Opinion: Too Many Questions Remain to Move Forward with a Bond Referendum
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- Written by Diane Greenwald
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(This statement was read by Diane Greenwald at the December 4, 2017 meeting of the Scarsdale Board of Education.) Thank you for this opportunity to speak tonight at this public forum and for your dedication to your work on this bond effort.
Recently, I have heard several in district leadership express a desire not to 'bind' future boards with promises or plans because, it seems, that some of you feel bound today to invest in Greenacres by a promise from the past. The implication, whether intentional or not, is that Greenacres is lucky, as if investment is an appeasement to an energized yet fractured subset of our community, and that this single plan, at about $33 million, is the last chance for Greenacres to be a priority. While I am sympathetic to any fatigue around Greenacre's discussions, I worry that this narrative undermines healthy community engagement, and is not leading to adequate questioning, informed decision-making, appropriate compromise or successful buy in.
As I understand it, there are demonstrated and critical issues driving investment into Greenacres -- and past promises are based on real needs. The recent report around mold in the basement and in classrooms at Greenacres reminded me to reflect on the original Greenacres project drivers, and here is how I understand them:
1) Water and its effects - There are unique water issues, perhaps due to a higher water table at GAs than at other older schools, that have led to mold growth, and while this district keeps our buildings tidy and claims to keep Greenacres remediated, children currently being taught in the basement, are clearly not intended to be taught there into the future. Which brings me to...
2) Size - the school loses about 2,200 NSF (I think) of instruction space from the basement and there simply isn't room to move that upstairs in an already tight facility. This building is, in fact, too small for the current and foreseeable population, all the demographic modeling aside. We heard Dr. Hagerman present his view that a decreasing population is a key reason not to build a new school, but then, months later, Dr. Hagerman noted that if we build an appealing school addition, new families might be attracted to move into the area, overriding decreasing demographic projections. One can assume that if an addition would be an attraction, a new school would be too. So, I mean no disrespect, but I think perhaps demographic projections need to factor in improvements; otherwise they are not the best data points for determining investment. The bottom line is the school is not the adequate size or space allocation for modern instructional demands and might not be even when expanded.
3) Site Location– I understand that the district architect is confident they can secure SED permission for another expansion on this tight site, however, the expansion does not solve some of the problems of the site, including: having a playground across a street; placing a hulking addition with over-scale massing in a residential location; ongoing parking issues, pick up issues, or access problems for building services. All these site items are safety concerns. Maybe these issues are lower priorities for Greenacres families, which I am not, but first priority or not, the issues remain there and are real.
4) Deferred Maintenance and Planned Improvements – The June 12 Presentation identifies about $12M of known need. I believe about $5-6 Million is not being included in this bond. Which raises the question of why not? Once working at Greenacres, are there economies of scale that would make inclusion of some or all of these items a benefit? Are we foregoing cost efficient opportunities that will burden future boards? And are we really spending so much money and not getting everything done?
5) Instructional Space Improvement Opportunities – Once recognizing the need for expansion and improvement specific to this school, there is an opportunity to reorganize rooms, fix space constraints and modernize for our district's stellar educational practices. Interesting goals include creating flexibly and increasing collaboration spaces; adding a cafeteria and kitchen; improving access for all students, and access to light and technology; expanding storage for extended, focused project-based learning; expanding classroom sizes to meet national standards; including new furniture and maybe sinks in all classrooms; and more! These are all worthy goals, and this seems to be the area of some focus, with some notable improvements, but also noticeable omissions leaving many ideas unexplored and some in the community underwhelmed and clearly the complications of construction and health remain worrisome to many more.
Whether addressed now, or later, whether a bond package passes now or not, all these issues – and likely more -- will remain a part of future capital investment conversations. They are not going away.
And I still have a lot of questions.
I have been told repeatedly, even when not asking, that the idea of a 'new school' is a ship that has sailed. And I have watched with confusion as the Board determined $30-$35M as the 'feels right' amount to spend on Greenacres. OK. I think it's a sizable amount of money and so much can be done with that. But I think the conversation got shut down before we truly have understood what is the return on investment for this reno/expansion for Greenacres. I still am unclear if are we getting the right fixes for this money. Are these the long-term solutions? Is this building really safe for significant investment and upheaval? Are the high water table and the mold-growth issues fully dealt with? Is a commercial dehumidifier, which will need to be replaced some day, the best approach? Mold spores in classrooms and festering in walls are disease carrying and children are vulnerable– its concerning!
Are the priority learning needs being addressed? Why was a GA building committee convened and then disbanded without capturing their good thinking and ideas about learning and building priorities on the pre-schematic design concept? Should the bond pass, what is the plan for project oversight, that includes community and board input/review/approval as the project morphs through schematic design, design development, construction documentation and as it is value engineered, which could significantly impact scope? Having put out to the community very specific deliverables, has this board got a clear sense of the conceptual priorities that will drive this process that will surely require hard choices as the design and cost estimates grow more accurate and detailed? Again, considering how much is not done, how long will this last?
And my questions go on...
Why are critical district decisions around food service and air conditioning postponed in favor of roof and boiler maintenance, projects that could perhaps be more easily tucked into annual operating budgets over time? How is the notion of 'health and safety' actually driving inclusion of maintenance and planned improvement in this bond? In some ways, everything is health and safety – it's a big umbrella. I applaud the attention to ADA compliance, to make accessible all of the facilities at the highest level to our most vulnerable students and staff and security vestibules are a sad reality. But, I don't think we ever put children in harms way where they experience feelings of insecurity in their environments. So then, how do engineering designations, which I have struggled to follow, provide logical plans for some inclusion over others?
Maybe there are good answers to some and even all of these questions, but I have been paying close attention, and I still don't know how this bond package is fiscally prudent and meeting our priority district goals.
I don't live in Greenacres and I have no children in elementary school, and will never see the direct benefits of this spending for my own kids. But I believe that investment into education is good for everyone, and that leaving Scarsdale better than we found it is our privilege and duty. I don't have an agenda and I really want to like this package, but I think there are too many questions remaining to move forward with a referendum vote right now – which if voted down, leaves too many unknowns about why. And I don't think I am alone.
A lot of District time and energy and expense went into understanding the full extent of district capital needs and we all know the district has more need than the bond includes. To be fiscally prudent, we may need to spend more money than what debt is rolling off the books. The district has committed to a notion of tax neutrality, but it is an arbitrary goal that is not linked to the demonstrated – and significant -- district needs. Instead, it is linked to the willing investors from a generation back, but their investment is not a sustainable structure. For me to support any bond, in addition to trusting decisions for bond inclusion, whatever the amount, I need to understand (at least broadly) how we are planning to finance and address the significant needs remaining out of this bond.
Sensitivity to Scarsdale's high taxes and to tax fatigue could be accomplished through good planning, clearer prioritizations, more honest dialogue and a ground-up process intent on inclusion and community education. Maybe this could and should be driven by the emerging new strategic plan that can reflect for us our shared learning commitments and our dreams for our children, something that is built together and goes beyond valuable but primarily tactical lists of key tasks, that can act as the tool to guide our dialogues.
For Scarsdale's entire history, this community has stepped up when needs are understood and I believe we can be counted to again, as long as it makes sense.
If you wish to answer some of my questions, if you share some of my questions or those shared by others here tonight, then I don't think you are done. I greatly appreciate the work you have put in, and I think you are on the right track with these dialogues and discussions of late, but as mentioned, I think there is a need for additional and holistic review, reflection, and reconsideration. It will take bravery to ask for what is truly needed. And Scarsdale might surprise you and step up. I don't have a crystal ball and I don't issue threats, I don't know what is gonna happen, but I am not alone.
CNC Invites Public to Organizational Meeting on December 5
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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Scarsdale Citizens Nominating Committee ("CNC") welcomes the ten newly elected members and invites the public to its first meeting Tuesday December 5th 2017 at 8PM at the 3rd floor meeting room at Village Hall 1001 Post Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583. Come to the meeting to learn more about Scarsdale's Non-Partisan System for selecting candidates to run for Village office on the Scarsdale Citizens' Non-Partisan Party. Scarsdale Public Television will record the meeting.
The CNC consists of 30 elected Scarsdale residents who represent their neighborhood election units (Edgewood, Fox Meadow, Greenacres, Heathcote or Quaker Ridge). Ten new members are elected to the CNC each November to serve staggered three-year terms. The volunteer group meets from December to January to seek, interview, and evaluate potential candidates to run for Village office. This year the CNC will nominate individuals to run for three openings on the Scarsdale Village Board. Trustees Marc Samwick and Deborah Pekarek will be finishing their second two-year terms and Trustee Jane Veron will be completing her first two-year term. The General Village Election is at Village Hall on Tuesday, March 20, 2018.
Scarsdale's Non-Partisan System has been operating successfully for over 100 years, following a contentious election in 1909. The goal of the Non-Partisan system is to attract qualified citizens who would otherwise avoid campaigning, but would be willing to run for office in elections that are generally uncontested. The CNC's deliberations and due diligence on all potential nominees is kept confidential to further encourage well-qualified volunteers to apply for a spot on the Non-Partisan slate. There are 4 non-elected and non-voting administrative members of the CNC present to insure adherence to the procedural requirements of the Non-Partisan Resolution. Potential candidates also have the option to run for office outside of the Non-Partisan system under provisions of New York State law.
Are you interested in running for Trustee? Do you know someone who would serve the Village of Scarsdale well? Contact any CNC representative listed below; or inform the CNC Chair, ML Perlman, at (917) 679-8779 or [email protected].
The deadline for submission of a biographical form to the CNC is 5:00 PM January 17, 2018.
CNC MEMBER CLASS LIST 2018-2020
NON-VOTING MEMBERS
(Appointed)
Chair TVCC President ML Perlman
Vice-Chair TVCC VP Jon Mark
Representative TVCC TBD
Representative SNAP TBD
VOTING MEMBERS
(Elected)
Edgewood 2018 Eric Cheng
Edgewood 2018 David Peck
Fox Meadow 2018 Madelaine Eppenstein
Fox Meadow 2018 Eve Steinberg
Greenacres 2018 Michelle Sterling
Greenacres 2018 Jeanette Warner
Heathcote 2018 Charles Baltman
Heathcote 2018 Jeff Goodwin
Quaker Ridge 2018 David Dembitzer
Quaker Ridge 2018 Nancy Steinberg
Edgewood 2019 Ron Sannicandro
Edgewood 2019 Ryan Spicer
Fox Meadow 2019 Marc Greenwald
Fox Meadow 2019 Judy Wenjing Kerr
Greenacres 2019 Daniel Brown
Greenacres 2019 Jon Leslie
Heathcote 2019 Laura Kaplow-Goldman
Heathcote 2019 Peter Tesler
Quaker Ridge 2019 Mary Beth Gose
Quaker Ridge 2019 Ron Schulhof
Edgewood 2020 Becky Bach
Edgewood 2020 Susan Duncan
Fox Meadow 2020 Dara Gruenberg
Fox Meadow 2020 Steve Pass
Greenacres 2020 Michelle Lichtenberg
Greenacres 2020 Adie Shore
Heathcote 2020 Amber Yusuf
Heathcote 2020 Eric Lichtenstein
Quaker Ridge 2020 Gabrielle Wise
Quaker Ridge 2020 John Auerbacher
Here is the agenda for the public portion of the meeting:
1. Welcome
2. Appointment of Vice Chair
3. Roll call and attendance
4. Statement of Purpose – Non-Partisan Resolution
5. Presentations by Mayor and Village Trustees whose second terms expire in 2018
6. Administrative Matters (schedule, confidentiality, attendance, rebroadcast of public session on Scarsdale Public TV, other administrative matters)
7. Review and adoption of proposed 2017-2018 Rules of Procedure
8. Public portion of meeting closes and Committee goes into executive session
Executive Session
Roy Russell Raizen Passes Away at 87
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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Roy Russel Raizen of Scarsdale passed way on Sunday November 12 at the age of 87. He was born in Brooklyn on October 1, 1930 to Patricia (nee Tolk) and Charles S. Raizen.
A 1948 graduate of the Salisbury School and 1952 graduate of Lafayette College, Raizaen served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Those of you who knew Roy know by his hats and tee- shirts that he was an avid sports fan -- the Giants, Yankees and Rangers were his teams. He was past President of Beach Point Club in Mamaroneck, NY and the past President and Chairman of the Board of the Mid- Westchester JCC. He began his career working at Transogram Toy Company and later became a co-owner of Effanbee Doll Corp, a successful maker of fine dolls.
His wife of 46 years, Nancy, predeceased him in 2004. Raizen's two children, David and Jill, live in Scarsdale today and are both prominent members of the community and committed volunteers. David Raizen is President of the Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and Jill Serling heads up the Scarsdale Adult School.
Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 15 at 9:45 am at Temple Israel of New Rochelle, 1000 Pinebrook Boulevard.
Maroon and White Honors Fall Athletes at Lake Isle
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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The fall athletes were honored for their seasons at the annual Maroon and White dinner this Tuesday, November 14th at Lake Isle. A number of teams were successful and made promising strides this season. Maroon and White honors the senior athletes, many of them concluding their athletic careers with the end of this season.
The Football team, comprised of a large number of seniors, made an impressive run this season. Starting off 5-0, the team utilized its veteran roster, while also creating opportunities for new and younger players to contribute. The Raiders lost in the playoffs to John Jay East Fishkill. Senior Andrew Gindi noted that the highlight of his season was "being with a great group of guys and coaches, just having fun."
In their second season as an official varsity team, the Boy's Volleyball team made impressive strides. They marked their first win in program history against Eastchester. The team will lose many valuable seniors. Jack Ortner noted that he learned "The importance of being bonded with your team, so when someone messes up you pick them back up." Passing down this mindset to the younger players, the senior players have ensured that they set the precedent for boy's volleyball at the high school for years to come.
Girl's Cheerleading has just begun their competition season, but they have already made notable accomplishments. Senior Savannah Smith said that her favorite part of the season thus far has been winning sectionals. Aerin Cantor added that the team has placed third at regional competition, and they received their bid to nationals, where they will compete later this year.
The Girl's Volleyball team had an impressive season, ending with a record of 13 wins and 5 losses. The team started the season with a trip to Disney World to play against teams from across the country. Behind New Rochelle, Scarsdale finished second in a very competitive league. Ending their season at North Rockland in the playoffs like they had the previous year. Senior Cyrpian Elwes says that her favorite memory from the season was simply "spending time with [her] best friends, and developing together as a team." This camaraderie fostered by the seniors will continue for years to come in the volleyball program.
Girl's Swimming achieved many firsts this season. Senior Natalie Isak's highlight for the season was winning their first meet. She noted that it "set the precedent for the rest of the season." Additionally, Senior Sydney Vleck mentioned that this was the first time the team has had a winning record since 2011. The Raiders sent an impressive 8 swimmers and divers to represent Section 1 in the state meet in Ithaca, New York.
The Boy's Soccer team hit a rough patch in the middle of the season, but recorded a number of impressive wins to make it to the second round of the playoffs. Senior Captain Fayez Merchant said that his highlight for the season was "beating Mamaroneck away in overtime." Also notable was a win against Yorktown to secure a spot in the playoffs.
Lily Steckel of the Girl's Tennis team said that best part of their season was being able to play one of their league matches on the US Open tennis courts in Flushing, Queens. She said, "We've grown up watching our tennis idols play on those courts. It was surreal to get the chance to play there as well." The team will lose strong leadership in captains Lily Steckel and Phoebe Denison, but looks to build on the young team, with multiple freshmen playing singles this year.
The Cross Country team had another great season this fall, competing and placing at a number of important events such as the Manhattan Invitational. Senior Captain Sophia Rosset mentioned that her favorite experience in her four years has been the dedication and passion of her coaches. She said that this passion has translated to the rest of the team, as a few runners have signed up to run an extra race, Nike Cross Regionals.
Coming off of a section and regional championship last year, the Girl's Soccer team worked hard to live up to their earned reputation. Senior Olivia Haller mentioned that "this season, [the team] was the closest that it has even been. We can attribute our success on the field to our communication." Abby Glaser said that "coming off going to states last year, we all worked hard in the off season, which helped to bring us together to work hard during the season." The team was knocked out of the section contention in a nail-biting quarterfinal game against Mamaroneck.
Photos by Brooke Bensche, Text by Emmeline Berridge.
Vote Row A All the Way
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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This letter to the editor was submitted by Mark Lewis of Brewster Road:
I am supporting the Democratic Party candidates of Christi Acker for Supreme Court, George Latimer for County Executive, Tim Idoni for County Clerk, George Fufidio for County Court and Arlene Gordon Oliver for Family Court. They are the pro-choice candidates endorsed by the Westchester Coalition for Legalized Abortion.
Judge Christi Acker – Judge Acker is running for Supreme Court. She is the only candidate running for Supreme Court who has been rated Highly Qualified by the Independent Judicial Qualifications Commission of the 9th Judicial District and Well Qualified the Westchester Bar Association.. Judge Acker's lengthy legal career has spanned almost twenty five years and includes her work as a judge, court attorney, and litigator in both trial and appellate-level courts.
George Latimer – George Latimer is running for County Executive. He has vast experience as a County Legislator, Chair of the County Legislature, Assemblyman and State Senator. We have worked with George when he represented four districts in Scarsdale as a County Legislator. Whatever the issue, even when it did not deal with the four districts George represented, he was there for us. When the County wanted to put in a double decker driving range at the Saxon Woods Golf Course, George opposed and helped stop it being placed there.
When George was a County Legislator, the Democrats won a majority for the first time. George became the first Democratic Party chairman of the County Board of Legislators. Under his time as chairman, he either cut or froze the County tax levy for three straight years, so George understands budgets. In contrast, Rob Astorino promised a 20% cut in the County Budget, which he never delivered.
In an article last week in the Journal News it stated that from 2011 to 2017 Scarsdale actually had a 29% increase in our County taxes and Greenburgh had a 12% increase in their county taxes. What happened to our 20% decrease Rob that you promised us?
This year, Astorino submitted a budget with a $15 million hole in it because he tried to rush through the privatization of the County Airport. This proposal was opposed by the Scarsdale Forum and the League of Women Voters. In addition it was pointed out by both groups that he was overestimating the amount of sales tax money that would be collected. So far the County is short another $10 million in sales tax collected. If this holds up the County will have to take it out of reserve funds. Moody's and other credit rating companies have already downgraded Westchester County's bond rating from AAA to AA1. This will cost us money in the future when we need to borrow money to repair roads.
He has been a co-sponsor of legislation to end the statute of limitations on rape and early voter registration and campaign finance reform. He also voted for equal pay for women.
He co-sponsored legislation to Raise the Age which raises the age from 16 to 18 for minors in N.Y. to be tried as juveniles instead of adults in N.Y.S. courts. We were only one of two states that tried 16 and 17 year old children in adult courts instead of Family Court.
George opposed hydro-fracking in N.Y.S. He saw what hydro-fracking did to drinking water in other states and wanted to ensure that our drinking water was safe from chemicals used in hydro-fracking.
George Latimer supports gun control. He voted for the County safe gun storage act and for the N.Y.S. Safe Act on gun control.
Tim Idoni – Time Idoni is running for County Clerk. As County Clerk, he has lowered the operating budget by over 30% and reduced staff by 35%. Tim has eliminated months long backlogs by instituting online systems that have revolutionized county clerk operations statewide. He has expanded community outreach, serving us closer to home. i.e. processing passports.
George Fufidio – George Fufidio is running for County Court Judge. George was rated Highly Qualified by the Independent Judicial Elections Qualifications Commission of the 9th Judicial District and Well Qualified the Westchester Bar Association. George is a member of N.Y.S. Permanent Commission on Sentencing. This commission was selected to review state sentencing guidelines. He was a former Assistant District Attorney and former Deputy Chief of the Homicide and Special Investigations Bureau. George was the former Co-Chair of the Westchester Bar Association Criminal Justice Section. He is also an Administrative Law Judge.
Arlene Gordon-Oliver – Judge Arlene Gordon-Oliver is running for Family Court Judge. Judge Oliver was rated Well Qualified by the Westchester Bar Association. Arlene has served as an Acting Family Court Judge when the Family Court is not in session and Family Court issues have to be heard. She was President of the Westchester Black Bar Association and served on the National Bar Association's Board of Governors. As a judge, Arlene has heard thousands of civil and criminal cases that involve families and children, domestic abuse, endangering the welfare of children, and the exploitation of children. She has also acted to improve the lives of Westchester families and children, including establishing community-based programs to protect children from Internet predators, human trafficking and abuse; and supervision of programs for at-risk children.
Ben Boykin – Ben Boykin is running for re-election for County Legislator. He has fought to hold down property taxes. He is a committee member of the Budget and Appropriations Committee and is currently reviewing the proposals to lease Westchester Airport. Ben is a Certified Public Accountant which helps him review the County Budget. He has voted against the last two budgets because he felt they were not balanced. He has fought to protect our most vulnerable citizens and has worked on solving flooding and infrastructure issues.
Polls are open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday November 7, 2017.
Remember to vote Row A All The Way.
Mark Lewis
Chair, Scarsdale Democratic Town Committee
Mark Lewis
98 Brewster Road
Scarsdale, N.Y. 10583
915-723-3766
