Candidate For School Board Omer Wiczyk Says He Will Serve with Humility and an Open Mind

Omer Wiczyk has been nominated by the Scarsdale School Board Nominating Committee to serve on the Scarsdale School Board. The contested election will be held on Tuesday May 19, 2026 at Scarsdale Middle School, with voting from 7 am to 9 pm. Wiczyk answered questions posed by Scarsdale10583 below:

How long have you lived in town and what do you value about the community?

My family and I have lived in Scarsdale for ten years, and during that time this community has become a very important part of our lives. Our two daughters have grown up here, attended our public schools, and many of our closest friendships and experiences are tied to the community.

What I value most about Scarsdale is the combination of civic engagement, educational excellence, and genuine community involvement. People here care deeply about the schools, the Village, and about one another. One of the things I’ve especially appreciated through my volunteer work is that so many residents, with differing but incredible backgrounds, are willing to devote their time and energy to improving the community, often behind the scenes and without recognition.

I also love that Scarsdale is a place where people are thoughtful and engaged. Residents ask hard questions, bring different perspectives, and are dedicated to maintaining the strength of our institutions. I think that culture of engagement is one of the reasons our schools and our community are so strong.

What professional skills do you bring to the Board of Education?

I’m an attorney, and my career has been spent analyzing and investigating complex issues, reviewing large amounts of information carefully, asking focused questions, and working collaboratively with other individuals and organizations to solve difficult problems. I spent 20 years as a prosecutor including several years running a team of attorneys conducting complicated investigations. I am now working as a civil rights attorney, focusing on issues involving education. My experiences have taught me the importance of preparation, judgment, communication, and thoughtful decision-making under pressure.

One of the most important skills I would bring to the Board is the ability to listen carefully and work constructively with other people who may have different viewpoints. Throughout my professional career and my volunteer work in Scarsdale, I’ve frequently worked in team settings where collaboration, respect, and consensus-building were essential.

Tell us about your volunteer experiences.

Volunteer service has been an important part of my life. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to serve in roles that have given me the chance to work closely with many different members of our community and to understand how our local institutions function. I served as President of the Scarsdale Forum, which brings residents together to study local issues and develop thoughtful, non-partisan recommendations on matters affecting the Village and schools. I’ve also served as a member and then Chair of the Citizens Nominating Committee, which is responsible for helping identify and vet candidates for Village offices, as well as on the CNC Election Committee. Currently, I serve as Chair of the Judicial Qualifications Advisory Committee and on the Village’s Advisory Council on Communications.

My experiences have reinforced the importance of listening, preparation, and teamwork. Most of our community’s work is done quietly and collaboratively. You work with people who have different perspectives and backgrounds, try to build consensus when possible, and focus on strengthening institutions rather than advancing personal agendas. I have come to appreciate how many members of our community devote extraordinary amounts of their time and energy simply because they deeply care about Scarsdale. That is one of the things that makes Scarsdale so incredibly special, and I’ve been humbled and grateful to play a role in it.

As a parent, what do you feel are the strengths of the Scarsdale schools? What, if anything, would you like to see changed or improved?

Scarsdale schools offer a combination of academic excellence and the genuine dedication of the teachers, administrators, and staff to students’ overall growth. Our schools challenge students intellectually but also provide tremendous opportunities in the arts, sports, extracurricular activities, and community engagement.

I also appreciate that the district is willing to innovate. We cannot stand still, especially considering how quickly the world is changing. At the same time, I think strong institutions should always remain open to feedback and continual reassessment. From conversations with parents, students, and educators, I know there are areas where people would like clearer communication and broader opportunities for community input; they want to be heard. I hope to help be a conduit for the community and for the district to ensure innovations and programs are both understood for their merits and align with community values.

Why did you decide to run for school board at this time?

I care deeply about this community, our schools, and most importantly, our children. As a parent with children in the district, I’ve seen firsthand the tremendous impact the schools have not only academically, but socially and emotionally as students grow and develop. I feel that this is the right time in my life to give back in a meaningful way. Serving on the Board requires a significant commitment both in time and energy, and I have the ability right now to devote myself fully to that responsibility

I would approach this position with humility and an open mind. I don’t view Board service as a way to advance a personal agenda. I think effective governance and public service requires listening to the community – students, parents, teachers, administrators, and fellow Board members, and then working together with the best interest of Scarsdale’s children

Share any thoughts about Scarsdale’s non-partisan election system.

Scarsdale’s non-partisan system is one of our community’s greatest strengths. It encourages people to focus less on ideology, political affiliation, or personal status, and more on qualifications, temperament, and judgment. It seeks those with a genuine commitment to public service and seeking the wellbeing of our students.

Having served as both a member and Chair of the Citizens Nominating Committee, I’ve seen firsthand how seriously members take their responsibility of evaluating candidates. The process is thoughtful, rigorous, and time intensive. Committee members devote significant effort to outreach, interviews, deliberation, and due diligence in an effort to identify candidates who are prepared to govern collaboratively and responsibly. They ask detailed questions of the candidates and follow-up on several answers through the interview.

One aspect of the process that people may not fully appreciate is the amount of due diligence that occurs beyond the formal interviews themselves. Committee members speak with people who have worked with or know the candidates in different settings to better understand qualities that may not fully come across in a presentation or résumé — things like temperament, judgment, work ethic, ability to work with others, openness to differing viewpoints, and how someone handles disagreement or difficult situations. In my view, that reference checking adds real value because effective board service depends not only on experience or credentials, but also on a candidate’s ability to work constructively as part of a governing body.

No system is perfect, but I believe the non-partisan structure has helped Scarsdale maintain stability, strong civic engagement, and a focus on long-term stability rather than political division. Particularly in matters involving children and education, I think there is incredible value in trying to approach issues thoughtfully, collaboratively, and outside of a partisan framework.

In your view, what are the biggest challenges facing the Scarsdale Schools?

Among the biggest challenges facing our schools is the speed with which our world is changing, making it hard for our educators to ensure that students are prepared academically, socially, and emotionally for the future. Technology, AI, and social media are evolving rapidly, and schools are constantly being asked to adapt thoughtfully while still maintaining the values and academic strengths that define our district. Balancing academic excellence with student wellness is a difficult challenge. Scarsdale is rightly known for our high standards and strong achievement, but it is equally important that our students also feel supported, connected, and able to thrive emotionally and socially.

Another challenge we currently face is maintaining strong communication and trust between the district and the broader community. Both our Board and our residents care deeply about the wellbeing of schools and bring a wide range of perspectives and experiences. We need to continue to engage with parents, students, teachers, and community members, particularly during periods of change or controversy, in safe and productive dialogues.

Finally, Scarsdale faces long-term financial and facilities planning challenges, including rising costs and significant capital needs. I think it’s vital to approach those issues thoughtfully and transparently, always with students and the district’s long-term health at the center of the discussion.

If you do serve, what are your hopes for the schools in the next six years?

I hope Scarsdale continues to be recognized for its academic excellence, and as a district where students feel supported, engaged, and prepared to succeed in an increasingly complex world. I also hope we continue to evolve and innovate where appropriate, while remaining grounded in the core values and strengths that have long defined our schools — like critical thinking development and non sibi, not for self alone. I also hope to see continued improvement in building strong partnerships among students, parents, educators, administrators, and the broader community; the district is strongest when people feel heard, respected, and invested in a shared mission.

What are your thoughts on the district, board and community response to the recent antisemitic incident at SHS?

The recent incidents were deeply upsetting. Antisemitism is one of the world’s oldest and most enduring hatreds, and throughout history it has repeatedly adapted and resurfaced in new forms and in different societies. That reality makes it especially important that we remain vigilant and respond thoughtfully, while fostering an environment grounded in respect, understanding, and inclusion. Of course, any incident involving hatred or bias directed at students should be taken seriously, and schools must remain places where every student feels safe.

I respect the district and board efforts to respond thoughtfully and appropriately in addressing the seriousness of the incident and supporting affected students and families. I also know that many members of the community wished the response had come more quickly and more directly at the outset. Moments like this only reinforce the importance of continuing to foster a school environment built on respect, empathy, and open communication.