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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 30 October 2025

Created: 30 October 2025

Last Updated: 30 October 2025

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After learning that a recent demographer's report explored the possibility of redistricting sixty Fox Meadows elementary students as a means to ease spatial concerns at the school, parents showed up at the October 27, 2025 Board of Education meeting to voice their strong opposition to the idea.

Before the Board’s presentation of the Demographic Study, several Fox Meadow parents expressed their worry that redistricting students would divide their community without solving the root problem of overcrowding. In addition to social and emotional concerns, many of the speakers also focused on how the loss of being able to walk to school would erode their tight-knit community for the students who all live just a stone’s throw away from their current beloved school. While many of the comments echoed the sentiments of this letter to the editor, throughout the Public Comment period of the meeting, speakers shared a common message: protect Scarsdale’s community bonds, prioritize student safety and well-being, and ensure that all investments and policy decisions serve the district’s long-term educational values.

Purpose and Context of the Study

Opening the Demographic Study presentation, both BOE President, Jim Dugan and Superintendent Dr. Drew Patrick gratefully acknowledged public input and emphasized the importance of helping residents “see themselves in the study.” Addressing the concerns, they also reassured the Fox Meadow families that no redistricting plan is being considered at this time.

They clarified that the new demographic study, which the district received on Friday, October 24th and quickly shared with the broader community that afternoon, included data examining potential boundary adjustments but the analysis was only part of a broader planning process and not a signal that redistricting is planned or proposed.

As was explained, the study which is conducted regularly, was commissioned to support work on the district’s upcoming capital projects bond, which began last spring. A stakeholder committee including parents, staff, and community members has been studying school conditions, enrollment trends, and facility needs across the district.

At Fox Meadow, the committee identified two key challenges: rising enrollment pressure and aging facilities. The group recommended adding classrooms at the school, and that proposal has been discussed publicly as part of the bond planning. During those conversations, some community members questioned whether adjusting elementary school boundaries could be a less costly alternative to construction and as a part of their due diligence, the Board explored all of these possibilities.

The comprehensive demographer’s report, which analyzes current and projected enrollment, was meant to give the Board a complete picture of potential options before making any decisions and to help guide long-term planning.

In addition to the topic of a redistricting analysis, the presentation of the report highlighted a detailed “space utilization analysis” of each school as well as district enrollment trends and projections. On this topic, Dr. Patrick shared that enrollment trends between 2016 and 2026 have remained largely stable, with a temporary dip during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021). Numbers rebounded in 2022–2023 and have since stabilized. Current enrollment stands at 4,678 students, down by about 100 from 2016–2017.

Here is the overall district enrollment for the past 10 years:

Below is a summary of sections by school. At Edgewood, there are 19 general education sections and three special class sections totalling 22. At all other schools, the total number of sections is also inclusive of the ICT sections. The final row in the table identifies the # of ICT sections in that school (special class sections in the case of ED) and the total number of ICT students in parentheses. Below that the grade levels appear.

Looking ahead, projections through 2030–2031 show an increase in the number of elementary sections needed:

The projection calls for 113 class sections in 2029. Note that in 2016-17, before the construction of the eight additional classrooms at Greenacres, there were 113 class sections. However things have changed since then and Dr. Patrick explained why more classrooms are needed now than ten years ago.

The Superintendent said, "The only way we would have enough classrooms is if we did not provide a dedicated space to some number of our so-called specials - music, art, or Spanish. Assigning certain ICT sections does not solve the problem because the majority of the students (at least 60%) in these sections are general education students from that elementary school. We can't tell them to move to another school as they are districted to that particular school. Our program was different in 2006 and 2007. Our Spanish program has grown, we offer instrumental music starting in grade 3, and the growth in the number of classified students requiring related services (OT, PT, speech) has been significant (not just here - across the State). There could be years where we have enough space with just the FM addition followed or preceded by years when that wouldn't be true. Educationally, I cannot support moving the 3 special classes around to different schools in different years to relieve Edgewood's issues, and we currently do not have any school with 3 available classrooms without displacing another part of our program."

Further complicating matters is the fact that the previous demographers report overstated enrollment numbers so it’s difficult to make decisions on increasing school size based on these projections.

Here is a chart showing actual to projected school enrollments from the January 2024 demographers report:

See the presentation here:

Board members and community speakers raised concerns about how redistricting could affect neighborhood cohesion and traffic safety. One participant asked whether the proposed bond project could alleviate the need for boundary adjustments. Board members acknowledged these concerns, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and continued data-driven discussion before any decisions are made.

As the district looks ahead, officials agreed that ensuring sufficient space, particularly at Edgewood and Fox Meadow Elementary Schools, and maintaining balanced class sizes will be key priorities in the next phase of planning.

Capital Bond Projects Update

Concerns regarding the Demographic Study report spilled over into the next part of the meeting when the Board presented a Capital Projects Bond update. Dr. Patrick delivered a detailed update on community feedback regarding the district’s developing capital project plans, as administrators emphasized transparency, equity, and ongoing collaboration in shaping a potential spring 2026 bond referendum.

Dr. Patrick opened the presentation by reaffirming that the planning process remains aligned with the district’s guiding principles. “We’re in an iterative phase between the Facilities Committee, the Capital Project Steering Committee, and the board,” he said, noting that the district is still on track for a possible referendum in the spring.

He also noted that the October 16 public feedback session drew 80 in-person participants and the survey generated a record 828 survey responses, the highest level of community engagement in recent memory. Attendees also submitted 238 written comment cards, offering suggestions, concerns, and questions.

Transparency, Equity, and Facility Priorities

Patrick reported that participants expressed a strong desire to understand how recommendations were made, including the data and equity criteria used. “We’ve been asked to define what we mean by equity in facilities planning,” he said. The district views equity both in terms of ensuring fair distribution of essential infrastructure upgrades, like air conditioning, and maintaining program quality across all schools over time.

Edgewood Elementary emerged as a central topic of concern, with parents and staff citing capacity constraints and the need for additional classroom and therapy spaces.
Field improvements also drew mixed reactions. Some community members worried about costs and priorities, while others emphasized that athletic spaces are integral to student learning. “Fields are places where students learn,” Patrick noted. “They are competition and physical education spaces, part of our program.”

Survey Findings

The 828 survey responses were divided into four categories: spatial projects, building infrastructure, air conditioning, and fields.

Air Conditioning: 66.7% of respondents said cooling large spaces is a necessity; 25.6% called it a “nice-to-have,” while 7.7% said it’s not a current priority. Comments emphasized energy efficiency and equitable distribution, particularly at Heathcote and the high school gymnasiums.

Spatial Projects: Nearly half (47.7%) said proposed projects strike the right balance between need and affordability, though many urged the district to address Edgewood’s space limitations.

Building Infrastructure: 62% agreed that the proposed $33 million in maintenance projects were appropriately balanced.

Fields: Opinions were nearly evenly split — 28.7% supported prioritizing field improvements, 37% supported both major field projects, and 33.9% said they should not be a priority.

Overall, 51.7% of respondents felt the total project scope was “just right,” while 27.4% felt it was too high.

Next Steps and Cost Review

Assistant Superintendent Andrew Lennon said cost estimators from ARIS are refining figures for air conditioning, infrastructure, and field projects ahead of the board’s November 17 meeting. “We believe we’ll be able to share updated, far more detailed cost estimates,” he said.

Administrators have also met with faculty and PTA representatives from Edgewood and Fox Meadow to hear additional feedback. A virtual community session is scheduled for November 6.
Board Discussion: Balancing Space and Affordability

Board members voiced strong interest in reassessing Edgewood’s needs. Board member Bob Klein said, “We need to make sure we can build what we want to build successfully, not just squeeze it in.” Others stressed the importance of prioritizing classroom space and equitable access to therapy rooms for services like occupational and physical therapy.

Member Laura Lui added that the Board must weigh new space requests against overall affordability. “I don’t want this bond to get out of control,” she said. “If there are lower-priority items that can move into budgets, we should look hard at those.”

Several board members agreed the field portion of the bond warrants further review given community ambivalence. “Few things impact kids every day like classroom renovations,” one member said. “But we need to distinguish between what we need and what’s just a bell and a whistle.”

Dr. Patrick concluded that the administration would refine estimates and revisit Edgewood’s options, balancing the addition of classroom space with potential scope reductions elsewhere. “We’ll do the best we can to present a plan that meets educational needs and remains responsible to the community,” he said.

During Public Comment, PTC Budget Chairs, Rachna Singh and Mayra Kirkendall-Rodriguez encouraged the community to attend the second feedback session November 6th at 7pm on Zoom.

In addition, Singh shared a recommendation adding a simple online tax rate calculator or chart to the district’s Capital Bond webpage. This tool would allow residents to enter their home’s assessed value and instantly see their estimated annual tax increase, using the same formulas shared in the presentation.

Kirkendall-Rodriguez also added a few questions regarding the district’s recent audit and the proposed Emergency Plan.

You can see these questions and the entire meeting in this video.   

For the Bond and Capital Projects Presentation see here . 

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 21 October 2025

Created: 21 October 2025

Last Updated: 22 October 2025

Hits: 1022

The Scarsdale School District is in the midst of planning for major capital improvements and is requesting feedback from residents on how much should be spent and what work should be done.

Why now? $40 million in debt service is rolling off in the 2027-28 school year, and new bonds will be sold to raise funds for continued improvements at the schools. In order to define district priorities, District Architects BBS conducted a comprehensive facilities survey of building conditions, HVAC, plumbing and electric. Their work was supplied to a Capital Projects Steering Committee comprised of many different members of the community. They reviewed a long list of needs and identified $95.6 million in recommended projects.

The work comprises both spatial improvements and expansion as well as infrastructure needs, air conditioning and field work.

Here is a breakdown of the proposal:

Most noticeable would be the $44.3 million in spatial work which is explained as follows:

Spatial projects directly impact the student learning environment, and the committee prioritized projects that address student enrollment, contemporary program needs, and the creation of highly-flexible multi-use spaces. Five of our seven buildings have spatial construction and/or renovation projects included as summarized below.

- Fox Meadow Addition & Reconstruction - A new two-story addition that includes a new library and lunch/multipurpose room, repurposing the existing spaces to create 4 additional classrooms and work spaces to accommodate a seventy-five year high in enrollment of 516 students. $20,300,400

- Classroom Renovations - Renovation (to include replacement of flooring, lighting, ceilings, painting, and furniture only, creating an updated physical environment) of 29 classrooms at Edgewood and 27 at Fox Meadow. Budgeted at $175,000 each, the work will include new floors, ceilings, lighting, paint and classroom furniture. $9,650,000

- Library Renovations - Full renovation of Heathcote and Scarsdale Middle School Libraries to reflect the kind of dynamic, multi-use learning environments students and teachers need now and in the future; creation of small group study spaces with glass walls at Scarsdale High School. $10,260,000

- High School Art Room, LRC, & Little Theater - Renovation and reconstruction of the long-outdated 3D art room, reconfiguration and reconstruction of the learning resources center (LRC), renovation of the Little Theater for flexible use, and addition of two bathrooms. $4,847,200

- Multipurpose Space Improvements - The addition of storage at Edgewood to increase flexibility and improve lunch service in the Old Multipurpose Room and renovation of all four dining rooms at SMS to increase flexibility for a variety of purposes beyond lunch service. $2,180,000

Infrastructure work comprises the second biggest portion of the proposal, totaling $33.5mm. These items include flooring, ceilings, pipes, improvements for ADA compliance, ventilation fire alarms and more.

Another $12 mm will be spent to air condition large spaces including gymnasiums, auditoriums, cafeterias and multipurpose rooms across the district along with the Heathcote School classrooms.

Last the proposal includes construction of a multiuse synthetic turf field at Scarsdale Middle Schools for $4mm and softball or multi-use rectangular field at Fox Meadow for $1,699mm.

However, all this comes at a cost. If the district spent only $40 million, the bond would be tax neutral. However, the proposal to spend $96.5 million will mean a tax increase of $500 per household for the average homeowner in Scarsdale. This is in addition to the regular tax increase each year.

Each $10mm in spending above the $40mm tax neutral project translates to a $100 per year tax increase per household, for the average household.

Not included in the plans are two proposed large projects: Advocates at Edgewood School are calling for an $18.8 mm addition to include new classrooms and a multi-purpose room. Also discussed, but not adopted, was a new cafeteria at Scarsdale Middle School to accommodate lunch for an entire grade at a cost of $15-$36 million. Currently students eat in their individual house cafeterias.

See details of the proposal here:

What do you think? In order to assess community opinion on the bond referendum, the district has posted a survey and invites you to participate.

Click here to take the survey:

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Written by: Wendy MacMillan

Published: 08 October 2025

Created: 08 October 2025

Last Updated: 09 October 2025

Hits: 1129

(Updated 10-9) At their meeting on Monday October 6th, the Scarsdale Board of Education continued its in-depth review of a proposed capital projects bond during its latest meeting, outlining public engagement plans, key facility priorities, and financial strategies as the district prepares for a community vote next year.

Superintendent Dr. Drew Patrick emphasized that no final decisions have been made, noting that the district remains in a “learning and discussion phase.” The bond proposal, estimated at $96 million, would address infrastructure needs across all seven schools while leveraging the decline in debt service projected after the 2026–27 school year.

The steering committee has identified $96 million in potential projects. However a tax neutral bond would at $40 mm leaving the BOE and larger community with some challenging decisions before them.

Public Feedback and Engagement
The district has launched a dedicated bond website — scarsdaleschools.org/bond2026 — to provide access to presentations, reports, and updates.

Two public information sessions are planned:

October 16 at 7 p.m. at Scarsdale High School
November 6 at 7 p.m. via Zoom

Community members will be invited to review proposed projects for each building, speak directly with administrators and consultants, and complete an online feedback survey.

Understanding the Bond
Assistant Superintendent for Business Andrew Lennon provided a “Bond 101” overview to clarify terminology and the relationship between annual budgets, capital appropriations, and bond financing. He explained that the bond would fund long-term, large-scale projects—such as building systems and additions that cannot be completed through annual budgets.

A “tax-neutral” bond would be approximately $40 million, offset by retiring debt and state building aid. Since the total project scope may exceed that. Lennon noted that each additional $10 million in project cost would add roughly $100 per year to the average homeowner’s tax bill. See the slides to the presentation here.

Key Projects and Facility Needs
A major focus of the proposal is the replacement of outdated building management systems (BMS) that control heating and cooling across the district. Many current systems rely on obsolete pneumatic or digital components that can only be repaired with refurbished parts. Upgrading to a unified, modern BMS is seen as both an efficiency and equity measure.

Projects also include roof replacements, HVAC upgrades, classroom renovations, and accessibility improvements. The board reaffirmed that all Priority One items in the Building Condition Survey—those tied to health, safety, or end-of-life systems—are slated for inclusion.

Deferred Additions at Edgewood and the Middle School
Two major building expansions were discussed but not recommended for inclusion in this bond cycle:

-A new cafeteria building at Scarsdale Middle School, which could cost between $15 million and $36 million, depending on design.

-An addition featuring new kindergarten classrooms and a multipurpose room at Edgewood Elementary School.

Dr. Patrick said both ideas remain valid for future consideration but were deferred based on overall district needs and enrollment uncertainty. The district has commissioned a demographic and redistricting study, expected by November, to guide future planning.

Fiscal Responsibility and Ratings
Board members also discussed balancing facility needs with maintaining Scarsdale’s AAA bond rating from Moody’s Investors Service. Lennon said the proposed scope is designed to sustain that rating and ensure long-term financial stability.

Next Steps
The board will review community input from the October 16 session at its October 27 meeting, and updated cost estimates and a refined project list will be presented November 17. If approved by the board, the bond proposal could go to voters in early 2026.

Board President Jim Dugan closed the session by emphasizing transparency and continued dialogue saying, “This process is about listening, refining, and ensuring that what we put forward truly reflects the district’s priorities and the community’s vision.”

Public Comment
During the Public Comment portion of the meeting two people spoke advocating for the district to revisit the proposed allocation for Edgewood in the upcoming capital projects bond, saying the current plan “does not meet our school’s basic spatial needs.”

Speaking on behalf of the Edgewood PTA, one parent—an architect and former PTA president—said Edgewood families are “fully supportive of a districtwide bond,” but believe the $6.2 million currently earmarked for their school falls far short of what’s needed to address overcrowding and preserve program quality.

Edgewood’s PTA recently formed a committee dedicated to advocacy on the bond proposal. According to the speaker, none of the Edgewood parents who served on the district’s Capital Projects Steering Committee support the current plan. The group emphasized that without new classrooms, special education programs could be displaced and “specials” like music and Spanish could be forced onto carts, reducing the quality of instruction.

Dr. Patrick later responded, thanking them for their input and stated that their feedback was valuable and will be considered in the process.

School Board Recognition Week
At the start of Monday’s BOE meeting, Dr. Patrick also announced that October 13-17 is School Board Recognition Week, and recognized the seven board members and two student representatives for their extensive, often unseen work—ranging from committee service and policy review to community engagement and professional development. Their efforts were described as vital to maintaining strong connections between the community and educators, supporting the district’s mission to nurture well-balanced, purposeful, and joyful learners.

In appreciation, each board member received a certificate from NYSSBA and a symbolic gift—a pumpkin—representing the rewards of their hard work in cultivating learning and growth throughout the district.

Board Updates
During Board Member Updates, Colleen Brown (The BOE liaison to the Safe Coalition) announced the upcoming Unity Day on Wednesday, October 22, a national event founded in 2011 by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center. Brown explained that Unity Day promotes kindness, acceptance, and inclusion while raising awareness about bullying.

People nationwide are encouraged to wear orange, a color symbolizing visibility, safety, and unity, to show support for those affected by bullying and to reaffirm a shared commitment to creating respectful, inclusive environments. The Safe Coalition, dedicated to preventing violence in schools and communities, invited everyone to participate in this year’s Unity Day initiative to demonstrate that “we are stronger when we stand together.”

Student BOE member Anish Mehta, reported positive results from the new Scarsdale High School phone policy, implemented at the start of this school year. Under the updated rule, phones are now confiscated rather than just warned about, leading to a noticeable decline in phone use in hallways and common areas. Mehta noted that the policy’s deterrent effect appears to be working, similar to past initiatives like “Off and Away for the Day,” as students are adjusting and finding the system effective.

Lucy Eisenberg also shared highlights from attending the Round Square International Conference in Dubai, where Scarsdale High School was the only public school represented among more than 280 member schools worldwide. The conference emphasized service, environmentalism, and adventure, bringing together students from diverse countries to foster cross-cultural understanding and leadership. The student described it as a meaningful and inspiring experience, offering new perspectives on global collaboration and climate action.

Upcoming Meetings
Additionally, it was announced that two board coffees are planned for community engagement. School Board Recognition Week was acknowledged, highlighting the extensive, unseen work board members do, including training, committee service, and community liaison. Board members were thanked with certificates and a symbolic pumpkin, symbolizing the cultivation of education in Scarsdale schools.

For all the details of Monday night’s BOE meeting see here.

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Written by: Claudia Wang

Published: 01 October 2025

Created: 01 October 2025

Last Updated: 01 October 2025

Hits: 750

Scarsdale lit up under the Friday night lights on Friday September 26th, when the Raiders delivered a spectacular 50–0 win over the Suffern Mounties, turning Homecoming into a full-blown celebration. After a loss the week before, the Raiders bounced back in style with this huge win, Scarsdale improving to 2–1, while Suffern fell to 0–4, in continuation of their losing streak.

The festivities began earlier that evening with a free pizza party hosted by the SHS Student Government in the Learning Commons for freshmen and sophomore students. About 60 students turned out to enjoy the music, good vibes, and free pizza, setting the celebratory tone for the rest of the night.

Outside, the two ice cream trucks parked near the Brewster entrance, one serving soft serve and the other offering classic ice pops and frozen treats. Nearby barbecue stands served $4 hot dogs as families, students, and alumni gathered to enjoy a late night snack under the evening sky. Fans browsed the maroon-and-white merch stall, picking up Raider gear to show their school spirit as the Raiders played on.

The bleachers were filled with a mix of SHS students, young kids, proud parents, and even visiting friends from nearby schools, all decked out in red, white, and blue to support the Scarsdale team. The cheerleaders brought incredible energy to the sidelines, keeping the crowd hyped and adding to the electric atmosphere.

The football game was a celebration of Scarsdale’s pride, tradition, and community. From free pizza to ice cream cones, touchdowns to team spirit, Homecoming 2025 was a night no one will forget.