BOE Covers Lots of Ground at Year End Meeting
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The Board had a lengthy end of year meeting on June 11, 2019 and made decisions on matters that had been discussed at length at previous meetings. Under discussion was Butler Field, environmental testing, facilities, an employment contract for the Superintendent and succession plans for the Board of Education.
Butler Field Lights
Athletic Director Ray Pappalardi presented a draft of a policy on the use of all district fields which includes a subsection about the use of the proposed lights at Butler Field. Also included was policy on the rental of fields, permits and fees.
Here is what the policy says about the use of the lights:
Lighted Contests:
1. Scarsdale Schools
i. Night contests at Butler Track & Field will be scheduled to begin no later than 7:00 p.m. Football games must be completed with field lights off by 10:00p.m. Other field sports games must be completed by 9:00 p.m. A maximum of fifteen (15) night contests shall be allowed per school year. Four (4) additional lighted contests will be allowed per school year if Scarsdale teams host home playoff contests. If on the afternoon of a scheduled night contest, another athletic contest must be scheduled for Butler Track & Field, lights may be used in the afternoon and continue into the evening. In such a case, this shall be counted as one event.
ii. ii. Twilight contests at Butler Track & Field are contests that begin in daylight and end after sundown. JV Field Hockey and JV Girls’ Lacrosse contests, which are scheduled directly after Varsity contests, will begin after a brief warm-up period. A maximum of sixteen (16) twilight contests per school year will be allowed. Four (4) additional twilight contests will be allowed per school year if the Section 1 schedule has an imbalance in home contests. Twilight contests will end no later than8:00 p.m.
iii. Four (4) additional twilight contests will be allowed per school year if the schedule provided by Section 1 produces an imbalance in home contests. All twilight contests will end no later than 8:00 p.m.
2. Community
i. A maximum of ten (10) night contests will be allowed including two-night contests within their respective season for Boys’ Soccer (fall), Girls’ Soccer(fall), Football (fall), Boys’ Lacrosse (spring), and Girls’ Lacrosse (spring).Community contests must be completed with field lights off by 8:00 pm on Sunday-Thursday and 9:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
3. If a contest is delayed because of injury, over time, or a significant public safety event and cannot be completed by its curfew time, the lights will be turned off no later than 30 minutes after the natural conclusion of the contest.
The policy also has provisions for the use of the amplified sound. It says:
Amplified Sound will be used only for Scarsdale School contests and only for:
i. a thirty (30) minute warm-up period prior to each contest
ii. Pre-game announcements and introductions;
iii. the National Anthem; and
iv. Game-time announcements.
During the discussion, Athletic Director Ray Pappalardi responded to a comment from Matt Conlan about Independent Sports Organization field usage and said an inclement weather practice plan would be worked on in advance and permits will be given to the ISO’s.
Lee Maude raised the question about using the sound system for game announcements during high school and ISO games. She said, the neighbors will hear the sound. Dr. Hagerman said that they needed to clarify the use of the amplified sound.
Chris Morin raised the issue of turning off the lights at 8 pm for practices.
He said, “We have heard from only a couple of neighbors who object to practice sound that they can hear and we have heard from many other neighbors who say this is not an issue and then we’ve heard from hundreds who want to use that field especially during the rainy season. So the 8 o’clock cutoff doesn’t seem realistic to me unless we want to guarantee total silence for two houses at the expense of hundreds of residents who live near shared community resources like the train, the Bronx River Parkway and the Hutch that have much higher decibel levels than kids practicing on a field can ever produce. … There are many sports like swimming and basketball go far later.”
Bill Natbony questioned the provision that only allows the Superintendent to approve exceptions. He said, “What if you are unavailable….What if you designate someone else in case you can’t be reached?”
Allison Singer said, “I would suggest that you change the word contest to 'events.' What if we wanted to have graduation under the lights?”
Nina Cannon said, ”I want to echo the comments about providing flexibility. To make a regulation that is too restrictive will not benefit our community.”
Dr. Hagerman responded, “This is a very expensive facility. We want to make sure it is used for its intended purpose.”
Pam Fuehrer said, “I understand the point about flexibility. But I also respect the willingness of Ray and Thomas to be conservative to respect the neighbor’s input. It is more than a handful of neighbors. To go from 7 night games to 15 and the potential for more … I think it’s a respectful approach.”
Chris Morin asked about the height of the proposed lights. Ray replied saying, “The four pole solution is 80 feet high.”
Donor Recognition Plan
The Board then discussed the donor recognition plan which provides engraved pavers and pavers with non-slip bronze plaques for donations of $1,000 or more. The pavers would be set into a 10 X 50 foot walkway outside of the sports area with various size pavers depending on the donation. Other donors will be recognized on the Maroon and White website, in their Sports Journals and in the Scarsdale Inquirer.
The full plan can be viewed here.
Allison Singer thanked Maroon and White and said that the new policy is much more in line with board policies. She questioned the size of the two-foot by two-foot paver for donors of $200,000 or more. She also asked if these pavers were warrantied for foot usage. Chris Morin explained that the two-foot by two-foot banner was meant for Maroon and White. The board supported the donor recognition plan saying it was “tasteful” and “the way of the world.” Pam Feuhrer thanked Maroon and White for their flexibility and willingness to work with Ray Pappalardi. She said, “I think we came to an outstanding plan.”
Chris Morin asked what would happen in the case of a cost overrun. He said the answer should be in the memorandum of understanding. Dr. Hagerman and Scott Silberfein agreed. Bill Natbony asked about a provision to clarify responsibility for maintaining the paver walkway.
Chris Morin asked if anyone had considered using the Butler Field light posts to improve cell service at the schools. He suggested that Verizon would pay the district to install cell service on the poles. Dr. Hagerman said trenching would be used to allow wifi outside.
The Board agreed to approve the Memorandum of Understanding subject to several changes.
The Board also passed a resolution to adopt a Butler Field SEQRA resolution.
Environmental Testing Update
The District has agreed to a new environmental testing protocol and has retained a new firm, Louis Burger, to do the testing. The new protocol can be read here:
https://go.boarddocs.com/ny/scarsdale/Board.nsf/files/BCWRAV678951/$file/Scarsdale%20IAQ-Response%20Protocol.pdf
They company will do a full assessment of every building every year, including offices and classrooms, during the summer to establish a baseline. They will focus on mold and moisture. When problems arise, Burger will come within 24 hours and recommend remediation. The price for the assessment is $22,000 with additional fees for remediation.
Testing this spring found problems in four areas: The art egress area and classroom 24 at Edgewood School had mold, a humidifier was needed in the special education area at the high school and testing in the tech area at the high school revealed the need for a lead filter. All reports can be found here: https://www.scarsdaleschools.k12.ny.us/Page/26540
Facilities Update
The renovation of Greenacres Elementary School will start at the end of the month with the set up of the staging area across the street from the school. A communication plan is being established for teachers, parents and neighbors. The District plans to hold meetings with the neighborhood association in the fall and the spring to keep residents updated on the construction.
This summer, the Heathcote roof project will be done. New security vestibules and cameras will be installed at all elementary schools and new boilers will also be installed.
A bid to do water mitigation at Quaker Ridge, ADA updates at Heathcote and partition walls in both gyms at the middle school came in $400,000 over the $800,000 budget. This work will be repackaged and rebid.
The district is $300,000 under budget for the budget-funded projects. They will bid out elevator projects for the high school and the middle school in July.
Air Conditioning
The district is still discussing options for energy offset with Con Edison Solutions. They are considering solar panels and battery storage of energy which would require “trailer size battery stations.” They are also considering geothermal heat at Dean Field. However, all kids will have access to cooled spaces, with work to be done at Heathcote this summer.
Youth Services
Special Education Director Eric Rauschenbach reviewed the proposed Youth Service Project budget of $516,807, half of which is paid by the schools. For 2019-20 they will add a Drug and Alcohol Task Force coordinator at a total cost of $23,000. Pam Fuehrer expressed a concern about the district paying for personnel for community organizations. She said, “It reminds me of the Teen Center which was not a school entity.” Rauschenbach said a coordinated community response is needed to combat drug and alcohol use. Dr. Hagerman said that the proposed legalization of marijuana has changed the way kids think about drug use and “we need to redouble our efforts.” The budget can be reviewed here.
Five Year Contract for Superintendent Hagerman
The Board announced that they had signed a five-year employment contract with Dr. Hagerman for a salary of $347,000 for the 2019-20 school year. The contract includes provisions for vacation, leave, health, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement fund contributions and more along with $500 a month for a car. The entire agreement can be reviewed here.
Board Succession Plans
The Board considered their leadership for next year. Board President Scott Silberfein proposed that he continue to serve as Board President through January 2020 with Board Vice President Pam Fuehrer taking on the presidency in January to ensure continuity. Dr. Hagerman said there are additional areas of responsibility for all Board members.
Discussing the proposal, Lee Maude said that down the line Scott’s proposal might require a new Board member to take on a leadership role in their first term. In speaking to previous Board Presidents Lee said, “That’s not the best situation.” She said, ”In this situation someone will be President for two years.” Chris said, “The role of the President does not need to be expansive as what we make it.” He encouraged Scott and Pam to think creatively about how the rest of the Board can help. Bill Natbony said, “In past years the tradition had been for board members to serve six years which avoids this situation. Two years as President is an extremely long time. I urge you to look at this year and a half arrangement.”
Prom 2019: All Dressed Up With Somewhere to Go
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The resplendent Class of 2019 looked proud and beautiful at the red carpet celebration before the school prom on Thursday May 30.
This year the style was long, solid colored gowns, many in deep jewel tones,that produced stunning photos. Many of the dresses were strapless or backless and featured revealing v-necks that plunged to the waist.
Poopualr with the girls were floor length gowns in sapphire blue, ruby red and emerald green, with others in pinks and purples. While some were adorned with sequins, there were no floral patterns Many of their dates sported handkerchiefs and bowties to match their dates gowns. Also fashionable among the boys were velvet or cloth loafers.
Though rain threatened all day, the lucky Class of 2019 was able to enjoy their hour outside – with drops holding off until they boarded the buses to Glen Island Harbour Club for their prom party.
Teachers got into the act too with Steve Bogardus sporting a tux. We found class advisors Lauren Barton and Eileen Cagner happy and excited to head off to the prom.
Some began the event at a private pre-prom party.
Check out these photos from the red carpet – and if you would like to add a photo of your prom attendee, email it to [email protected].
Teacher Steve Bogardus in his tux.Class Advisors Eileen Cagner and Lauren Barton were ready for anything.
School Budget Passes with 79.65% Approval Rate, Three New Board Members Elected
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Carl Finger, Karen Ceske and Ron Schulhof were elected to the Scarsdale School Board.Three new members of the Board of Education were elected, and a $160.7 million 2019-20 school budget passed in Scarsdale on Tuesday May 21, 2019. The mood was mellow as current board members, nominees, administrators, PTA volunteers, family and friends gathered to hear the vote count after the 9 pm close of the polls.
With no contested elections for board seats and little controversy about the school budget --which raises school taxes by only 1.63% --voter turnout was the lowest it’s been in the last ten years. However, the school budget passed with 360 yes votes, representing a 79.65% approval rate.
Three new board members will take seats at the table in July 2020.
Karen Ceske, a former PT Council President received 385 votes.
Carl Finger, an attorney and former Trustee of Scarsdale Village received 349 votes.
Ron Schulhof, a champion of sustainability initiatives received 345 votes
They replace three retiring members of the Board:
Bill Natbony who served six years on the Board and was president for the 2018-19 school year.
Lee Maude, who also served six years, including two years as president from 2016-2018.
Nina Cannon who served one term on the Board and opted not to run for a second term due to professional commitments.
The three new members will serve with continuing members, Pam Fuehrer, Chris Morin, Scott Silberfein and Alison Singer.
Two propositions regarding school board elections also passed.
Proposition #1 stipulates that Board members will be elected at large rather than to fill specific seats. This will prevent candidates from targeting a specific candidate for a seat on the Board and will award the seat to whoever receives the most votes. This proposition passed with 338 votes.
Proposition #2 allows qualified voters to register to vote in a school election with the District Clerk during regular hours. This passed with 414 votes.
This past school year was marked by the completion of some large facilities projects, concern about school security and discussions about the district gift policy and a proposed $800,000 donation from Maroon and White to install lights on Butler Field.
Bill Natbony, Scott Silberfein, Chris Morin, Pam Fuehrer and Alison Singer
As almost half of the 2019-20 School Board will be comprised of new members, they will undoubtedly bring a new perspective to issues before the district.
Stuart Mattey and Eric Rauschenbach
Architects and Construction Managers Answer Questions about Expansion of Greenacres School
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The long awaited construction at Greenacres School will begin this summer. At the Board of Education meeting on May 13, Assistant Superintendent Stuart Mattey announced that the $20,189,000 general contracting work had been awarded to Rok-Built Construction from Yorktown Heights. They were the third lowest bidder and were awarded the work after the two lower bidders, Niram and Worth withdrew their bids, citing mathematical errors.
On Tuesday night, May 7th, members of the Greenacres Neighborhood Association were invited to Greenacres School for a presentation by BBS Architecture and Park East Construction to review what’s in store for the community. While the parents of students were invited to a PTA meeting the prior week, this meeting was planned more for neighbors of Greenacres School who may not have children attending. Representatives from the architecture firm and construction management company told the residents about their timelines and plans for the work on the school, and then the floor was opened for questions from the attendees.
The construction will take place in a three-phase plan. The first phase is set to begin on July 1st, 2019, and be completed on September 1st, 2020; the second phase will take place from July 1st, 2019, to September 1st, 2019; the final phase will occur from July 1st, 2020, to September 1st, 2020. Overall, the entirely of the project is planned to be completed in time for the 2020-2021 school year.
The project includes the construction of new additions to the school, including a new learning commons for students, as well as eight new fourth and fifth grade classrooms, and interior renovations to every space inside the school, including conversion of the basement to a new storage space. The new portions of the school will be air conditioned and new unit air ventilators will be added to the classrooms during the summer of 2020. A dehumidification system will be added to the basement where there have been problems with moisture. Residents asked if either solar or geo thermal energy systems would be installed and the answer was no.
The school will be expanded toward Huntington Avenue, within 10 feet of the curb. Two new stair towers will provide access to the school. All of the interior renovations are set to occur during the summers, when the students are out of school, while the external additions will be concurrent with the school year.
Many precautions will be taken to ensure the safety and comfort of Greenacres students and neighborhood residents. There will be temporary fencing set up around the construction site and staging area on the blacktop across the street covered in windscreen. The fencing will have a double gate system to prevent anyone from accidentally walking in. Throughout the year, there will be noise monitors and dust monitors set up in the school to make sure that neither of those levels are dangerous to Greenacres students and staff. If the noise or dust are measured at dangerous levels, construction will be stopped until after school hours. The construction team feels confident that even if they have to do all of their work after school hours, they will still finish the project on time.
Greenacres residents at the meeting had some concerns about the project, and a few asked questions. One person asked about the trucks that would come to drop off supplies. Park East made it clear that the trucks would be prohibited from coming to the school during drop off or dismissal, and if they did come then, would be directed elsewhere. However, it was clear that residents are still worried about where those trucks will go and how they will affect traffic on the streets of Greenacres.
Another resident brought up the concern of asbestos and lead in the school after the summer construction. The presenters assured them that enough time was built into the summer schedule to ensure that the buildings would be thoroughly tested before children were brought back in. Many of those in attendance brought up worries about timing and the project extending over its projected time schedule. However, Park East seemed to have no qualms about going into overtime. They reassured the audience that there was enough time built into the schedule for anything to happen, and no matter what, the building would be open by the school year.
The contractors are expected to have enough time built in for effectively unlimited dust and noise preventing work doing school days. While Greenacres residents may still feel uneasy about the project, the construction companies seem to be confident that there will be no hitches or problems in the process.
Sexual Violence on Campus: What Students and Parents Need to Know
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If you ask a graduating high school senior what their concerns are about college, you might expect to hear things like choosing classes, finding friends, or leaving home. But these days, some incoming college students are worrying about a far darker issue. With the emergence of the #MeToo movement in the past two years, the world has becoming increasingly aware of the prevalence of sexual violence on college campuses.
On Thursday night, May 2, students and parents were invited to the high school to discuss these issues. The panel included Scarsdale High School Principal Ken Bonamo, Assistant District Attorney Laura Murphy, Chief of Police Andrew Matturro, and Vassar College Safety Director Arlene Sabo. Overall, the night was informative and eye-opening for both students and parents.
First to speak was Principal Ken Bonamo who has been the principal of SHS since 2012, and previously worked in New York City schools. He said, “I think that this topic represents an intersection of wellness and curriculum,” he remarked. The issues of consent and sexual violence affect a student both in high school and beyond. It is the school’s responsibility to take action, both because it is where students receive their education, and because the safety and wellness of students should be a school’s first priority. Bonamo then went on to discuss how Scarsdale High School does its part, describing a “comprehensive approach that includes and impacts students in all grade levels”.
In ninth grade, students are first brought into a discussion about sexual assault with a grade-wide assembly. Older students involved in the drama club perform a skit for the freshman class that depicts unhealthy relationships, and how social media and alcohol can play a part in them. After the show, the actors run a Q&A with the audience, debriefing the skit, and touching on the signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships. In tenth grade, students are mandated to take the health course, where there is emphasis on consent, decision making, healthy relationships, and sexual health. The next year, juniors are placed in consent workshops with a small group of peers. They discuss how to prevent sexual assault, dynamics of power and control in relationships, and how alcohol can affect consent. Finally, on one of the seniors’ last days, they are broken up into groups by their dean and have the opportunity to speak with current college students about what life will be like in their next four years. Bonamo noted that this is effective because it’s “young people talking to one another, rather than adults talking to young people”.
Overall, Bonamo emphasized that his goal is to create a common language shared between students, parents, faculty, and the community as a whole. He shared that students are more likely to discuss these topics and issues at school rather than at home where it may be uncomfortable, so “it really is important that we, as a school, give parents and students language to have these discussions in the home”.
Next to speak was, Assistant District Attorney Laura Murphy. Murphy comes to the table with both the perspective of a prosecutor and the perspective of a mother. She began by warning the audience that the number one date rape drug is actually alcohol. “The amount of crimes that involve alcohol are amazing,” she said. Alcohol may not seem like it’s that bad, but it serious impairs your judgment, decision making skills, and ability to give consent. She then delved deeper into the idea of consent, reminding parents to “educate, educate, educate your sons about consent”. Murphy explained the intricacies of what legally constitutes consent. In New York State, anyone who is physically helpless is unable to give consent and having sex with someone who is physically helpless is regarded as the same as a forced sexual attack. Anyone found guilty of this is sentenced of a minimum of five years in prison.
Murphy discussed ways to be proactive, to prevent sexual assault against yourself and others. Murphy encouraged anyone involved in a tricky situation that may involve sexual assault to just walk away. Accomplice liability, she mentioned, means that “you guys can get into trouble for something that somebody else does”. If your roommate assaults someone, for example, and you watch the door for them, or help them cover up, or aid them in any way, you can still face the consequences even though you are not the perpetrator. For victims, Murphy says “I would encourage anyone to call their mom or call their dad”. Some students are afraid to call their parents, out of shame or embarrassment, or if they were drinking at the time and don’t want their parents to find out. Murphy reminded the audience that “Moms would rather you call them, they’ll forgive you”. Murphy’s last piece of advice was that “if it’s your friend, start by believing them. Start by saying ‘I believe you, let's figure out how to handle this’”.
Also on the panel was Scarsdale Chief of Police Andrew Matturro. Father of three girls, Matturro actually had a personal anecdote that he shared with the group. While out to dinner with her boyfriend and a few friends, Matturro’s eldest began to not feel well. She went to the bathroom, and her boyfriend, sensing that something was more than wrong, asked one of their friends to go with her. In the bathroom, Matturro’s daughter collapsed and was unconscious for three hours. When she was brought to the hospital, it was suspected that she had somehow been drugged. Matturro shared his story, which luckily didn’t end badly, just to show that anyone can be a victim, of drugging or of even more.
Matturro then went on to discuss the services that the Scarsdale Police Department provides for the community. He stated that the objectives of the SPD with regard to minors are to provide remedial resolution and divert kids away from the justice system, for positive effects in the future. He also talked about how the police department wants to be a resource, as opposed to a last resort, for kids in the community.
Last to speak was Arlene Sabo, Director of Safety and Security at Vassar College. With an extensive background in college campus security, Sabo had a lot to offer regarding rules and legislature. Sabo’s opening point was that as of 2011, “sexual harassment and sexual assault are to be considered sexual discrimination, extreme forms of it”, and therefore fall under the Title IX legislature. Because of this, there are a number of required protections and precautions that colleges must have in place. For instance, all complaints must be dealt with promptly to limit effects, there must be a designated Title IX officer and responsible, designated and trained employees on campus.
This definition can vary campus-to-campus; in one college, all supervisors may be identified as responsible employees, while in another college, this title may apply to all faculty. It is at the discretion of each institution to decide who fills this role. When these responsible employees are made aware of information about sexual misconduct, they are responsible for reporting all details to a Title IX coordinator. These coordinators release information on a need to know basis, and schools are required to provide interim measures for the safety of the student immediately.
Sabo explained that there are other laws in New York State that magnify and add to Title IX. These include Article 129-B, also known as “Enough is Enough”. This article provides a uniform definition of affirmative consent, an amnesty policy for anyone assaulted while illegally under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and mandates that a victim must be informed about their access to law enforcement. Additionally, the Clery Act includes sexual offenses.
Sabo concluded by offering tips on how to prevent sexual assault, and how to deal with it if it happens to you. She mentioned that many acts of sexual violence occur during the “Red Zone”; the period of time between the beginning of school and Thanksgiving break for incoming freshman. Sabo warned against “party punch”, a mix of many different types of alcohol that may be offered at parties. She recommends that a victim of assault should preserve and collect evidence, by not washing clothes, not showering, saving texts, taking screenshots of messages, finding any witnesses of the situation, and going to the hospital as soon as possible. While a student may not choose to pursue a legal consequence, following these steps may “preserve options” and leave doors open in the future.
Concluding the session, audience members were invited to ask questions and the speakers offered their last pieces of advice. Murphy reminded everyone that whether you are the victim or the accused, the best course of action is to immediately inform your parents “because they’re gonna get you the proper advice.”
Sabo made the point that “consent, or lack of consent, can happen between same sex couples, transgender individuals; it's not about gender identity, or gender orientations”. While this may be highlighted as a problem that commonly occurs male to female, it can happen between any two people.
One mother asked if a girl may not be completely sober but seems to be offering affirmative consent- “how is a young man supposed to be able to assess?” In this situation, Lauren Murphy says to “Educate your children to air on the side of caution”. While a person may seem only tipsy, and still sober enough to make decisions, it is always better to be safe than sorry. The dangerous repercussions surely outweigh one night of fun.
Finally, Ken Bonamo again emphasized the importance of communication at home. “Our children, our students are experiencing a different version of relationship building,” he reminded parents.
Hopefully, events like these will spark discussion, growth, and learning among the Scarsdale community.
