engineered to meet playability needs. She cited growing concern over PFAS chemicals and referenced warnings from Mount Sinai Health System and other health organizations.

“There’s no safe level,” she said of certain chemicals, adding, “what you’re putting on our fields… is affecting everyone. It’s not just your six-year-old—it’s our Earth.”

In addition to environmental and health concerns, another resident pointed to concerns about long-term costs and drainage issues, arguing that synthetic fields require expensive replacement cycles and may not perform as intended during heavy weather events.

A third speaker echoed environmental concerns while highlighting community sentiment. “I’m very concerned about the use of inorganic material… for surfaces our children are going to play on,” he said, adding that many families moving into the area increasingly prioritize sustainability and health considerations.

In his Response to Public Comment, Dr. Drew Patrick acknowledged the range of perspectives and clarified that Butler Field remains the only synthetic field currently in use. Any future turf decisions, particularly those tied to long-term capital planning, would come before the Board at a later stage.

Patrick also emphasized that the district continues to balance competing priorities, including educational quality, fiscal constraints, and environmental responsibility, as it moves forward with planning for the upcoming school year.

To watch the meeting in its entirety see here.

Details

Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 12 March 2026

Created: 12 March 2026

Last Updated: 12 March 2026

Hits: 1570

The Village Board took the next step toward construction of the new pool complex with an indoor/outdoor natatorium, three outdoor pools, locker rooms and more at their meeting on Tuesday March 10,2026.

SQRA Review of Pool Project

A full SQRA review of the project was conducted to consider all potential environmental impacts, including soils, migratory birds, eagles, bats, butterflies, endangered species and even the potential effects to the neighboring Boulder Brook Stables.

The resolution defines the full scope of the project, including the “redevelopment of the Project by demolishing an existing seasonal bathhouse, pool filtration building and other site elements to accommodate new structures, including a 20,297 square foot natatorium building, a 12,639 square foot year-round bathhouse to support the natatorium, a 10,300 square foot outdoor diving pool, a 3,700 square foot leisure pool, an outdoor children’s area with two pools (3,700 square feet and 1,600 square feet) and a 1,600 square foot splash pad, a 5,554 square foot seasonal bathhouse to support the outdoor pools and summer camp, a new playground and sport court area, and a seasonal mechanical building for outdoor pool filtration equipment.”

The study found that the project would have no negative environmental impacts, and as lead agency, the Village Board adopted a Negative Declaration

Bonds

The Board then authorized resolutions for a series of bond to underwrite the project including

-$48,033,634 for the natatorium

-$10,655,007 for ancillary buildings including the seasonal bathhouse, concession stands, mechanical building and utility building

-$5,672,808 for the cost of the construction of various outdoor pools as part of the municipal pool complex, including a leisure pool, children’s pool and wading pool.

-$9,638,551 for construction of a playground, volleyball court, multisport court and spray pad, landscaping improvements.

Audit

Prior to the Village Board meeting, auditors from PKF O’Connor Davies reported on their audit of Village finances and gave Scarsdale a stellar review.

Their report found that “The Village remains in a strong financial position with sound governance, effective controls and prudent fiscal management.”

Auditors reported, “We have found no material weaknesses or deficiencies and no fraud or illegal acts during the audit” … and “the Village has demonstrated “continued strong financial oversight and internal controls and that the Village has been awarded a Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting, which should be a positive signal to residents, bondholders and rating agencies."

Details

Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 03 March 2026

Created: 03 March 2026

Last Updated: 03 March 2026

Hits: 516

Wayside Cottage in the snow, undated. The cottage is one of Scarsdale's oldest existing landmarks dating back to c. 1715. Photo Credit: Scarsdale Public LibraryThe Scarsdale Historical Society will host an upcoming program exploring Scarsdale’s transformation before and after the American Revolution, presented by Scarsdale Village Historian and Scarsdale Historical Society Vice President, Jordan Copeland. This event is part of a yearlong celebration commemorating 250 years of American history and 325 years of Scarsdale. The presentation is at 6:45 PM at Scarsdale Public Library’s Scott Room, and registered attendees can also join virtually.

The talk explores Scarsdale's transformation from a colonial manor to an American town after the Revolution, explaining how the manor system functioned particular to Scarsdale, how the American Revolution ravaged Scarsdale, and what changed under town government after the Revolution. Drawing on surviving 18th-century records, the presentation examines daily life in early Scarsdale and how residents helped shape a new community.  

“We’re delighted to kick off Scarsdale’s 325th and America’s 250th anniversary celebrations with a presentation that explores Scarsdale’s early American transformation," said Randy Guggenheimer, President of the Scarsdale Historical Society. “There's no better time to examine how early decisions shaped political, social, and civic life today.”

Presentation: Scarsdale’s Revolutionary Transition: From Colonial Manor to American Town
Date Monday, March 16, 2026
Location: Scarsdale Public Library (Scott Room) or Virtual

Time: 6:45 Presentation *Everyone is invited to attend the Annual Meeting at 6:30 PM before the presentation.

Admission:  Free and open to the public

RSVP: bit.ly/March-16-rev

About the Scarsdale Historical Society

The Scarsdale Historical Society exists to discover, preserve and disseminate historical information, as well as inspire others to learn about and contribute to the history of Scarsdale and the Central Mid-Westchester Region. The Scarsdale Historical Society accepts grant applications for projects that meet its mission, particularly those that will inspire others to learn about the history of Scarsdale and the surrounding communities. Learn more at www.scarsdalehistoricalsociety.org