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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 21 November 2013

Created: 21 November 2013

Last Updated: 22 November 2013

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Assistant Schools Superintendent Linda Purvis provided the community with an early look at the numbers for the 2014-15 Scarsdale School Budget at the BOE meeting on Monday night November 18. In an effort to assess community opinion early in the process and avoid a repeat of the 2013 budget showdown, the current Board asked the administration to give their best estimate of what could be in store for the spring.

Purvis explained that the adjusted tax cap for the coming year will be 2.66% and according to current estimates, a rollover budget for 2014-15 would be 2.2% above this year's budget, exceed that cap by $900,000, and mean a 3.1% tax increase over 2013-14. A rollover budget would maintain the current educational program and current class sizes.

Assumptions that were used for the projection are as follows:

• 65 additional students will attend Scarsdale Schools
• 9 staff members will be added to accommodate the increase in enrollment while Class sizes will be maintained at 22 students for grades K-3 and 24 students for grades 4 and 5.
• Payments for the retirement and pension system will go up by 7.5%
• Health care costs are projected to rise 3%. This year teachers are contributing to their health care premiums

Unknown expenses include:

• Special education costs
• Fuel costs
• Increases in labor contracts with the exception of Scarsdale Teachers.

On the revenue size, Purvis assumed a 0% increase in state aid which has steadily decreased over the past 5 years, a 0% increase in sales tax and said it was too early to know what the surplus might be from this year's budget though there is already a $1.2 million surplus in salaries due to early retirements.

The district is now holding $1.6 mm in a health reserve fund that Purvis would like to dismantle over the next four years. If so, some of that reserve will be used to buffer health care costs. However, the Board could choose to use all $1.6 mm for the coming year's budget.

The presentation elicited considerable conversation from both the Board members and the audience.

Board Member Lew Leone asked what affect the 100 or so faculty and employee children who attend the schools tuition-free had on thestaffing projection. Joan Weber and Michael McGill answered that these children would not impact staffing or cause elementary school classes to break into additional sections.

Board Member Mary Beth Gose noted that at this time in the budget process in previous years, Purvis' projections had shown that expenses would be far higher than they were in the final budgets that were ultimately proposed. She asked Purvis how conservative she was being and Purvis said, "we are trying to be very realistic with the information that we have."

Board President Suzanne Seiden said, "We all want to minimize tax growth as some are on fixed incomes. Yet it is also important to preserve our program and safeguard the primary aspect of the Scarsdale community – education. We are wrestling with these forces and intend to do our best. Some of this data is certain and some will change over the next few months. This is a snapshot taken at a particular moment."

In the public comments session, most encouraged the Board to focus on the needs of the district rather than the desire to come in under the tax cap.

PT Council President Pam Rubin said, "Use fiscal prudence by focusing on the right budget for our community rather than an arbitrary number set by the state .... Get it right irrespective of the tax cap as you did in the past."

Jeff Spiegel read a Declaration of Fiscal Independence that was crafted by the Coalition for Scarsdale Schools and signed by 231 members of the community, urging the Board to maintain excellence in the schools and local control. Read the entire statement here.

Art Rublin, President of the Coalition for Scarsdale Schools read a statement that called for the Board to offer the community clear explanations of:

• The importance of small class sizes and favorable faculty to student ratios
• The importance of having at least one curriculum specialist in science and one in math to cover the five elementary schools.
• The importance of teachers in charge and assistant to provide educational support, to promote collaboration and synergies.
• The importance of the center for innovation
• The role of the fund balance and reserves in budgeting decisions.

Former Quaker Ridge PTA President Lisa Eisenstein said she grew up in Staten Island when New York went bankrupt and had 66 students in her science class. Though she voted against the first budget last May she supports the Board's intention to propose a rollover budget. She said, "we must figure out what we need before we get what we want."

Former School Board President and Village Trustee Richard Toder called on the board to "make the hard calls and rely on the good judgment of the community. " He said, "If I have to choose between a judgment made in Albany or this Board there's no contest. Decide what's best for the community. Scarsdale is all about quality of education. Less is not necessarily better when it comes to education."

Bob Berg, who led the campaign to defeat the first proposed 2013-14 school budget in May 2013 spoke in favor of a budget that comes in under the cap. He said, "This year we should keep things simple. Last year the community did not want a budget above the cap. I propose that the Board propose a budget that stays within the cap. He then added, "The health insurance reserve is illegal. The State Controller has said so. The District needs to eliminate this now – not over 4 years. Take this money into income and we will be $700,000 below the cap – and it s a no brainer."

Note: We received the following information from Linda Purvis on this point.  After the NYS auditor expressed concerns about the health care reserve fund due to a change in the interpretation of the law concerning insurance reserves in June 2013 the District agreed to dismantle the health insurance fund over a five year period. The health insurance fund was not found to be "illegal."

Heather Gilchrist Smiley recalled what happened to education in California when Proposition 13 was passed when she was 8 years old. She said her "sought after school district was chipped away bit by bit." According to Gilchrist, California's educational system had been a leader in the nation and is now at the very bottom of the rankings.

Harriet Sobol said, "Do you think the governor should tell us how much we should spend on our kids? Addressing the Board members she said, "You've got to look into yourselves and build a budget that we believe in. The community will support you if they believe in you."

Debbie Rappaport, a 30 year resident of Scarsdale said she raised four children here and now her daughter has returned to Scarsdale with her children who "deserve the same wonderful education their parents and grandparents received." She said, "I don't enjoy paying higher taxes," but said it was up to the empty nesters to pay taxes so that children can attend our schools."

Eric Staffin said it was a "delicate balance between fiscal prudence and educational excellence, " and said, "Resources are needed to keep Scarsdale at the forefront.
Investing in the future is something sophisticated taxpayers understand."

Mary Beth Evans said, "Preserving program and leadership in education is important. Please clarify what kind of leadership you mean and what a rollover budget will mean."

Referring to the survey results for the Superintendent Search, Pam Fuehrer said, "The community expressed a mandate when we said we wanted a visionary leader...someone who moves forward with imagination and wisdom. We are doing less with less. I want the creativity to continue."

Speaking on behalf of the League of Women Voters, President Susie Rush read the following, "The League has supported the approach that was used by the Board of Education and the Administration to prepare the school budgets in the last two years -- to develop those school budgets with the primary focus on maintaining an excellent school system, while also recognizing the current economic pressures on residents. The League last year commended the Board and the Administration for proposing a budget which focused on educational goals and fiscal prudence and not on a state mandated tax limit."

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Published: 18 November 2013

Created: 18 November 2013

Last Updated: 18 November 2013

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This letter was sent to Scarsdale10583 by Phil Vallone, a board member of the NY School Bus Contractors Association: To the Editor: As former President and current sitting board member with the New York School Bus Contractors Association, and someone who has intimate knowledge of the pupil transportation industry, I read your article, "The Business of Busing - A Transportation Report from the Scarsdale Schools", with great interest.

While I can't quibble with everything that was contained within the report, there are a couple of points worth clarifying when it comes to contracted pupil transportation services.

The first, regarding the statement that there is there is cost volatility associated with contracted services. Contracted busing services are no more volatile than any other. In fact, they are usually less volatile, as contracts, for the most part, actually lock in costs for as long as 5-years. This a benefit to school districts and tax-payers, as budgets can be crafted without fear of large year-to-year cost increases for services.

The second, that there are no employee benefits with contracted services. It is simply not the case that we don't offer benefits to our drivers and staff. Contracted drivers do, in fact, receive benefits. This includes health care plans, vacation and sick time, and, depending on the district, the ability to continue to participate in a public retirement program.

Quality drivers and quality student transportation services at a fair price are win-wins for School districts and tax-payers. Last week in New York City it was announced, after opening up School busing contracts for public bid, that the city will save an estimated $210 million over the next five years. The savings are in addition to the $100 million that will be saved from bids awarded last winter. Another recent example is the Niskayuna School District near Albany, which is now making the switch to contractor provided busing. It's a move that's saving the district approximately 20-percent in annual transportation costs.

As transportation providers for more than half of the school-age children in this state, we have a record of safety, quality, and cost effectiveness that is unparalleled. We are proud of the work we do, and the services we provide. We're always striving to do better for the school districts who entrust us with those services too.

For example, right now we are trying to alleviate what we believe is unfair tax burden – sales taxes on school buses. These are taxes being indirectly paid by school districts through transportation contracts. Working with the legislature, the New York School Bus Contractors Association is pushing for an exemption on this tax. It would also apply to parts, maintenance, and fuel. Learn more at www.nysbca.com.

Our members will continue to help bring much-needed fiscal relief to schools and our state, while continuing to provide New Yorkers with the safest and most reliable pupil transportation services in the country.

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Published: 12 November 2013

Created: 12 November 2013

Last Updated: 12 November 2013

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This letter was sent to Scarsdale10583 for publication by the leadership of the Scarsdale PT Council: Parent-teacher Council – the umbrella organization for all seven Scarsdale school PTAs – just delivered a message on the absence of state-level accountability to public school stakeholders for the high costs, negative educational consequences and even the credibility of the State's current unproven education reform agenda to State Education Commissioner John King. The message, along with documented examples, was also sent to the Board of Regents, Governor Cuomo, and State lawmakers, and urged that the State's current approach be replaced with one based on evidence-based education policy, including multiple measures of school success, shared accountability and restored local control. Click here to read the full message on the PT Council website.

Scarsdale PT Council leadership and committee chairs were among over 700 area public school stakeholders present at the Commissioner's October 28th "listening tour" stop in Port Chester to deliver the message in person and to hear firsthand as over 70 speakers -- including area parents, school board members, teachers and administrators -- gave resoundingly negative feedback on the State's approach to education reform.

Complaints consistently targeted:
(1) the State's over-reliance on high-stakes standardized testing and reductive measures of school success;
(2) the rushed and chaotic roll-out of the new and untested K-12 Common Core Standards;
(3) costly, burdensome and unreliable teacher evaluations tied to student test scores;
(4) centralized storing and sharing with private vendors of sensitive student data without parental opt out or consent.

That the State's reforms are hurting students was an oft-repeated theme throughout the three-hour forum. Area teachers told how difficult it was to provide differentiated instruction to diverse learners with "one size fits all" Common Core Standards or to even fathom the State's new Math and English Language Arts curriculum "modules," which they called confusing and classroom irrelevant. Teachers and parents alike, along with one 10-year old, reported diminished student engagement and dulled passion for learning. Meanwhile, educators from the area's lower income districts already devastated by budget cuts and years of inadequate State funding revealed their added price of compliance with the State's costly mandates -- still larger class sizes and even deeper program cuts.

The specific effect of State reform mandates on Scarsdale education is the topic of the PT Council's Tuesday, November 19th 7:30 pm speaker series event at the Scarsdale Middle School: "Is New York's Race to the Top Dragging Scarsdale Down?" The PT Council presentation will be followed by a panel discussion with Scarsdale Superintendent Michael McGill, Scarsdale Middle School Principal Michael McDermott, Scarsdale Teacher Association President and Greenacres Music teacher Trudy Moses, and Scarsdale Assemblywoman Amy Paulin and is open to all members of the Scarsdale community.

Pam Rubin, President, Scarsdale Parent-Teacher Council
Nan Berke & Mary Beth Evans, Co-chairs, Legislative Committee

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Written by: Stacie M. Waldman

Published: 06 November 2013

Created: 06 November 2013

Last Updated: 07 November 2013

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On November 4th, Mike McDermott, Principal of Scarsdale Middle School (SMS), presented an update on the Scarsdale Middle School and its programming. To begin, 1135 students are taught by a staff of 106. Average class size is between 23-24 students, and $221 is spent each year, per student, on educational expenditures such as equipment, supplies, and textbooks. There are 2 assistant principals, 4 house counselors, 2 nurses, 3 youth outreach workers, and a speech/language pathologist shared with the high school.

SMS is a well-functioning school whose students perform well above average both academically and otherwise, attributed to 15 distinguishing features of excellence:

1. House Structure- Mr. McDermott described this as a "school within a school" and a very unique feature of SMS. Students are assigned to one of four "houses" during their time at SMS to increase the personal attention each student receives. There is in-house dining available and each house has it's own counselor. There are 6th, 7th, and 8th grade teachers in each house represented across subject areas. A learning resource center is in each house and teams are available to meet with parents if necessary.

2. CHOICE- Similar to the "A" school at the high school, there is a 7th and 8th grade alternative program in which 40-50 students participate with 3 teachers assigned to CHOICE. There is an innovative, challenging curriculum set that includes math, sciences, humanities, CHOICE studies, and a strong emphasis on technology integration.

3. Public Speaking- This is very unique to SMS and the school is proud to continue its program in public speaking as most schools have cut this subject.

4. Advanced Math Program- 74% of students participate in this program, and the school records very strong and consistent regents test results in math.

5. Technology- Teachers at SMS are very technologically savvy. There are 2 dedicated technology labs and applications like Google docs and other cloud-based technology is extending learning beyond the school day.

6. Interdisciplinary projects- Mr. McDermott counted more than 25 projects across all houses and classes made possible, in part, by summer program improvement funds. Teacher collaboration and willingness is responsible for the success of these projects.

7. Scarsdale Commons Assessments- These are 40+ projects that focus on deep, critical thinking. There is at least one for every grade in each subject and in each house. Teachers use these assessments to gage student work and revise and update their curriculum.

8. Innovative Programs- There is a gaming technology program, as well as a "passion with a purpose" program, for example. On Wednesdays, for "passion with a purpose," there is no homework during one quarter of 7th grade and students are encouraged to use that day to devote time to pursuing a passion and chronicling it.

9. New Programs- There are many new things going on at SMS. Seventh graders have a nutrition and poverty unit, Butler 6 is doing a science-in-the-news project, and there are many expanded after school activities: There are 23 after school clubs, intramurals, computer lab and library access, extra help sessions, study room availability, and 650 students in total stay for after school activities regularly.

10. Modified Sports Program- SMS offers 8 sports over 3 seasons and a "no-cut" policy so every student who wishes to play gets to play on a team. This program has increase in size since being introduced.

11. Human Rights Day- SMS is proud to participate in a day dedicated to critical and creative thinking about global issues.

12. Focus on Empathy- SMS has ongoing anti-bullying efforts aimed at all students and addresses bullying by teaching pro-social skills.

13. Service Learning- There are 12 ongoing projects and 3 new projects this year (so 15 in total) that include service learning. Last year, $8,500 was raised for charity and 1,200 new toys were collected for children in Long Beach Island after Hurricane Sandy.

14. Transition Programs- SMS offers transition help at the 5th to 6th grade level and 8th grade to high school level.

15. Impact- Alumni of SMS think they are well prepared for high school. Their high school preparation score is 4.23 (out of 5.0).
Mike McDermott believes the keys to success of SMS students include focusing on sustained professional development of teachers, annual goal setting processes, intrinsically motivated faculty, and a positive school culture both on the part of the students and their parents. Overall, kids are happy and like to be at SMS.

Suzanne Seiden, President of the Board of Education, asked what SMS needs from the Board. Mr. McDermott responded, "A second librarian and at the very least, continuation of staff development. We've discovered that this is critically important," he continued. "I don't have to mandate innovation, passion, or creativity to make things happen here. The staff does it because they are given the time and motivation to do it, particularly during the summer." Ms. Seiden pressed for more information about how the school is managing with one librarian. Mr. McDermott responded by saying that it is difficult with one librarian, even though the one they have is highly capable. Last year, with 2 librarians, there were 120 teacher/librarian interactions for research projects. This year she is keeping track of how many of these projects she must turn down.

Leilia Shames Maude asked if there are other things that could be cut to produce funds for an additional librarian. Mr. McDermott said, "We could do it for less by eliminating certain things...but it won't work the same way." She also asked about the emphasis on technology and the effect that might have on the teaching of writing skills to students. Mr. McDermott insisted that technology is used as a means to an end, not an end in and of itself. He confirmed that there is still much attention being focused on writing.

Ultimately, Scarsdale High School produces students with phenomenal achievements, and this would not be possible without a solid middle school program. The average SAT score in Scarsdale last year was a whopping 1937 (out of 2400), and 64% of students attend the most competitive colleges as ranked by Barron's.