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Written by Wendy MacMillan

Published: 04 July 2024

Created: 04 July 2024

Last Updated: 04 July 2024

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Andrew Patrick, Suzie Hahn and James DuganWhile most folks here in Scarsdale were easing into their summer schedules and gearing up for the Fourth of July, the Board of Education got right down to business with their first BOE meeting of the 2024-2025 school year. Before announcing new hires, new consulting partnerships, and approving a long list of action items, the Board held its annual Organizational Meeting in which they swore in the newly elected board members and then elected new officers for the upcoming school year.

First to take the podium was returning board member, James Dugan. Mr. Dugan was sworn in by Dr. Patrick after being re-elected to serve a second term. Later in the Organizational Meeting, Dugan was also elected to be this year’s new BOE Vice President. Dugan’s fellow board member, Amber Yusef nominated him for the position saying that Dugan has proven to be a steadfast supporter of our district and brings a powerful perspective to the Board table.

Next to be sworn in for her first term as a BOE member, was former PTC President and consummate district volunteer, Leah Dembitzer. Joined by family members for the special occasion, Dembitzer said that she is excited to serve our schools and to work collaboratively with each of the board members toward our district goals. Later during the business meeting, Dembitzer asked thoughtful questions and offered reflective comments wasting no time proving she is going to be an exceptional addition to the BOE.

Last, but certainly not least, former BOE Vice President, Suzie Hahn, was elected as this year’s president. Hahn was nominated by outgoing president Ron Schulhof who said that Hahn works tirelessly to achieve goals on behalf of our students and schools and will positively move our district forward. In her first meeting as president, Hahn exuded the kindness and grace with which she will lead the board this year.

Business Meeting:

Jim Dugan was sworn in for a second term and will serve as Board Vice PresidentPerhaps one of the most noteworthy announcements of the business meeting came from Superintendent Dr. Drew Patrick who described a new partnership with McGrath Training Solutions While Patrick described that this new partnership is coming at an opportune time for a number of reasons (including updated state laws), seeking out the help of McGrath also proves that as Superintendent, Patrick is listening to parent feedback and trying to respond with resolute actions. Though the District already has policies and procedures in place to address issues like bullying, harassment, and sexual misconduct, work with McGrath will hopefully bolster these policies and guide the district in improving their responses if such unfortunate behaviors should arise. Specifically the District will work with McGrath on five key components: “Staff awareness and response training, student training, an administrator intake and investigation course, parent training and resources, and an instructor certification course.”

Along with outlining the benefits of working with McGrath, such as their knowledge of federal and state laws and the flexibility in their deliverance of training, Patrick highlighted that the work with McGrath will be covered by a federal grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance at the US Department of Justice.Leah Dembitzer was sworn in to the Board of Education

Before congratulating the graduating class of 2024 and acknowledging the rising 6th and 9th grade classes, Patrick asked the Board to observe a moment of silence in observance of the passing of SHS student Lucien Oades. Patrick echoed the sentiments he shared via email earlier in the week:

“It is with deep sadness that I am writing to our community today to once again share terrible news. We learned earlier today that Lucien Oades, a rising senior at Scarsdale High School, passed away following a medical incident. Our thoughts, prayers, and love are with Lucien's parents and sibling; his extended family; his teachers; his friends, their families, and the Scarsdale High School community. We also extend our love, care and concern for those grieving with and for Lucien's brother Sebastian.”

During his cabinet update on instruction and curriculum, Dr. Edgar McIntosh described that many of our teachers are engaging in summer learning and taking part in Scarsdale Teachers Institute courses such as “Responsive Classroom” training. McIntosh went on to detail that educators are also engaging in “program improvement” work which “provides educators the opportunity to collaborate, review, align, enrich, and integrate their curriculum.” McIntosh further explained that it is important to be responsive in the adaptation of curriculum and to make sure that changes are “being responsive to student’s needs and the evolving landscape of technology and research.”

In addition, McIntosh detailed the importance of teachers exploring the impact of AI and being up to speed with all the latest research and tools. This was a central theme of the recent “Future Forward Symposium '' organized by our own William Yang, in which school districts from around the area came together to share their latest thinking and research around technology and innovation.

Later in the meeting, it was announced that the BOE would be appointing a Board Liaison to our district’s technology department. Since the use of technology in our schools and at home is a top concern for many parents, this new liaisonship should be welcomed news for the community.

Amy Cermele is the new Assistant Director of Special EducationIn other big news, Meghan Troy, announced that, “Amy Cermele has been recommended for appointment in the tenure area of Assistant Director of Special Education, with a four-year probationary period commencing on July 1, 2024, and ending on June 30, 2028. Dr. Cermele earned her Ed. D. in Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher University, an M.S. in Building Leadership from the College of St.Rose, an M.S. in Special Education, and a B.A. in Adolescent Education/History from Pace University. Amy holds permanent certification in School District Leader, Social Studies, and Students with Disabilities in Grades 7-12. She is currently employed as a Special Education CSE Chairperson with the Scarsdale School District.”

Troy also announced the appointments of fourteen new employees which include:

Brian Bernarducci has been recommended for appointment in the tenure area of Elementary Education.
Lauren Bookin. Ms. Bookin will be assigned to general special elementary education at Quaker Ridge Elementary School.

Kayla Glaser has been recommended for appointment in the tenure area of Mathematics. Ms. Glaser will be assigned to Scarsdale Middle School.

Cynthia Gorney has been recommended for appointment in the tenure area of Music.

Olga Jubinville has been recommended for appointment in the tenure area of Elementary Education.

Michael Mammola has been recommended for appointment in the tenure area of Health. Mr. Mammola will be assigned to Scarsdale Middle School, filling the position vacated by the resignation of Brooke Busi.

Beau Morimando has been recommended for appointment in the tenure area of General Special Education, Mr. Morimando will be assigned to Scarsdale High School, filling the position vacated by the retirement of Joseph DeCrescenzo.

Kara Oliveri has been recommended for appointment in the tenure area of General Special Education. Ms. Oliveri will be assigned to Scarsdale Middle School, filling the position vacated by the retirement of Yurry Buckler.

Jenna Riefenhauser has been recommended for appointment in the tenure area of General Special Education. Ms. Riefenhauser will be assigned to Greenacres Elementary School, filling the position vacated by the resignation of Sahar Miandoabi.

John Speedling has been recommended for appointment in the tenure area of Elementary Education.

Jamie Thomas has been recommended for appointment in the tenure area of Library Media Specialist.

Jennifer Campo is recommended for appointment as a Leave Replacement French Teacher. Ms. Campo will be assigned to Scarsdale Middle School and is replacing Elizaveta Dukalsaya.

Nicole DeAngelis is recommended for appointment as a Leave Replacement Math Teacher. Ms. DeAngelis will be assigned to Scarsdale Middle School and is replacing Cynthia Parrott.

Matthew Peters is recommended for appointment as a Leave Replacement Social Studies Teacher. Mr. Peters will be assigned to Scarsdale Middle School and is replacing Marci Rothman.

You can find more detailed information about each of the new employees by reading their bios here. 

Before the Business Meeting the Board held a Public Hearing on our Code of Conduct. It was explained that,

“Each year the Code of Conduct must be re-adopted by the Board of Education. A committee of parents, students, faculty, administration, and Board members met to discuss and review the Code. The Committee did not suggest any changes to the current Code and there were no required changes due to legislative or regulatory changes.”

The current Code of Conduct can be found here:

While there were no changes made to this year’s Code of Conduct, Mr. Eric Rauschenbach explained that review of the Code of Conduct did spark discussions regarding the use of AI as a means to cheat and how our current Code of Conduct can cover such behavior incidents.

During the Business Meeting there was also an update about the SHS Auditorium (Andrew Lennon announced that the bid process will take place later this month), a brief Treasurer’s Report, an overview of seven new proposed STI courses, the announcement of a new Physics textbook, and more. To learn more about each of these items and to see the meeting in its entirety, please click here.

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Written by Wendy MacMillan

Published: 01 August 2024

Created: 01 August 2024

Last Updated: 01 August 2024

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Even during the dog days of summer, the Scarsdale Board of Education remains hard at work. Though the special meeting on July 24th covered the usual BOE meeting topics like personnel updates, approval of a new textbook, and updates from cabinet and BOE members, Superintendent Dr. Drew Patrick explained that the meeting was primarily called “to discuss and seek Board approval on awarding bids related to the Scarsdale High School auditorium project.”

Before handing things over to Andrew Lennon, Assistant Superintendent for Business, to give an update on the auditorium project, Dr. Patrick thanked Mr. Lennon, the facilities team, and the architects for all of their hard work saying “It is exciting to get this to this point.” Mr. Lennon agreed and said that after a very lengthy review process, he was happy to announce that this past week the District received approval from NYESD to move forward with the auditorium project. Lennon added that the process took longer than anticipated due to the extensively long approval time for projects at the NYESD.

Since the bids for the project were published last April, Lennon was ready to move forward with recommendations for three contracts:

-GENERAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT - Pierotti Corp.
-MECHANICAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT - Tribeca Air Conditioning Corp.
-ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT - Naber Electric Corp.

In more good news, Lennon announced that bids were received from twenty vendors and that this high interest in the project worked to drive down pricing. In the end, Lennon estimates that the project is about $100,000 below original cost. He explained that the savings will be kept as contingency money in order to address any unplanned conditions.

Although the District had hoped to begin work on this project earlier this summer, Lennon said it is anticipated the project will be completed in the original timeline explaining that work will take place during the day until faculty and students return to the building and then the work will shift to the evening hours. Since the auditorium won’t be ready to host performances until after we return from the Holiday Break, Lennon said the fall theatrical performance will be held at Iona Prep.

In addition to the auditorium project, Dr. Patrick announced that after a year of hard work, the District has officially transitioned to the Envision Financial Management Software with payroll successfully completed on July 15th.

Patrick also took time to describe a few advocacy items:

-NYESD has announced transformations around Regents exams and graduation requirements and the BOE will discuss and consider what that means for our District.

-A bill that requires schools to abandon classrooms when they reach a temperature of 88 degrees or higher has been passed by the legislature but not yet signed by the Governor. Patrick explained that there is already a meeting planned to discuss what impacts this will potentially have for Scarsdale. He stated that they will report their thinking if the bill moves forward.

-Earlier this year our District avoided cuts in state funding but Patrick explained that potential cuts are still on the table in the future. The Rockefeller Foundation is now in charge of reviewing the Foundation Aid Formula and is holding ‘listening sessions' across the state to garner feedback. Edgar McIntosh worked with Superintendent of Tarrytown schools, Ray Sanchez to provide examples of why Westcheter school districts need state funding. One example is that special education costs have significantly increased and even without state aid, districts like Scarsdale are still required by law to meet the needs of these students.

Megahn Troy announced the appointment of new faculty members including:

Alexandra Hughes will be assigned to the Scarsdale District Office as a CSE/CPSE Chair. Alexandra holds a BA from Hofstra University, an MS in Education from Queens College and an Advanced Certificate in Educational Leadership and Administration from LIU. Ms. Hughes holds New York State certifications in Middle School Mathematics 5-6, Secondary Mathematics 7-12, Special Education Mathematics 7-12, Special Education Multi-Subject Generalist 7-12, School Building Leader and School District Leader. Ms. Hughes is currently working in the Warwick Valley Central School District as a Director of Special Education.

Anna Tomasini has been recommended for appointment as a .5 Mathematics teacher and a .5 Teaching Assistant. Ms. Tomasini will be assigned to the Scarsdale High School. Anna holds a BA and MA from the University of Delaware. She has been working as a special education teacher at Elkton High School in Maryland.

Madeline Hyde has been recommended for appointment as a Leave Replacement in Special Education and will be assigned to the Quaker Ridge School. Madeline holds a BS from SUNY Fredonia, and MS in Special Education from CUNY Hunter and an MS in Literacy from NYU. Ms. Hyde holds New York State Professional Certification in Literacy Education(Birth-Grade 6), Students with Disabilities (Birth to Grade 2) and Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 2). Ms. Hyde has been a teacher at Mt. Pleasant Blythedale Children’s School.

Later in the meeting, rising Junior Arun Nayakkar, spoke during the Public Comment period on behalf of the South Asian Students For Justice and the entire AAPI community to advocate for more representation in the Scarsdale curriculum. In his eloquently written statement, Nayakkar related:

“While we make up just 17 percent of the population in Scarsdale, our voice and representation matters just as much as anyone else’s, and many students and parents have expressed concern specifically with our representation in this school’s curriculum, from the elementary to the high school level. This year was the first year this school has recognized and accommodated for the holidays of Diwali, Eid, and Lunar New Year, but we believe that the school’s strides toward Diversity, Equity and Inclusion shouldn’t simply stop at the calendar. Rather, we should look to see where improvements can be made in every aspect of this school to represent minority students and make everyone feel welcome.

Now, I speak for many students when I say that we in no way are criticizing the school or curriculum, and we recognize how difficult it may be to have to change and expand in accordance with our DEI mission. However, this is something we felt the need to address due to the lack of, or misunderstanding many students have about AAPI history as well as the sentiments of some AAPI students who feel that they don’t belong due to how little their history is talked about. A lack of representation not only marginalizes the experiences of many in history, but also deprives all students of a fuller understanding of our collective history.

If we consider the current state of our curriculum: How many of our students have learned about the contributions of AAPI individuals in the United States and the world beyond a brief mention of the Chinese Exclusion Act or Japanese American internment? These are important events, but they are not the totality of AAPI experiences. For instance, the Supreme Court case Tape v. Hurley, which predated Brown v. Board of Education, was a pivotal moment in the fight for educational equality and yet remains largely untaught. Such omissions contribute to the perpetuation of the "model minority" myth and ignore the varied and rich histories of Southeast Asian, South Asian, East Asian, and Pacific Islander communities.

To address this gap, we understand the school cannot simply change the entire curriculum. However, we wanted to create conversation around this topic and urge the Board to consider either launching a pilot program at Scarsdale High School that integrates AAPI perspectives through something like an elective, or pushing teachers to include lessons on more diverse topics. This could begin with the introduction of literature by AAPI authors in English classes, alongside works from other minority groups. In history classes, we should include a broader range of topics, such as the contributions of AAPI individuals in the Civil Rights Movement and other significant historical events.

In conclusion, including AAPI histories and experiences is not just about adding content; it is about recognizing the full scope of our nation's story and the stories of many around the world, and ensuring that every student sees themselves reflected in what they learn. By doing so, we take a crucial step toward creating a more inclusive and equitable educational environment for all.
Thank you.”

Dr. Patrick thanked Nayakkar for taking the time on a Monday evening in the middle of summer to share his thoughts on a very important subject. Dr. Edgar McIntosh also thanked Nayakkar for his articulate statement and said this topic has been a central part of the District’s mission to engage with more and more texts that show a variety of voices and perspectives. He further explained that just this last spring, he was fortunate enough to engage in a meeting with other folks from the AAPI community along with the SHS Social Studies Chair to explore different organizations that the district can partner with to create more robust representation in our student’s learning.

Nayakkar and the South Asian Students for Justice have also started an online petition to support their efforts:

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Written by Leah Dembitzer - PTC President

Published: 20 June 2024

Created: 20 June 2024

Last Updated: 25 June 2024

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On the warm, sunny morning of June 14, the five classes of Quaker Ridge 5th grade had their moving-up ceremony. It was held outside on the blacktop and field so as to not be space-limited. The fifth graders walked out of the school to a clap-out – with students from the younger grades lining the hallways and the outside pathway, cheering the fifth graders on. The students sang two songs from their fifth grade concert, “Banaha” and “I Can See Clearly Now,” led by music teacher, Andrew Brown.

Principal, Felix Gil gave his message of appreciation to the QRS Class of 2024. Members of the fifth grade student council took turns giving thanks to their teachers and then presented a class gift. Each of the fifth grade teachers then presented certificates to their respective classes: Mrs. Burns; Mrs. Gega and Mrs. Geraghty; Mrs. Kenney and Ms. Smith; Mr. Liebowitz and Mrs. Meade; and Ms. Marty. It was a celebratory experience for all.

Congratulations to the QRS Class of 2024! Now onto Scarsdale Middle School!

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The class made a gift of a framed and signed photo of the graduating class for the school hallway.