An Interim Principal For Edgewood Elementary School, Succession Plans for the BOE and an Outdoor Classroom at Fox Meadow
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- Written by Vivian Zweig
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Karen Eldon will be the interim School Principal at Edgewood Elementary SchoolOn the evening of May 22, 2023, the Scarsdale Board of Education (BOE) convened to discuss a variety of topics, ranging from a review of the district-wide Safety and Emergency Management Plan (SEMP) to the Gift Proposals to Fox Meadow Elementary.
Emergency Response
The Board reviewed the SEMP in response to an incident on April 24th, when Heathcoat and Quaker Ridge initiated lockout protocols due to police activity and reports of a suspected fugitive who abandoned his car on the Hutchinson River Parkway. School staff quickly recovered students and secured the perimeters, while activities proceeded as usual inside. The decision to put school into a lockout was made with the police department, who later felt the area was secure enough to allow students to walk home and bussing to resume.
The board discussed afternoon sports, coordination with the village and bussing. Several important questions were raised. Why were parents informed of the events via text messages rather than email? Why were seemingly contradictory communications sent to the community? A member of the Board stated that there is no official protocol dictating when information should be sent by text or email and that all channels of communication are used when the information is timely and urgent. Regarding the second question, another member claimed that it is imperative to inform the community of official channels of information. The Board went on to announce that a summary of the April 24th events will be sent later this week in a community letter.
Interim Principal for Edgewood Elementary School
Following a review of the SEMP, Superintendent Dr. Drew Patrick announced new faculty that will be joining the district this year, including Edgewood’s interim principal, Karen Eldon. She served as the Principal of Bedford Elementary School for 11 years, interim principal at Coman Hill Elementary School, and then as interim principal at Fox Meadow in 2017-2018. Dr. Patrick was pleased to welcome her back into the district as Edgewood’s interim principal.
Public Comments
The night continued as Ray Dotoratos shared his concerns about the prevalence of e-learning, specifically the effect of tablets on academic performance. He stated that children today are consumed by electronics, which are designed to be addictive, and that there is no balance of usage among children. He saw the detrimental effect of e-learning on his child’s performance and asked that his child switch to paper-based learning. After the switch, he observed an immediate improvement in his child’s performance. Ultimately, he claimed that Scarsdale parents must have a right to choose between e-learning and paper-based learning, and that the school’s must be transparent in offering this decision. He started a petition on this subject that was signed by over 700 residents.
Board Succession Plan
Board President Amber Yusuf announced information on the Board leadership’s succession planning. Ron Schulhof has indicated that he is willing to serve as President, and Suzie Hahn Pascutti as Vice President. Other nominations for president and vice president will be announced and voted on at a later meeting.
Budget and Bond Vote
The Board went on to accept the May 16, 2023, Budget/Bond Vote, board election and results of voting, and the results of the High School Auditorium Bond Proposition. The bond resolution authorizing the construction of alterations and improvements to the high school auditorium was adopted for an estimated cost of $4,750,000.
Gift for Fox Meadow School
The acceptance of gift proposals to Fox Meadow Elementary School did not go nearly as smoothly. Three gifts totaling $48,215 for the construction of an outdoor classroom and student space were proposed by the Fox Meadow Elementary School PTA.
The letter from the PTA explains the rationale of giving funds for “an outdoor space to learn and play. Aside from the many educational benefits of outdoor learning, we believe that for health reasons outdoor learning spaces are more valuable than ever as we come out of a pandemic. Further, as the size of our student body continues to grow, an additional learning space would certainly be useful. This proposal will also revitalize an area of our school that is underutilized. This space is currently unused by students or faculty and it has great potential to provide an additional space for our students to congregate."
The Board’s gift policy #1800 provides that the Board approve all gifts, but board member Colleen Brown voiced her concerns. She pointed out that all gifts total close to $50,000, giving Fox Meadow a significantly larger gift for renovations than the other elementary schools.
Another member of the Board pointed out that although the gift is larger, more money might be needed by Fox Meadow Elementary to construct a space that is equitable. Ms. Brown agreed and suggested that equitable outdoor spaces must be designed first, then a price tag should be put on it. Moreover, she and other Board members questioned how the decision to endorse the capital renovations with PTA money will affect the PTA’s role in our community. Historically, the job of the PTA has not been to fundraise, and she saw capital improvement as a gift concerning. Ultimately, gifts were approved, but the board decided to revisit the gift policy under new leadership.
STAY is Here to Stay
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- Written by Caitlin Higgins
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Tayt Rompala (11), Scarsdale police officers, Caitlin Higgins (11), Maya Regenstreif (11), Yeonsoo Go (11)
Despite numerous restrictions, many teenagers are exposed to or even consume drugs and alcohol. To raise awareness about the effects of substance use and encourage healthier lifestyles, Caitlin Higgins founded the Students Take Action for Youth Club, better known as the STAY club. Higgins recently wrote an article detailing the founding, goals, and recent community involvement of the club, which is shared below:
I am happy to announce that STAY is officially a part of Scarsdale High School. Inspired by SADD, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Students Take Action for Youth (STAY) encompasses more than just drug and alcohol awareness. The STAY Club will be a place for SHS students to learn, discuss, and take action against substance abuse in addition to supporting teens’ mental wellbeing. We are focused on looking deeper into the truths about substances in our community and larger society. Many of the things we believe to be true about substances are, in fact, untrue and misleading. We are here to spread the truth. Our goal is to educate students about substance misuse, separating fact from fiction, and allowing students to make informed decisions that will lead to healthier lifestyles.
As a long-time member of Scarsdale Action for Youth, I have been active in planning, speaking, and conducting activities for my peers and the community. Through events like Light The Dale and The Scarsdale Car Show we’ve worked to bring attention to the issue in a supportive and approachable way. I also spoke in front of the Village Hall Board of Trustees, objecting to the allowance of marijuana dispensaries in our village. Earlier this year in February, SAY sent me to Washington, DC to attend the National CADCA convention, where I had the thrilling opportunity to address our New York politicians and gave a youth perspective in support of New York State bills and funding for substance abuse prevention, early intervention, and treatment programs. Yet, after returning, I wanted a place where students can work together in an independent and more personal setting. When I applied to be a club, Jessica Levenberg, the SHS health teacher, agreed to be the STAY club advisor.
After being passed, we planned an ambitious schedule with at least one event each month in order to best keep organized and to make each month meaningful. Two weeks ago, in preparation for 4/20 Day, the STAY Club along with SMS 8th graders, met up at Italian Village Pizzeria, and stickered close to 400 pizza boxes with different messages about the harms of marijuana use in order to spread a less aggressive message. The next day, we also hosted an SHS Club table at the annual SHS carnival, continuing the marijuana awareness theme. Alongside our table, we taped a green zig zag line on the pavement. Participants walked the line while wearing “Foggles,” simulation goggles that replicate the physical effects of marijuana and alcohol impairment. Many students and adults were surprised by the impairment they experienced, which included concentration, coordination, depth perception, and even nausea. Judging by the lines of people, we know that this activity was very well received. The Scarsdale Police stopped by and gave it a try as well. With all of this positive reinforcement, STAY is beginning to build its name.
STAY was honored to be asked by the SHS administrators to participate in Non Sibi Day on May 26th—a day of community service and present a topic of our choosing. We felt it was important to do NARCAN training for SHS’ 16+ year-olds to address the fentanyl and opioid epidemic— the worst drug crisis in US history. We recognize it’s an uncomfortable and gruesome topic, but so important for students to be informed and help protect themselves and others. We want to help prepare our peers in the best way possible for any situation they may encounter.
Our next activity is a Post-It note event where we will write encouraging messages on post-its and place them on the 8th grader’s lockers in order to welcome them to the high school and congratulate them on their successes so far. We aim to form tight connections with members of the whole community– not just high school students. The event will be on Tuesday, May 16. Anyone is free to join us and we hope to have a great turn out!
In the future, there are many more events on the schedule and we hope that with each STAY exposure, SHS students will join and get involved with our initiative. Our message is one of truth and action, but we will also have fun doing it together. In other words, STAY is here to stay.
Edgewood Principal to Depart, Girls Athletic Participation Declines and More from the Board of Education
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- Written by Wendy MacMillan
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The Principal of Edgewood School is leaving, girls athletic participation has declined and the District launched a new website to track the renovation of the high school auditorium. These were just a few of the items reviewed at the meeting of the Board of Education on Monday night April 17, 2023.
Auditorium Renovation
Superintendent Dr. Drew Patrick announced that the District has developed a website devoted to the proposed renovations of the Scarsdale High School auditorium. On March 27 the Board authorized a bond referendum not to exceed $4.75 million dollars for much needed improvements of the SHS auditorium. The website is now available here.
Athletics
Girls participation rates in high school sports has declined.
Athletics Director Ray Papallardi explained that after accounting for the spring athletic season, the District is at roughly 62% participation for the course of the year with 908 students participating in interscholastic athletic programs. He also noted that Scarsdale, along with many others in the area, saw a bit of an anomaly this spring with male participation at roughly 64% and female participation at roughly 36%. Because the percentage numbers are usually closer to 50/50, Mr. Papallardi researched how we arrived at such a discrepancy this year and why female participation in sports saw a drastic decline. With only a quick reflection on the subject, he described many contributing factors to the decline including:
-A drop in senior participation because their early high school years took place during the pandemic when sports weren’t offered
-The desire of some students for less competitive and less time-consuming programs
-The feeling among some students that they won’t make it on to a super elite and competitive team or that it isn’t the right fit for them.
Papallardi discussed finding a space to create a suitable softball field, gifts from Maroon and White that will need Board approval and fall and winter varsity teams that were recognized as New York State Public High School Athletic Association Scholar Athlete Teams which is considered a huge accomplishment.
Papallardi also spoke about athletic administrators and coaches taking part in a new program called core training. The core training is still in development but in May, Mr. Papllardi will hold an informational meeting to describe how they will start to implement the new training that aims to develop a purpose based, educationally-focused athletic program.
Edgewood School Principal
In Human Resource news, Dr. Patrick announced that Edgewood’s current Principal Tashia Brown will be leaving at the end of the school year to pursue other academic opportunities. Dr. Patrick expressed profuse gratitude for Ms. Brown’s leadership especially through the trying years of the pandemic. He went on to describe two different options for finding a suitable replacement for Ms. Brown. Both options include a robust search and recruitment of the best candidate for the position. Since it is already mid-April it might be a challenge to do a robust national search at this time so Dr. Patrick will weigh conducting the search now vs. naming an interim principal from Scarsdale’s existing staff to serve for the next school year.
Patrick said that the Board had planned to extend an offer of tenure to Dr. Brown before learning of her decision to move on.
New District Physician
Eric Rauschenbach, Assistant Superintendent for Special Education and Student Services District, said the district is in search of a new District Physician and will submit a request for an RFP. Mr. Rauschenbach also gave an update on the automation system describing work to the PA system that will bring us closer to completing the project.
Kudos to SHS Social Studies Teacher Heather Waters
Dr. McIntosh then reported that he had recently attended the Global Educational Benchmarking Group convention in Washington D.C. At the convention Social Studies teacher Heather Waters was surprised with First Prize in the Global Expression of Thought award. Dr. McIntosh also spoke about the parent workshops taking place throughout the District providing parents with insight into our current math landscape and with tips and suggestions for supporting their children at home.
Energy Savings
Dr. Patrick discussed an information item regarding the Energy Savings Program and our agreement with Cenergistic for the behavioral energy savings program. While details about the RFP were discussed in a previous BOE meeting, Dr. Patrick opened the discussion to questions. Ron Schuloff asked if we could get started with the program this year if the Board were to approve the RFP tonight. Dr. Patrick said that we could.
More
Eric Rauschenbach reviewed the annual updates and changes made to our District wide Safety and Emergency Management Plan.
District Treasurer, Lisa Zareski, District Treasurer presented a Treasurer's Report where she detailed information about needed budget transfers explaining they are necessary because staff often move from one building to another.
New Textbooks
Speaking about curriculum, Dr. McIntosh described a new book that 8th graders will be reading in their English classes. The book, Pride: A Pride and Prejudice Remix by Ibi Zoboi is a modern retelling of the classic Pride and Prejudice. The students are reading this as a comparative text which encourages critical thinking and unlearning some of their own prejudices. Dr. McIntosh describes the book as “relatable” and provides students with an opportunity to read “Black joy”.
Budget Resolution
During the Action Items portion of the meeting, Colleen Brown recommended that the Board adopt the proposed budget resolution. The Board members each took turns voicing their support of the proposed budget and voted unanimously to pass it.
The Board also voted unanimously to adopt budget transfers, the property tax report card, an RFP award for a behavioral energy savings program, proposed new textbooks, the Heathcote Main Office renovations bid award, and a proposed gift to the Middle School.
The Board unanimously approved the Board Budget Insight Letter in support of the proposed budget which will be published in the next Insight publication.
School Safety
During public comment, two parents expressed concerns about school safety. Both parents advocated for a School Resource Officer (SRO) at each school and asked if the District had plans to hire such employees, especially in light of the school shooting that recently took place in Tennessee.
In response, both Dr. Patrick and Mr. Rauschenbach encouraged the parents to write to the administration so they could provide more detailed answers to their specific questions. They also said there are many factors that play into the decision to employ SROs in our schools … one is that it can substantially change the culture of the schools. Mr. Rauschenbach went on to highlight the work done by our District’s Emergency Response Team and our partnership with Scarsdale Police Department.
Ass’t Superintendent for Business Stuart Mattey reported on six upcoming facility bids and RFPS.
What’s Going On
Dr. Patrick reviewed some of the exciting things happening in our schools. In our elementary schools students are taking their learning outdoors into the schools’ educational gardens and learning about germination and planting. As spring brings good weather, many of the elementary schools have also restarted their “Walking School Buses” enhancing not only physical well-being, but social and emotional well-being too. Dr. Patrick also described a special performance at Heathcote Elementary, a visit from author Ellen Ho at SMS, the first annual “Able Lacrosse Classic” at SHS, and the SHS Science Research Symposium where seniors in the program shared their projects and presented their work. Dr. Patrick extended congratulations to the SMS Science Olympiad Team who brought home 10 metals from State competitions. In conclusion he drew attention to two important, upcoming dates: Eid al-Fitr on April 21-22 and Earth Day on April 22nd.
Board Updates
Board members gave additional updates on various happenings in our community.
Robert Klein spoke about an author visit on Tuesday, April 18th sponsored by the Safe Coalition with author Rachel Louise Snyder who will discuss her book: No Visible Bruises: What We Don't Know About Domestic Violence Can Kill Us.
Colleen Brown spoke about a meeting she attended at Southern Westchester BOCES on April 12th. Ms. Brown gave some details about their budget and then emphasized that it this year recognized BOCE’s 75th anniversary.
Suzie Hahn Pascutti reminded the audience about an upcoming joint SMS/SHS PTC program featuring our DEI consultant Dr. Derrick Gay. The program, Are Scarsdale Students Prepared for Success in a Globalized World, will be held in the SHS Auditorium on April 25th at 7:30 p.m.
The Board held a special meeting on Monday April 9th with several community volunteer and liaison groups including, Scarsdale Advocates for Youth (SAY), Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling, Scarsdale Schools Education Foundation, Maroon and White, and the Safe Coalition. BOE president Amber Yusuf described the annual meeting as an opportunity to enhance communication between all agencies and to discuss how the Board can further support each organization’s efforts. The meeting also ensures that all parties are aware of issues as they arise and of community sentiment. Yusuf added that the Board values their partnership with these organizations who help support our students and strengthen our community.
Watch a video of the board meeting here.
Vote for the Budget, the Bond and Board Members on May 16
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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There’s an election in Scarsdale next week. What’s on the ballot? Scarsdale’s $177 mm school budget, a $4.75 million bond to fund a total renovation of the Scarsdale High School auditorium and the seats of two current school board members who are up for re-election for their second three year terms.
All residents are urged to vote at the Scarsdale Middle School from 7 am to 9 pm on Tuesday May 16 to support Scarsdale’s schools.
The 2023-24 school budget of $177.7mm is a 2.59% increase over the 2022-23 school budget and will translate into a 1.93% increase in the tax levy. Residents in Scarsdale will receive a 1.36% increase and those in the Mamaroneck strip will see an 11.2% decrease. The budget increase is just below the 1.94% tax cap.
The budget funds some new initiatives as outlined in the district’s budget presentation. Here they are:
--Adds social work support for elementary students and funding for Responsive Classroom training, and support for student mental health and well-being at all levels K-12.
-Continues the rollout of the Reveal Math program in grades K-5.
-Enhances funding for Deans to travel to colleges, universities and conferences.
-Funds a field study with the Village of Scarsdale and a transportation study to aid in the transition to clean energy vehicles, and continued work in DEI.
-Funds a new roof for the high school band room.
The bond to fund the high school auditorium is on the ballot as a separate proposition.
The $4.75 million will be used to upgrade the seating, acoustics and stage area of the auditorium along with the dressing room and 
Amber Yusufcatwalk area.
It provides necessary safety and accessibility updates for the auditorium which has not been upgraded since the 1980’s.
The bond offer will mean a modest increase of just $27.56 per year for Scarsdale residents and $24.91 for those in Mamaroneck.
The district has launched a website that outlines the project which you can view here.
Also on the ballot are the election of two school Board officers.
Amber Yusuf, who is currently serving as the President of the School Board, is on the ballot for a second three year term. She helped to shepherd the district through the COVID crisis, the payroll tax issue and the transition to a new superintendent.
Bob KleinBob Klein is also running for a second term. An architect by training, he has contributed his expertise in facilities planning and been a committed and involved member of the board.
Remember to vote for the people and the funding that make Scarsdale Schools special on Tuesday May 16, 2023 from 7 am to 9 pm at Scarsdale Middle School.
Your Letters: In Support of Klein and Yusuf for Board of Education
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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This letter was submitted by Carl Finger:
To the Editor:
I wholeheartedly recommend Amber Yusuf and Robert Klein for re-election to the Board of Education. Working with them on the Board of Education through the severest of challenges confirms their qualifications as extraordinary Board Members who should, and must, continue to represent the community on the Board of Education.
Amber Yusuf emerged quickly and effectively as a leader of the Board in her first year on the Board of Education. She provided dedicated, diligent, and effective. Knowing Amber none of this was a surprise. However, her temperament in trying situations, her even keeled approach to the many challenges the Board faced, and her staunch advocacy on behalf the students, convincingly establishes her vital importance to the Board and the community. The successes of the past year can be directly attributed to her leadership as President of the Board and prior to that as Vice President of the Board.
Robert Klein displayed his thoughtful and considered approach to governance from the outset of his first term. No meeting passes without an insightful and often previously unstated perspective on an issue. Bob’s ability not only to consider and formulate a viewpoint but to articulate it for those present at any meeting continues to prove invaluable. Bob’s presentation often compels further discussion about issues ultimately leading to a well-conceived result. His unique perspective clearly positively influenced all decisions by the Board during his term and the successes of the past year can be traced to his contributions.
Both Amber and Bob have proven respectful and congenial colleagues who work well not only with the Board, but parents, community members, administrators, and staff. Their performance and accomplishments leave no doubt that they must be re-elected to the Board so that their excellent work and results will continue. Amber and Bob have my unequivocal support and I hope the voters will join me in re-electing them to the Board of Education.
Very truly yours,
Carl L. Finger
38 Butler Road
Scarsdale, New York 10583
