Greenacres Principal Gerry Young to Retire in June
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The Scarsdale Schools will lose another key player at the end of the school year. Along with Superintendent Michael McGill, we recently learned that Principal Gerry Young will step down in June after eleven years heading up Greenacres Elementary School. A note to the community indicates that he announced his retirement now to give the district time to search for his replacement. He also noted that the school will celebrate its 100th birthday in November, 2015.
Anne Lyons, a former PTA President at Greenacres who was on the search committee when Young was hired said this about Mr. Young: "Gerry Young is an innovative educator. He challenges the students, his staff and the parents of Greenacres to think outside the box. He is never satisfied with the status quo; even though change may be controversial, he confronts it head on. He has brightened the school with his bold color choices and his sense of humor. His energetic presence will be missed."
Commenting on his retirement, several Greenacres parents offered kind words: Diane Gurden said, ""Greenacres School has an exceptional teaching staff and provides a wonderfully stimulating learning environment for our children. Thank you to Gerry Young for all that he has done to make the school what it is today, and I wish him well in his retirement. It is a very exciting time to be welcoming a new principal, as we prepare to celebrate our 100 year milestone, while also defining our vision for the future of Greenacres School."
Amy Nasdasdi said, "Personally, when my daughter heard the news about Mr. Young leaving, her response was sadness - "Awww....He's so NICE!" In my opinion, Greenacres is an amazing community. We have an incredibly supportive and tight knit population, along with a great school - both teachers and admin. When any one component of that community changes there is always anxiety about what the future will bring. While we will miss Mr. Young, it is our hope that the parents, students and teachers will embrace this change and continue to build on the successes of the past 11 years while he was here."
Elizabeth Brew agreed, saying "I was saddened to receive news of Gerry's retirement at the end of the school year. In the 8 years I have been part of the GA school community under Gerry's leadership, I have appreciated the major role he has played in making the school academically strong while retaining the family atmosphere. Next year as I graduate one from GA and start 2 more on their journey at GA , I will miss seeing Gerry's smiling face."
Here is a letter Principal Gerry Young sent to the Greenacres community:
Dear Parents,
It is with a heavy heart that I take keyboard in hand to tell you that I have just submitted the paperwork required for my retirement at the end of the 2013-2014 school year. It was not an easy decision to come to.
This is my eleventh year as principal of Greenacres School. In truth, it all started on a whim. I was a principal of an elementary school in Canada and was happy with the progress we had made at that school over the time I was there. I was thinking about the possibility of a change and that coincided with a family visit to NYC and the random purchase of the Sunday Times. That edition contained an ad for an elementary school principal in Scarsdale. In truth, apart from the Diet, I had never heard of Scarsdale or its stellar school system, needless to say this later surprised some of the interviewers. After five rounds of interviews, I had a job offer. I jumped at the chance.
Looking back it seems a much bolder step than it did at the time. Sometimes it pays just to forge ahead and seize a good opportunity. It has been an interesting journey, tough at times and certainly rewarding at others. I don't in any way regret the adventure. I have had the privilege of working with very talented educators in a place that values education first. Your children have been delightful. As a parent body you have been focused, supportive, energetic, and fun to work with. I will miss the community immensely.
On a building level I have been extraordinarily pleased with the progress we have made over the last decade. My staff is hard working and dedicated. They are smart too, and make the right decisions for Greenacres students. We don't want to sound boastful, but Greenacres is in great shape! Our students do very well academically, they are good citizens and they continue to develop a wide range of talents. It has been interesting to watch the students grow over the years. Our grads come back to relive good times and to tell about their future plans. They are well on the way to making successful lives for themselves which is really the ultimate goal.
The school year is only half done. There is still much to do. There is a big role for parents in the selection of the next principal and plans need to be in place for the 100th anniversary of the opening of the school on November 29th, 2015. Take advantage of these opportunities to help shape the future of Greenacres School. And don't forget, I'll be looking for an invitation to return to celebrate the 100th.
Gerry Young
School Board Member Jonathan Lewis to Step Down
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Scarsdale School Board member Jonathan Lewis has informed the School Board Nominating Committee (SBNC) that, for personal and professional reasons, he will not be a candidate this year for re-election to the Scarsdale Board of Education. Mr. Lewis has served on the School Board since 2011 and, although eligible for re-nomination, has decided not to seek a second term.
John Clapp, Chair of the SBNC stated: "On behalf of the SBNC, I would like to thank Jonathan for his dedicated service to the school district and the community. While we would like to be considering him for re-nomination, we respect his decision to step down at the end of the current school year and wish him well in his future endeavors. We are encouraged that Jonathan will continue his work as the board's liaison to the New York State School Board Association through the end of his term."
Commenting on Lewis' decision, School Board President Suzanne Seiden said, "My Board colleagues and I would like to thank Jonathan Lewis for his service. He has been a valued contributor, and we will miss his passion for innovation and continuous advocacy for excellence in education. We respect his decision not to seek a second term, and we know that he will continue to serve the schools and the community in other ways."
We spoke to Lewis about his decision not to seek a second term and here is what he shared with Scarsdale10583:
(Q) What are the reasons you will not seek a second term on the School Board?
(A) I have decided not to seek a second term for personal and professional reasons. I intend to stay involved in civic matters, most especially in education reform, with an emphasis on finding ways to end the unfunded mandates and other ill-considered policies at the state level that undermine progressive education and the fiscal solvency of school districts across the state.
(Q) Did the rejection of the first school budget last May or contentious community members impact your decision?
(A) Not at all. Grass roots democracy is the bedrock of our community and nation. The no vote was important feedback to the board which led to a round of open community meetings and a better budget approved by the voters. In that context, I have always felt that Scarsdale Board of Education meetings, and the exchange of views among board members and with the community, are part of a tradition of local democracy stretching back to the New England town meeting system of government. Through public meetings, I have learned from my fellow board members and the community.
(Q) During your tenure on the Board, of which contributions are you most proud? What did you enjoy or find interesting?
(A) Proudest contributions: A focus on fiscal responsibility while marshaling resources for progressive education initiatives such as the Center for Innovation. Working to keep tax increases low, while supporting investments in research and development and professional development initiatives critical to moving the district closer to the goals of the Scarsdale Education for Tomorrow.
(Q) What advice would you offer to other community members who are considering serving on the School Board?
New board members should remember that they are part of an important tradition of community service. Our school district's reputation has been built over decades, and trustees must put individual viewpoints aside and remember our goal is to serve as good stewards. None the less, the board today operates within a unique environment. The tax cap, combined with a variety of ill-considered state mandates, largely unfunded, will continue to be a challenge in the years ahead for all school districts seeking to deliver a great education to their community. New board members need to think about how to navigate those challenges while keeping their vision focused on delivering on the promise of a Scarsdale education.
(Q) Anything else you would like to add?
(A) I would like to say thank you to the SBNC and the people of Scarsdale for giving me the opportunity to serve our community. Thanks to my fellow board members who will continue to serve, and volunteer countless hours on behalf of us all, as well as to the professional staff who makes the work of the board possible. I also want to thank the teachers who bring to life the promise and values of a Scarsdale education - they are the heart and soul of our school district. Most important, I want to thank my wife, Laura, and children, Steven and Hannah, who supported and encouraged me throughout my term, though I was away for long hours often arriving home from board meetings in the late hours of the night.
Scarsdale10583 also spoke to Florie Wachtenheim, who served on the Scarsdale School Board from 
2001-2006 and as Board Vice President and President in 2004 and 2005. We asked her what the impact of Lewis' decision might be on the current school board's sucession plans for selecting leadership. Here is her response:
"Each year the Board elects it leadership, meaning its President and Vice President. In any given year people are considered for their qualities and skill set, and the people best deemed suitable to lead the Board for the next school year are elected by their peers to do so. Yes, seniority has been appreciated as an important qualifier, but certainly not as the only one. I can think of several instances of trustees not completing six years on the Board of Education, in the years during my Board term and afterwards, and in each case it seems careful consideration was given to the issues of leadership and succession. The President and Vice-President of the BOE meet with the Superintendent of Schools approximately twice in every month. This forum plays an important role in leadership development."
She continued, "I think there is much value in having a school trustee serve for two three-year terms. The learning curve is pretty steep. Like many situations, trustees learn each time they go through a certain experience, such as a budget cycle. When the turnover is quicker, a Board will need to pay extra attention to mentoring newer members, and thoughtfully thinking through succession issues. I have been pleased to see that this has been the case, when necessary."
The SBNC will shortly be starting its work to identify candidates for nomination to the Board of Education. In 2014, the SBNC will nominate two candidates to the board. In addition to the vacancy created by Jonathan Lewis' decision not to seek re-nomination, an additional seat is available to fill the position currently held by Sunil Subbakrishna, who is completing his first term and is eligible for re-nomination.
The SBNC invites all residents to propose candidates for the Board of Education. A candidate must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, a qualified voter, and a resident of the Scarsdale school district for at least one year prior to the May 20, 2014 school board election date. Candidates should complete a biographical information form and submit it via email to the SBNC Chair, John Clapp, at sbncchair@gmail.com as soon as possible, but no later than 5:00 PM on February 25, 2014. Forms are available at www.scarsdalesbnc.com. For more information on the SBNC, including the governing Resolution, information on the non-partisan system, and a list of the current SBNC members, please visit the SBNC website or contact the SBNC Chair.
Architects Provide Update On Scarsdale Schools Master Plan
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Architects from Kaeyer, Parker & Garment, KG&D, have begun working on a master plan for the Scarsdale School District. The firm, who designed the Post Road Elementary School in White Plains, was retained to create a master plan and to propose solutions for updates at four of the district's seven schools.
Russ Davidson, President and Managing Partner of the firm appeared before the School Board on Monday night January 13 to provide an update on their progress. The firm's slogan is "listen, imagine, build" and they are doing just that. They have met with representatives from Heathcote, Edgewood and the Scarsdale Middle School and toured the schools to analyze existing spaces, identify needs and explore possible solutions.
The School Board has given the firm a proposed budget of $12 - $15 million which would be funded via a bond if it is approved by the community in December, 2014. The administration estimates that the debt service on this bond would not require a tax increase as it would coincide with the retirement of earlier bonds.
A "Facilities Master Plan Steering Committee" including residents, administrators, teachers, students and liaison from the Board of Ed has been designated to define district priorities. Simultaneously, KG&D has set to work on the master plan.
At the meeting on Monday night, Davidson showed some preliminary alternatives for an expanded library at Edgewood School, a new multipurpose room/cafeteria at Heathcote School and an Orchestra Room at the Scarsdale Middle School, where the stage of the auditorium now serves as the rehearsal space. For each school, Davidson presented three design options and provided a rough estimate of the cost.
Next steps will be a second meeting at Heathcote School and work at the high school where the firm will look at repurposing the auto shop, using the old gym as a mixed use space, providing space for science research and a wellness center and redesigning the Little Theatre.
In the question and answer period following the presentation, a Greenacres resident asked if anything was in the works for the Greenacres Elementary School that is now filled to capacity.
Superintendent McGill responded by saying, "Besides relocating the office, there is not a lot that we think that can be done to the building to address the issues. The classrooms are on the small size and there are problems with water infiltration in the walls. The issue for Greenacres will be, do we gut the school and begin again or do we move the building across the road and build and new building?" He continued, "No one has come up with good ideas about how to improve the quality without making significant changes. The building footprint cannot be extended and we looked at adding a second floor and that would not work. It is unlikely that there will be a new school within the next 5 years."
However he did suggest that parents come up with changes that could be made to improve the quality of life at the school that could be funded from the operating budget.
Assistant Superintendent Linda Purvis told the group that a $12-$15mm bond will not fund all of the projects on the district's wish list. The process now is to identify the needs of each building, gather information, make a plan and then figure out how to stage and finance the construction.
(Pictured at top: Davidson presents options for placement of a new multi-purpose room at Heathcote Elementary School)
Boykin Visits the Scarsdale League of Women Voters
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Benjamin Boykin II, County Legislator for District 5, spoke to the Scarsdale League of Women Voters on Monday, Jan. 13 at a general membership meeting.
The County Legislator, or Ben as he suggested he be called, made a presentation to the attentive audience, providing members with a 20+ page written handout that included details on the County budget for the 2014-15 year and the reorganization of the County Board as well as what he saw as the priorities of the County for the upcoming year. Some of the priorities for the Legislator were improving the relationship between the County Executive and the Board of Legislators, voting on the Playland Improvement Plan, moving forward with the Affordable Housing Settlement, consideration of the recommendations of the Westchester County Charter Revision Commission, and monitoring the Water District #1 litigation and projects such as the Sheldrake River drainage basin and the Crane Bridge project.
Following his informative presentation, Mr. Boykin took Q & A from the audience. He urged those present to contact him with any issues or concerns, leaving with them his work, home and cell numbers along with his e-mail address. District 5 includes all of Scarsdale, most of White Plains and a portion of Harrison.
(Pictured at top: LWVS President Susie Rush and County Legislator Ben Boykin: Photo credit: Nan Berke)
A Scarsdale Artist Creates a Genre of Her Own
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The work of contemporary artist Saya Woolfalk cannot be categorized easily – part painter, graphic designer sculptor, filmmaker, musician, futurist and philosopher –this talented Scarsdale native uses a variety of media to create highly original installations that are ripe with cultural and political overtones. Asked to describe what she does, Woolfalk says," I build installations and work with museums to build fictional cultures, videos, and performances. They begin with a fictional story that I flesh out using video, painting, and art."
Many of the installations include life-size mannequins, dressed in colorful costumes and ensconced in fictional environments where they examine cultural differences, racial stereotypes, gender types, and human relationships to the natural world. Woolfalk uses these mannequins to create live performances and integrates video as part of the tableau and as method of recording her work. To understand her work, take a look at this video of her exhibit at the Montclair Art Museum in 2012 where Woolfalk created the museums first solo multi media exhibition, centered on a society of women called, The Emphatics.
Woolfalk is receiving national and international recognition and her stories are on view worldwide. Her fanciful creations are now on view at 
places as far flung as the Studio Museum in Harlem to the Museum of Contemporary Art in Taipei. This year, Woolfalk was one of six artists selected from among 600 applicants for the Artist Studio Program at Smack Mellon in Brooklyn. http://smackmellon.org/index.php/contact/current-artists/The Program provides artists who are working in visual arts media with free private studio space as well as a $5,000 fellowship. Woolfalk debunked from her Manhattan studio to take advantage of this offer that allows her to work near her home in Brooklyn.
For Woolfalk, it all began in Greenacres, where she grew up on Walworth Avenue and was encouraged by her parents to develop her creativity in art, music, piano, violin and dance classes, beginning at an early age. Her home environment was multi-cultural as her mother is Japanese and her father is Afro-American and white. Her parents still live and work in the Village where her dad has a law practice and her mother, also a lawyer, works as his accountant.
Woolfalk also credits her grade school teachers, especially Mrs. Harley at Greenacres Elementary School, with providing her for the inspiration behind some of her work that continues today. Harley encouraged creative exploration via an archaeological dig, doing an ecological survey or a multi cultural study – themes that are echoed in Woolfalk's installations.
She complemented her school classes with art classes at AB Art in Hartsdale with Joan Fenroe where she drew, made oil paintings and did graphic design projects that developed her love of color and design. In high school, she moved on to study with Joan Busing who had a background in textile design and taught her about pattern and repeat design. She also remembers an art teacher at Scarsdale High School who was very supporting of her work and permitted her unlimited access to the high school art room and supplies.
Woolfalk did more than art during her years at Scarsdale High School. She acted in summer theatre, sang in the chorus and during college at Brown she majored in both economics and visual art. She is now working on a project about a group of people who create a corporation to distribute eco-utopian ideas – and she calls on her knowledge of many disciplines to bring these ideas to life.
She has a full agenda planned for 2014. In the next few months her work will appear at the Brooklyn Museum, followed by exhibitions at the Asian Museum, The Chrysler Museum in Norfolk, VA and the Seattle Art Museum. Though Woolfalk has much on her plate, we couldn't detect any stress in her voice. She sounds upbeat, exuberant and enthused about the way the world has embraced her vibrant, multi-cultural, sci-fi creations.
What advice does she give to any young artists in our audience? Here is what she said, "Only become an artist if you really want to be one. It takes hard work and perseverance. Listen to your mentors and teachers while simultaneously cultivating your own voice. Hear the responses of others and respond to them. But maintain your own voice.
If you would like to see her work, her closest exhibit to the 'dale can now be viewed at the Afrofuturism exhibit at the Studio Museum of Harlem and visit Saya Woolfalk's website to learn more about her and her work.
