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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 24 February 2025

Created: 24 February 2025

Last Updated: 24 February 2025

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In one of many directives sent out by the Federal Government in recent weeks, Craig Trainor, the Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the US Department of Education, sent a letter to all school districts threatening the loss of federal funding for any districts who include diversity, equity and inclusion practices into everyday “training, programming and discipline.” You can see the letter here:

Specifically it says, “Educational institutions have toxically indoctrinated students with the false premise that the United States is built upon “systemic and structural racism” and advanced discriminatory policies and practices. Proponents of these discriminatory practices have attempted to further justify them—particularly during the last four years—under the banner of “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (“DEI”), smuggling racial stereotypes and explicit race-consciousness into everyday training, programming, and discipline.”

“….All educational institutions are advised to: (1) ensure that their policies and actions comply with existing civil rights law; (2) cease all efforts to circumvent prohibitions on the use of race by relying on proxies or other indirect means to accomplish such ends; and (3) cease all reliance on third-party contractors, clearinghouses, or aggregators that are being used by institutions in an effort to circumvent prohibited uses of race.”

“…Institutions that fail to comply with federal civil rights law may, consistent with applicable law, face potential loss of federal funding.”

We wondered what the impact of this directive might be on the Scarsdale Schools so we reached out to Scarsdale School Superintendent Andrew Patrick and received the following response:

"Yes, we received the so-called "Dear Colleague" letter. These letters are a common practice of the Department when they want to provide guidance on how the Department will interpret law or enforce law or regulation. As stated on the Department's website (and referenced in the letter), "Guidance documents represent the Department of Education’s (ED) current thinking on a topic. They do not create or confer any rights for or on any person and do not impose any requirements beyond those required under applicable law and regulations."

In my view, this particular one makes a wild and unsubstantiated claim that, "Educational institutions have toxically indoctrinated students with the false premise that the United States is built upon “systemic and structural racism” and advanced discriminatory policies and practices." They use this claim as a pretext for labeling any program or practice connected to DEI as illegal. Regardless of what I think, the letter makes three recommendations to schools:

(1) ensure that their policies and actions comply with existing civil rights law;
(2) cease all efforts to circumvent prohibitions on the use of race by relying on proxies or other indirect means to accomplish such ends; and
(3) cease all reliance on third-party contractors, clearinghouses, or aggregators that are being used by institutions in an effort to circumvent prohibited uses of race.

The Scarsdale Public Schools are indeed in compliance with all existing Federal statutes, including TItle VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (which is the only statue explicitly referenced in the letter). The other two recommendations are squarely aimed at higher education institutions. Thus, there is no response needed on our part.”

Presentation to the Scarsdale Forum

In other school news, Superintendent Patrick gave a presentation about the Scarsdale Schools to the Scarsdale Forum on February 12, 2025. The presentation defines the districts mission and vision for the future. It also features some programs that are underway to support the district’s strategic plan.

Patrick explained, “The plan builds on our long-standing mission statement, to sponsor each student’s full development, enabling our youth to be effective and independent contributors in a democratic society and an interdependent world. “

He defined their vision as follows: "We envision a resilient and adaptable learning community that fosters the potential of student and adults alike to live well-balanced lives full of meaning, purpose, impact ad joy."

The presentation and Dr. Patrick’s notes provide insight into district initiatives and the financial challenges that now challenge their ability to carry out their long term plans.

Take a look at the presentation here:

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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 05 March 2025

Created: 05 March 2025

Last Updated: 05 March 2025

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Greeancres Elementary School will have a new Principal. Upon the announcement of former Principal Sharon Hill’s retirement, the district conducted a search and identified the current Assistant Principal of Fox Meadow Elementary School, Trish Iasiello, as the next Principal for Greenacres.

Commenting on her appointment, Ms. Iasiello said: “I am thrilled to continue my professional journey in Scarsdale as the principal of Greenacres School. I look forward to meeting the staff, students, and families of Greenacres and building strong, meaningful relationships. Both Greenacres and Fox Meadow are warm and welcoming communities that value education and are dedicated to providing enriching experiences for students. While I will miss the people at Fox Meadow, it will be an honor to lead a school with such a deep commitment to learning, collaboration, and growth. I am eager to partner with the incredible educators, engaged families, and talented students to foster a supportive and inspiring environment where all children can thrive. I am so excited for this opportunity.”

Here is the announcement from the Scarsdale Schools sent on Tuesday March 4, 2025:

Dear Scarsdale families

Over the past many months, we have been engaged in a search process to identify the next principal of Greenacres Elementary School. I am excited to announce that we have identified Ms. Trish Iasiello as the next principal of the Greenacres Elementary School. She will be appointed at our upcoming Board of Education meeting on Monday, March 10th.

Ms. Iasiello is currently serving as the Assistant Principal of the Fox Meadow Elementary School where she has been since 2019. Prior to her current role, she was a highly-regarded elementary school teacher for twenty years at Quaker Ridge Elementary School. Ms. Iasiello holds an Educational Leadership Advanced Certificate from Long Island University, an MS in Special Education from Mount St. Mary College, and a BA in Elementary Education from Clemson University in South Carolina. Throughout the hiring process, her student-centered approach was evident in each and every answer. Ms. Iasiello’s long history and experiences in Scarsdale gives her a deep understanding of the community and culture that are unique to Scarsdale. In addition, her warmth and approachability will allow her to continue to build strong and positive relationships with students, faculty, staff and parents. These combined skills, qualities, and experiences will position Ms. Iasiello and the entire Greenacres community to thrive in future endeavors.

I also would like to thank the Greenacres School community for their involvement and support in the process. Their willingness to invest both time and energy ensured our success in identifying a candidate that aligns with the leadership profile. I look forward to seeing all that Greenacres accomplishes under the new leadership of Ms. Iasiello. Please join me in welcoming her to their new role!

Trish’s transition to this new role creates a vacancy at Fox Meadow. We will begin the process of searching for an assistant principal for the 2024-25 school year immediately upon her appointment on March 10th. I will be working closely with Fox Meadow Principal, Melissa Feinberg, to ensure a successful hiring process and a smooth transition for the new hire.

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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 11 February 2025

Created: 11 February 2025

Last Updated: 11 February 2025

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State Senator Shelley Mayer and Aseemblymember Amy PaulinWhile some in the audience were wondering if the Federal Department of Education would be disbanded, a group of legislators, educators and local officials were considering issues on the state and local level at a panel discussion on Friday February 7 at Greenacres Elementary School.

The annual PTC Legislative Breakfast brought together panelists from the state, the county and local government to respond to questions posed by students in an AT Government Class taught by Elizabeth Harris and Kami Wright at Scarsdale High School. It was well attended by PTA members, parents, school administrators and members of both the Village and School Boards. The event was organized by Joshua Mitts and Juliane Pollaro who Chair the PTC Legislative Advocacy Committee.

Panelists included:

State Senator Shelley Mayer
State Assemblymember Amy Paulin
NYS Regent: Dr. Frances Wills
County Executive Ken Jenkins
County Legislator Ben Boykin
Scarsdale Mayor Justin Arest

The students developed and posed questions, many which were of concern to younger residents.Joshua Mitts introduced the session.

The first concerned a bell-to-bell ban of cell phones in school proposed in Governor Kathy Hochul’s state budget. State Senator Shelley Mayer who is the Chair of the State Senate Education Committee said, “I think the concept is good but districts should have some flexibility on how they want to do it… in developing this there was little input from students. We will want to hear from students. But there does need to be a way that parents can contact the schools.”

To a question regarding a proposal to lower the voting age to 18, Assemblymember Amy Paulin said that she had initiated it. She said, “By lowering the voting age we get another voice on the issues. I am not sure the students will be less educated than other voters.”

Paulin also discussed Governor Hochul’s veto of legislation supporting school-based health centers. She explained, “School based health centers are on a fee basis where the fees are paid by Medicaid. The health centers are almost all in NYC – in poor areas. This is to help kids get health and dental care – which is critical for these kids. The Governor is proposing to move this to managed care. It will be cumbersome and complicated and will essentially destroy the program.” She added, “We will hopefully use the leverage of the budget to extend the program.”

The panelistsNYS Regent Frances Will was asked her views on the NYS Regents. She said, “The regents will continue to exist – but as an option. The regents alone as the one way to get a NYS diploma has prevented many from graduating. It is also a challenge on college applications.” She advocated for more holistic assessments of student performance.

The Mayor was asked about the dredging of Library Pond. He explained that the work was done as an outcome of the Save the Sound lawsuit. The work will prevent stormwater outflows from entering the sewer line and will improve overall water quality.” He suggested that the work might continue with the dredging of the watercourse that runs through the Brewster Road parking lot of Scarsdale High School. He added that an additional benefit of the project was a new sidewalk running along Olmsted Road.

County Legislator Ben Boykin was asked if there were any projects that the Board of Legislators is working on that he wished the public knew more about. He responded that the Board had passed legislation to give veterans free passes to county parks. He also said, “We are concerned about federal funding cuts and will meet with Congressman Latimer at the end of the month to review them.”

Students from an AT Government class posed questions.

Mayor Arest was asked how he envisions Scarsdale evolving in the next ten years. He said, “Our three priorities are stormwater, public safety and quality of life. Many of our playing fields are not in the shape we would like them to be. We are looking at technology improvements for public safety and we are looking for help from the county and state for stormwater improvements. We are working with the school districts to make the community more walkable. Our pool project is also under consideration. We are looking at a year-round facility to allow competitive swimming indoors with amenities for seniors.” Arest invited students to provide their input.

Michelle Sterling and Ken JenkinsWhat about a local hangout for high school students? Arest responded by saying maybe new community rooms at the Scarsdale Pool could be space for teens along with the building at the Scarsdale Train Station which the Village is seeking to rent to a vendor to open a café.

A student asked the panelists for advice for pursuing a career in politics or public service.

Pauliin said, “I have been involved I public service since I was 14 years old. It doesn’t start later in life. Be active in the environment in which you live. There are politics within the school. Change the environment in which you live. I was the first female President of my high school and I made a lot of changes in school. And when I moved here I got involved to make change.

Will said, “The regents now has a seal of Civic Engagement which indicates you were involved in civic engagement.”

County Executive Ken Jenkins said, “Everyone is passionate about something and you can get engaged in it.”

Ben Boykin told students to “start early and stay engaged and involved.” As a first step he said, “You have an election here in Scarsdale on March 18. You can get involved. You can participate in “Students Inside Albany.”

And Mayor Arest added, “You are engaged right now.”