Long Terms Financial Model for the School District Points to Worrisome Scenario
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A long-term plan shows that if projections are accurate, the district's fund balance would go into negative territory by 2027-28.A long-range financial plan for the Scarsdale Schools presented by Assistant Superintendent Andrew Lennon at the November 4 School Board meeting, paints a worrisome future for the finances of the Scarsdale Schools.
In recent years, the district has used reserves and excess revenues from prior years to help balance the following year’s budget. But this strategy has drawn down reserves, and with expenses forecasted to outpace revenues in the next few years, in just two years, a new financial model shows that the district will have used up all their reserves to balance the budget if changes aren’t made. It is important to note that these are projections, based on many assumptions. The actual figures would likely change as a result of annual budget discussions as the administration and Board would be unlikely to propose an annual budget with such low fund balances.
Specifically, Lennon’s projection shows that for the 2027-28 school budget, if the district continues to meet the tax cap and no other changes are made to revenues or expenses from the projections reserves will go into negative territory.
The district has held around $20 million in various reserve funds each year. But if Lennon’s projections hold up, the $19.5 million fund balance projected for the end of the 2024-25 school year, would fall to a negative ($740,000) by the end of the 2027-28 school year.
And without surplus funds to underwrite the 2028-29 school budget, the fund balance would decline to a negative $12.4 mm at the end of the 2028-29 school year. The deficit could cause the district to be forced to drastically cut staffing or programming.
Why the shortfall? With new programs and services, continued increases in budget items such as health insurance, and revenues that mostly come from property taxes, there has been increasing pressure on the annual budget. There are also state mandates such as the conversion to EV buses that are only partially being funded through grants and incentives. The EV buses make up a meaningful amount of additional expenses in the financial model, but even without these buses the projections are troubling. * See a note on the buses below.
Staffing is the largest component of the budget and in the past 10 years, the number of full time employees has grown by 70, from 596 to 666 with school enrollment decreasing from 4821 students in 2014-15 to 4,703 students in 2024-25.
Factoring in these bus purchases, staff contracts and other expenses, here’s how projected costs will outpace revenues in the coming years:
Expenses would rise from $184mm in 2024-25 to $224mm in 2029-2030 while revenues go from $182 mm in 2024-25 to $210mm in 2029-30, leaving a gap.
Lennon was hopeful that a few factors might ameliorate the dire scenario. He said that interest income might possibly grow from revenues invested during the school year. Staff retirements could decrease the overall district payroll when more senior staffers are replaced with lower paid new hires. And rather than simply purchase the buses, the district could explore financing the buses via bond offerings or borrowing.
However, if this scenario is what the modelling now shows, what should the district do now to change the economics down the line. Budget discussions are scheduled to start in just a few weeks.
Former Board President Ron Schulhof noted the implications of the report. He said, “Our fund balance is projected to run out in 3 years – that’s a big red flag. What is our plan? Even if this is off, our fund balance would be at an unacceptable level. This is a glaring red flag about this year’s budget.”
Lennon replied, “We need to look closely at expenses – how will retirements affect these numbers? We are going to have to make some tough decisions.”
Board member Bob Klein asked, “What would be a strategy to preserve our fund balance in three years? This might happen. We need to understand so that we’ll know whether we can do anything new next year. What do we need to do to turn this into a positive? We need to know this soon – we are on a path that is very concerning. I am shocked at the magnitude of this problem.”
Lennon said, “When we are asked to do something new or different, consider the long term cost of the initiative.”
The Board then asked Lennon to analyze the effects of various scenarios to fund the new EV fleet which he will present at a later meeting. See the presentation here.
In order to comply with a state mandate, the school district will need to acquire 41 EV school buses by 2030.
EV Buses:
*One item driving expenses is a NYS mandate that the district convert their fleet of gas powered buses to zero emission electric vehicles. These zero emission buses are 3-4 times more expensive than gas powered buses. By 2027 all new buses must be EV’s and by 2035 the district’s entire fleet must be electric vehicles. This means that from 2025 to 2030, the district would need to buy 17 full size EV buses and 24 smaller EV buses. Scarsdale received an $800,000 grant from the EPA for their initial purchase, but the potential expense for the entire purchase is over $10 mm, which is just one factor impacting the long term budget projections for the district.
Michael Otten submitted the following comment:
The good news is that there is an administration in place that at last takes seriously long-term planning rather than the 1-2 yr planning horizon previously used. I wish I could attend the meeting on Monday, but am committed to be at a different School Board meeting as a Board member that evening. I am truly delighted at the open communication approach being taken.
I believe that there are at least three factors that need to be seriously further examined:
1. "...in the past 10 years, the number of full-time employees has grown by 70, from 596 to 666 with school enrollment decreasing from 4821 students in 2014-15 to 4,703 students in 2024-25." This almost certainly includes a significant number of Indirect administrative staff, some of which might relate to the mental stress of the COVID years, but intuitively feels to me just like administrative bloat. As the District has had the courage to look forward more than two years, I would suggest that they also look backwards a few years (maybe two decades?), to understand better how the Directs/Indirects ratio for the District has changed, and if all the assumptions for increased indirect staff still hold.
2. Technology and Supplies: Technology should result in savings as well as expense. I suspect that some 'tools' have been added in response to marketing glitz rather than proven value-add. I also expect that there are many unused books and other prior generation media lying around with little practical use. A zero-based review might be worthwhile.
3. Unfunded State and Federal 'mandates' have been a problem of irresponsible government since the beginning of time. The Electric Bus program is probably unreasonably aggressive in terms of phasing out gas buses well before their effective life expectancy has been exceeded. What are the penalties if the District only follows a schedule supported by State reimbursements? I suspect that the penalty for ignoring mandates might be difficult to enforce and rejecting them through court action has been under-exercised as an option.
I am not sure about the Scarsdale Forum Education Committee this year, which has new leadership, but responding to the budget long-term plan challenges would seem to be an unavoidable responsibility.
Yours truly,
Michael Otten, former Scarsdale School Board Member (1988-94) and President,
and former Scarsdale Forum Education Committee Chair
Good Times and Tunes at SHS Community Dinner
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Football Table: Michael Walsh, Nicholas Ebner Borst, Arbri Gyriqi, Leo Green, Alex Krupkin, Andre Burrows, Ryan FeldmanScarsdale High School’s Class and School Governments hosted their Annual Community Dinner on Monday, November 4th to benefit Feeding Westchester. It was a great success as students, parents, grandparents, SHS faculty and administration attended the event to enjoy a delicious and impressive spread from Pizzarelli’s, Jade Spoon and Gianonni’s as well as yummy community donated desserts.
Food Table: Dean Kristin Kerrigan, and student government advisor and math teacher Lauren BartonThere were tabletop games, arts and crafts and karaoke to entertain all who attended. Preschool and elementary school children enjoyed playing Connect Four and doing crafts with the older high school students. The karaoke machine was going all evening with a range of musical genres from the younger children singing the ABCs to SHS’s very own Deans Iosepovici and Kerrigan belting a duet by ABBA. The mic was dominated by the SHS students who sang pop hits including of course, a Taylor Swift tune or two.
Newly elected 9th Grade Class President, Sammy Cascade, commented “The night was great fun! It was especially nice to raise money for Feeding Westchester at the same time”.
Ticket Table: Juniors Gavin Tieng and Anish Mehta, Parents Jodi Cascade, Isabel Finegold.
Rafael Peled, First Grader at Greenacres.
Ninth Graders Zoe Lemberg, Sofia Trelles, Jocelyn Corriggio, Ayla Kantor, Sammy Cascade, Matthew Pascutti, Emmett Klingsberg.
Cleaning Up: Layden Kennedy, school president, senior, Juliana Chavis, representative, senior, Esha Mehta, Junior, treasurer, Kamila El Moselhy, school vice president, senior, Elizabeth Waxman, school secretary.
Arts and Crafts: Chemistry teacher Kevin Viviano, math teacher Michael Kumaresan and his daughter Annie
Karaoke
Juniors Liam Maor and Zach Weinberg play Connect Four.
Scarsdale Completes the Season as Section 1 Division 1 Team Runners Up
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The Raiders with their Section 1 Finalist Plaque.Scarsdale High School's girl's varsity A tennis team battled Horace Greeley on Sunday 10-20 in the final round of the Section 1 Division 1 Girls Team Tennis Championships at Harrison High School. Greeley came out on top 4-1 and they will move on to the sectional playoffs. The Raiders finished their very successful season as the Section 1 Division 1 team runner-up.
Scarsdale’s Giana Marks, Kay Cottrell, and Isabel Lin will be competing in the Individual State Championships on Mon, Oct 28 - Wed, Oct 30. That tournament will be held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens.
LINE-UP
SINGLES
1 Giana Marks
2 Isabel Lin
3 Sophie Landa
DOUBLES
1 Kay Cottrell / Maya Kossakoski
2 Carly Alin / Alexa Galante
3 Sophia Wu / Jalyn Ryu
4 Emily Hyman / Phoebe Flaster
Photos by Dave Taber of Shots of the Game
To see more game photos and/or download photos, please visit https://www.shotsofthegame.com/
Giana Marks rips a topspin forehand.
Isabel Lin sets up for a two-hand topspin backhand.
Sophie Landa hits a running forehand.
Maya Kossakoski races to reach a crosscourt shot
Kay Cottrell hits a forehand from the baseline.
Carly Alin hits a forehand.
Alexa Galante gets low to hit a backhand volley.
Sophie Wu sprints forward to hit a short ball.
Jalyn Ryu concentrates on her backhand.
Phoebe Flaster hits a backhand from the baseline,
Emily Hyman nails her backhand.
Students Encouraged to Inspire Change at Global Citizenship Day
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Keynote speaker Mosheh Oinounou with Principal Bonamo, Superintendent Patrick and organizers Heather Waters and Meredith Dutra “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Though these famous words from anthropologist Margaret Mead were related decades ago, the message holds true even today. And in hopes of encouraging awareness, advocacy, and action in their students, on Wednesday, October 24th, Scarsdale High School held its 11th annual Global Citizenship Day. Social Studies teacher (and one of the day’s organizers), Heather Waters describes the goal of the special day as, “to educate our students about issues that they, as citizens and future leaders of the world, need to know to inspire change. Our hope is that they are moved to act and that they can have a more global perspective on the rights and responsibilities inherent in being a global citizen.”
Thanks in large part to the hard work of the 2024 Global Citizenship Committee 2024: Vincent Licciardello, Michelle Britto, Chris Hughes, Kimberly Summerfield, Jessica Pulford, Fernanda Moscoso Bueno, Meredith Dutra and Heather Waters, the day of immersive learning was host to over forty different workshops and presentations. The presentations ranged from “Combating Food Insecurity and Isolation with the Asian Conscious Empowerment Club” to “Slavery in Scarsdale and Activism at Wayside Cottage,” and so many more powerful presentations in between.
While not every student could attend each of the various sessions, all students were afforded the opportunity to learn from the day’s keynote speaker, Mr. Mosheh Oinounou Founder & Editor in Chief of Mo News.
In 2022 Mr. Oinounou, an Emmy, Murrow and Webby Award-winning Executive Producer who had leading roles with teams at Fox News, Bloomberg TV, CNBC and CBS News, launched Mo News, a site devoted to curating verified and balanced news. It’s his devotion to verified and balanced news that brought Oinnounou to SHS where he reminded students about the importance of media literacy. With his entertaining presentation, Oinounou was able to captivate the attention of high school students and encourage them to practice “smart media consumption,” which includes everything from network news to social media. In addition to reminding 
Student Max Spencer asking a question during the keynote speaker.students about media bias and how news sites will use photos and headlines to influence their readers interpretation of the news, Oinounou encouraged his audience to think critically about the news stories they consume and the sources they come from. In his closing slide, Oinounou shared four tips on how to be careful using social media as a newsource:
Diversify Sources: Diversify the sources you follow by background, politics, geography, etc.
Share Reliable Information: Only share reliable information or be transparent about what it might be missing.
Use Critical Thinking: Be a critical thinker and fact checker when it comes to what you are reading and sharing.
Responsibility: We have a first amendment right to Freedom of Speech, but the Supreme Court has put limits on that. Ex: You can’t yell fire in a theater.
Perhaps just as impressive as Mr. Oinounou’s presentation was the audience of thoughtful high school students who came prepared with serious questions, proving they were eager to learn from their esteemed guest speaker.
South Asian Social Justice Club with special guest David ImmamuraIn another thought-provoking presentation, Westchester County Board of Legislators for District 12, Mr. David Immamura joined South Asian Social Justice Club SHS Students-Ravi Vora, Arun Nayakkar, and Rohan Sehgal for an interview style exploration of various challenges in government. The session included a discussion of issues that affect Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in our community, including the lack of accurate representation of AAIP in education. As the student representatives shared, “The AAPI community makes up a large portion of the Scarsdale community and it is important that when students learn American history in schools, that AAPI history is included in textbooks and in the curriculum. AAPI history is American history and should be and fairly represented.” They also felt it was important that Mr. Immamura presented to SHS students so members of the AAPI could see themselves represented in significant government positions.
Victoria Tswamuno with Women’s Centers International In yet another powerful presentation moderated by history teacher David Sherrin, students were introduced to Victoria Tswamuno, Executive Director of Women’s Centers International. In her presentation, Ms. Tswamuno shared her own personal story of how WCI helped her, before going on to explore all the work that is being done and the various ways this organization supports women throughout Africa. As their website explains, “WCI’s mission is to support the creation of safe gathering places for women in resource-poor environments. Women’s Centers provide vocational and life skills training while fostering women's agency over their lives, promoting mental health and recovery from violence, and enhancing their capacity to build prosperity for themselves, their families, and communities.” To learn more see here https://www.womenscentersintl.org/
Mark Judelson with student Evan LeeIn what was an incredibly moving collaboration, Mark Judelson from Stories of Peace http://www.storiesofpeace.com/ narrated true tales of war time experiences accompanied by SHS Cellist Evan Lee. As is described on his website, “Violence is often met with violence. Hatred with hatred. We can choose other ways to respond and so preserve our humanity and even ennoble our collective character. Mark Judelson dramatically recounts the true stories of courageous individuals who responded to violence and hatred with acts of peace. Through words and music, he invites his audience to experience the inspiration and creativity of uplifting moments, ones that have the ability to transform both the situation and the spirit. For more than 20 years, Mark has told stories in high schools, colleges, churches, synagogues, prisons and conferences.” Mr. Jedelson’s striking narrative complimented by the beautiful music played by Evan Lee was a powerful combination which hopefully inspired the audience to choose acts of peace and kindness even when faced with hatred.
SHS Juniors Ollie Kaiden and Dylan Lemberg, gave a presentation about New York Student Engaged Citizenship (NYSEC ---- ny-sec.org) saying that “The purpose of the organization is to improve media literacy, responsible civic discourse, and overall civic engagement among students.” In their session, Kaiden and Lemberg aimed to “promote understanding of civil discourse, citizenship knowledge, and First Amendment rights through interactive activities and discussions. Participants in the workshop engaged in scenarios that foster respectful dialogue on controversial issues, emphasizing the importance of active listening and critical thinking. The session concluded with actionable steps for promoting civic engagement and civil conversations within the school community.”
Italian Exchange StudentsTruly living up to the title of Global Citizenship Day, visiting exchange students from our sister school Uccellis, in Udine, Italy were on hand to discuss various facets of Italian society and teen life. Their presentation highlighted some of Italy’s history and also served to prepare Scarsdale High School students who will be traveling to Udine, Italy in February as part of the school’s Global Education initiative.
In another student-led presentation, members from the Helping Hands in Brazil SHS Club (PJ Rosenthal, Felipe Chaladovsky, Marc Hajjar, Malu Lyra, and Sophia Peyser) gave a brief slideshow explaining some of the hardships many Brazilians face (such as poverty and devastating floods) and what people can do to help. The students also showcased some of Brazil’s rich culture and made sure to highlight how futbol (soccer) is a huge part of Brazilian society.
With Election Day just around the corner, it seemed especially meaningful to have members of Scarsdale’s League of Women Voters (LWV) join Global Citizenship Day to educate students about their organization's purpose, programs for students, and the NY ERA referendum. Their presentation began by defining the LWV as, “A nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy. We empower voters and defend democracy through advocacy, education, and litigation, at the local, state, and national levels.” LVW members went on to describe a brief history of LWV from their beginning with their founding by the Suffragettes in 1920, to celebrating their 100th year in 2020. Today the LVW works to support our democratic voting system through various means such as assembling and disseminating voter information, holding voter registration drives, hosting candidate forums, and so much more. They also offer students opportunities to get involved in a number of different ways including internships and through the Students Inside Albany Program. As described, this “program is an intensive four-day conference run by the New York State League of Women Voters Education Foundation. The program is designed to immerse students in the process by which public policy is proposed, enacted and changed in New York State and educate them as to how they can influence and affect this process.” To find out more see here https://www.lwv.org/local-leagues/lwv-scarsdale
Members of the League of Women Voters with Scarsdale students.
The inspiring day of empowerment and learning was once again capped off with an amazing international luncheon coordinated by Wennui Guo. The luncheon saw over thirteen international clubs serve cuisine from their respective countries. Students from each club were responsible for every aspect of the successful event from setting up, selling tickets, serving food, and helping to clean up. When asked why he felt the Global Citizenship Day and international luncheon were important traditions, student Nash Vicker said, “Not only is it a special time at SHS where students get a break from classes, but it also offers us a chance to connect with others, learn more about the world, and experience other cultures and ways of living.” Another student Catherine Wong added, “The international luncheon is a good opportunity for students to get to know different cultures, food, traditional clothing, and religions.”
International Lunch
As was the case last year, after students enjoyed cuisines from around the world they were invited to take part in an array of well-being related activities designed to help students destress and recharge their batteries. The activities, ranging from games of chess or cornhole to making glitter jars, also encouraged students to keep their phones “off and away for the day” and to connect with their peers and teachers during their lunch hour.
International LunchAlso true of years past, this year Global Citizenship Day not only encouraged students to think deeply about the world around them but also to try to look at situations from different perspectives, to take responsible actions, and to dive deep into what it means to be a good citizen and a participating member of society.
While not all of the sessions could be featured in this article, below is a list of a few of the presentations students had the opportunity to learn from:
Global Civil Education with Professor Kouta Takehara & the A-School – Just Communities around the World
Students and faculty from the A School in a round table discussion with Professor Kouta Takehara
Antisemitism in the Media The SHS Jewish Culture Club and Advisor SHS English Teacher Kimberly Summerfield: “This session discussed how antisemitism takes shape in the Digital Age. We explore the online portrayal of events involving Jews, the harmful spread of misinformation, and the real-world impact such rhetoric has beyond the screen.”
Able Athletics James Synowiez, the founder of Able Athletics, Vanessa Dias & SHS student volunteers
Learning, Living, and Leading- Scarsdale Schools Superintendent Drew Parick
Climate Policy, SHS student Alexa Silverstein, and Advisor SHS SS Teacher Andrew Morgan
Dr. Almanzar Foundation Medical Mission by SHS Spanish Teacher Patti Almanazar
Peace Corps in Ethiopia–Volunteer Thor Hong and Moderator SHS Math Teacher Jessica Pulford
SHS Mock Trial Club: The Importance of Law and Advisor SHS SS Teacher Brendan Lee
Harvard University -Harvard Votes
Undergraduate students from Harvard University’s Harvard Votes will speak to students about the importance of civic engagement and specifically voting.
Vinnie Bagwell–author and civil rights sculptor
Cybersecurity - How to Stay Safe Online - SHS Club- Robo Raiders and adviser Brian McDonald.
Holocaust Survivor - Judy Altmann and the Westchester HHREC Moderated by SHS English Teacher Kimberly Summerfield
SHS students welcoming SMS students to learn about leadership roles and life at SHS
SMS and SHS Developing Scarsdale Leaders- SMS and SHS students and SMS SS Teacher Meghan Lahey and SHS English Teacher Ben Sawyer: This is the second year we will be connecting SMS and SHS student leaders. This year the middle schoolers will be coming over here to work with our student leaders and develop their leadership skills while learning about life at SHS.
Christine Sciandra and Eleanor Landau Receive the Thomas Sobol Service Award
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Christina Sciandra with Village colleagues.On a beautiful October afternoon, Scarsdale’s Village and School leaders attended a joyous luncheon to celebrate the recipients of the “The Thomas Sobol Service Awards.” The ceremony, hosted by Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Services (SFCS), marked the fourth time since 2016 that two individuals were recognized for their tremendous contributions to our community.
As Janice Starr, SFCS President, explained in her opening remarks, the award honors the legacy of Dr. Thomas Sobol who served as 
SFCS President Janice StarrSuperintendent of Scarsdale Schools and Commissioner of Education for New York State. In addition to this commendable work, Starr noted that Dr. Sobol was also instrumental in establishing the Scarsdale Community Youth Service Project (YSP), a unique collaboration between the Scarsdale schools and the Village that has “significantly contributed to the well-being of our middle and high school students.”
Carl H. Pforzheimer III, a friend of Dr. Sobol, dove a little deeper into the history of the award explaining that he and two other friends (and former members of Village and School Boards) didn't want Dr. Sobol’s accomplishments and his deep commitment to bringing the resources of both the Village Board and the School Board together to be lost. And so the friends created this award in his memory, an award that honors one recipient from each board who personifies the idea of the boards working together for the good of our community. This year, that honor was bestowed upon Christine Sciandra representing the Village of Scarsdale and Eleanor Landau representing the Scarsdale School District, both whom were described by Starr as, “going beyond their job descriptions to care for all they come in contact with.”
Eleanor Landau with well wishers from the Scarsdale Schools
Scarsdale Village Manager, Alexandra Marshall also described Ms. Sciandra as someone who goes above and beyond for others but added that “she always does it with a smile.” Before listing all the special ways that Sciandra contributes to her office and the Scarsdale community at large, Marshall related, “In addition to keeping us organized, Christine is truly the glue that holds us together in the manager’s office. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Christine over the past three years, but she has been a dedicated employee since she started with the village in April of 2008.”
Mayor Justin Arest with Harriet Sobol
Ms. Sciandra thanked Marshall for her kind words and expressed her gratitude for the incredible recognition and for the amazing people she is fortunate to work with. She went on to thank her family and friends who came to the luncheon to help Sciandra celebrate the remarkable honor.
Superintendent, Dr. Drew Patrick, introduced the next honoree, Elenor Landau. He started by thanking Landau for her decades of service in the SHS Math Department and highlighted the tremendous amount of inspiring work she has accomplished there since 1980. Patrick also painted a picture of Landau as a generous, kind, and knowledgeable teacher and department chairperson, who knows the curriculum better than anyone, adding she often consulted with teachers and acted as a professional learning support for new hires in the department. Most importantly, Landau supported all of her students and helped them believe that they too, are a “math person.”
Surrounded by many in the math department and other SHS faculty members, Landau graciously accepted her award and humbly thanked everyone for the recognition and support saying it was such an honor to receive the award.
Adding to the touching ceremony, Harriet Sobol, wife of the late Dr. Sobol, helped to present the awards to the honorees.
Jay Genova, the Director of Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Services, was also on hand to applaud the two award recipients. In a heartfelt moment, Genova shared that when the world can feel a little stressful, it is wonderful to come together to focus on, and to celebrate the actions and great work of people who go above and beyond, but who usually work quietly without recognition.
Superintendent of Schools Drew PatrickMr. Genova went on to describe the historical significance of holding the luncheon at Wayside Cottage, explaining that SFCS was first formed when women gathered at the cottage to discuss how they could help immigrants back in 1904. Now, 104 years later, SFCS is a vital community resource with innovative programs that serve every age group. As Janice Starr explained earlier in the program, “Our open doors mean that no one is ever turned away. Client fees, grants and fundraising form the basis of our income…but SFCS also relies upon the generosity of individual contributors.” To find out more about the wide array of services offered by SFCS see https://www.sfcsinc.org/
Jay Genova and Eleanor Landau
Carl Pforzeimer III
