Scarsdale School Board Solicits Community Feedback on Capital Projects for 2026 Bond Referendum

(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A major focus of the proposal is the replacement of outdated building management systems (BMS) that control heating and cooling across the district.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.