Scarsdale Students Post Strong Results as District Expands Performance-Based Assessments
- Details
- Written by: Wendy MacMillan
- Hits: 1657
Scarsdale students continue to demonstrate high academic achievement across standardized measures, according to an annual assessment report presented to the Board of Education on Monday November 18th. In his three-part report, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Dr. Edgar MacIntosh also outlined findings from a recent Tri-State Consortium review that praised the district’s instructional practices and recommended further expansion of performance-based assessments.
College Readiness Indicators Remain Strong
Dr. MacIntosh reported near-universal college enrollment among Scarsdale High School graduates, consistent with previous years. For tracking admissions trends, the district now uses the U.S. News & World Report lists of top universities and liberal arts colleges after the Barron’s “Most Competitive Colleges” index ceased regular publication. A slide shared during the presentation showed that in 2025, 69% of Scarsdale graduates went on to attend one of U.S News designated top 50 colleges or universities. MacIntosh includes a complete list of these colleges in his presentation’s supporting documents.
Also consistent with previous years, Scarsdale students recorded high mean scores on both the SAT and ACT. Furthermore, these results showed that an overwhelming percentage of students meet College Readiness Benchmarks, indicating readiness for first-year college coursework. Comparisons with other high-performing local districts show Scarsdale students maintaining a leading position.
MacIntosh went on to describe that AP exam participation by Scarsdale students continues to rise, including among younger students. Administrators have suggested that some families may believe AP testing strengthens college applications, though college admissions officers have not indicated that AP scores provide an advantage. Board members asked for additional data on test-taking patterns and potential implications for college credit or placement.
State Testing Results Show Consistent Performance
Scarsdale elementary and middle school students continued to outperform statewide, regional, and other high performing-peer districts averages on New York State assessments in English language arts, mathematics, and science. MacIntosh cautioned that year-to-year variation between Scarsdale’s elementary schools is typical and influenced by cohort size and student needs. He also noted that a statewide increase in ELA scores this year was attributed to changes in the exam, not to the shift toward computer-based testing.
Regents exam results at the high school level also reflected incredibly strong proficiency across core subjects.
You can see all the data presented in the slideshow here.
While the district acknowledged the role of standardized exams in providing broad measures of student achievement, MacIntosh made sure to emphasize that these assessments offer only a “small portion” of the district’s overall approach to evaluating student learning. He added that internal benchmark assessments, progress monitoring, formative tools, and performance-based tasks offer a more detailed and actionable picture.
Tri-State Review Affirms District Practices
The Tri-State Consortium, a collaborative of high-performing districts, conducted an in-depth review of Scarsdale’s assessment system. After observing classrooms, interviewing stakeholders, and reviewing more than 300 teacher-created assessments, the team concluded that Scarsdale’s instructional practices align with the district’s strategic priorities.
Commendations included strong student engagement, widespread use of inquiry-based instruction, and extensive opportunities for student choice and authentic learning. Programs such as the Middle School Choice Program, STEAM pathways, and elementary science performance units were cited as aligned with district goals.
The consortium recommended that the district adopt a clear, shared definition of performance assessments; expand professional development on assessment design; address student stress related to grading and workload; and communicate more frequently with families about assessment practices.
Shift Toward Performance Tasks Gains Momentum
In his report, MacIntosh highlighted the growing use of performance-based assessments, which allow students to demonstrate understanding through open-ended, real-world tasks. A video shown during the meeting featured students and teachers describing project-based math problems, engineering design challenges, and interdisciplinary tasks that require collaboration, reasoning, and reflection.
Board members praised the student perspectives and asked how assessment practices intersect with the district’s ongoing facilities planning. MacIntosh related that flexible classroom spaces are increasingly important to support collaborative learning.
Next Steps
The district plans to incorporate the Tri-State recommendations into ongoing work around curriculum, assessment, and teacher professional learning. MacIntosh stated that the district’s goal is to maintain strong performance on standardized measures while expanding assessment practices that more accurately capture student thinking and real-world problem-solving. “Standardized tests give us one snapshot,” he said. “Our performance tasks show much more about how students learn.”
Westchester Consortium Wins Price Concessions from Con Edison
- Details
- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 1380
The Westchester Municipal Consortium (WMC) — an unprecedented coalition of 40 local municipalities that joined forces to become a party to Con Edison’s 2025 electric and gas rate case filings before the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC), announced that a three-year settlement agreement (known as a Joint Proposal) has been formally reached between Con Edison, the PSC staff, and other parties.
The terms of the filed agreement are now public and represent significant progress for Westchester residents and businesses in ensuring fairer and more transparent utility practices.
The Joint Proposal substantially reduces Con Edison’s original rate requests and includes several key provisions advanced by the Westchester Municipal Consortium. Because these provisions were successfully incorporated into the three-year settlement, the Consortium will not oppose the agreement. The Joint Proposal itself states: “The Westchester Municipal Consortium will also not oppose this negotiated Proposal, which substantially reduces the Company’s initial rate proposals and includes provisions sought by the Westchester Municipal Consortium.”
Settlement Includes Major Reductions in Originally Proposed Rates
Con Edison’s original proposed electric rate increase of 13.4% has been reduced to 2.8% on the total customer bill under the settlement. On the gas side, the original proposed 19% increase has been reduced to 2% on the total customer bill. The agreement spans January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2028, with similar annual increases of approximately 2.8% (electric) and 2.0% (gas) in the second and third years.
Key Westchester-Specific Provisions Secured
The Joint Proposal includes several items specifically negotiated by the Westchester Municipal Consortium to address longstanding disparities and improve communication and transparency:
• Annual Westchester Capital Investment Meetings
Con Edison leadership — including senior engineering and operations staff — will meet annually with Westchester municipalities to review capital project plans and compare investment levels in Westchester versus New York City. The meetings will also address storm preparedness, double-pole removal, streetlighting, and the impact of data centers on the local grid.
• Underground vs. Overhead Cost Analysis
Responding to WMC’s request, Con Edison agreed to conduct an informational analysis comparing the relative costs of its underground network system (predominant in New York City) and its overhead radial system (predominant in Westchester County and Staten Island). This study will help determine whether any cross-subsidization exists between regions and will be shared prior to the Company’s next rate filing.
“While the reductions do not go as far as we had proposed, they are a substantial move in the name of affordability, and the requirements for more disclosure and transparency on capital projects and the costs of overhead vs. underground systems are major gains for our County,” said Joel Dichter, Counsel for the Westchester Municipal Consortium. “This outcome reflects how much can be accomplished when Westchester’s municipalities stand together for a common goal.”
Next Steps and PSC Review
The Westchester Municipal Consortium will prepare and submit formal comments on the Joint Proposal to the Public Service Commission. The PSC will then conduct an evidentiary hearing to evaluate the settlement’s terms before issuing a final decision.
“There is no doubt that Westchester’s municipalities banding together had a substantial impact on the results,” said Hastings-on-Hudson Mayor Nicola Armacost, who is also President of the Westchester Municipal Officials Association. “This collaboration ensured our communities were heard at the state level and will continue to give us a voice in how utility investments are made in Westchester.”
About the Westchester Municipal Consortium
The Westchester Municipal Consortium (WMC) is composed of 40 unified municipalities throughout Westchester County that are served by Con Edison and came together to work collaboratively to ensure fair utility practices, equitable infrastructure investments, and transparent communication between local governments, the utility, and state regulators.
“This outcome represents meaningful progress for the residents of Scarsdale and for communities across Westchester County served by Con Edison,” said Scarsdale Mayor Justin Arest. “By coming together as a coalition of municipalities, we demonstrated the strength of a unified voice in advocating for fairer, more reasonable energy costs for our community.”
Become a Friend of the Scarsdale Library
- Details
- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 615
Dear Scarsdale Neighbor,
Imagine the joy of a child discovering the magic of books for the first time, a teen exploring technology and new ideas, or a senior connecting with neighbors through an afternoon concert at the library. These moments happen every day at the Scarsdale Public Library, and they happen because of you.
We invite you to become a Friend of the Scarsdale Public Library today. Your tax-deductible contribution helps keep our library a vibrant hub of inspiration, learning, and connection for the entire community.
Becoming a Friend is one of the simplest and most meaningful ways to give back to Scarsdale:
$75 helps spark imagination through children’s programming and educational activities
$250 supports thought-provoking author talks and cultural events
$500 and above sustains beloved community traditions like the summer concert series and family programs
Public funding covers part of what it takes to make our library thrive. The Friends of the Scarsdale Library (FOSL), a volunteer-driven nonprofit, fills that gap, ensuring access to innovative programs, free museum passes, and enriching experiences for all.
In 2024 alone, the Friends made possible 15 author events, 30 children’s programs, and 665 museum pass reservations to some of New York’s most celebrated cultural institutions. Your support directly fuels this impact.
From book talks to outdoor concerts, new technology to creative workshops, our library connects us all as neighbors, families, and generations. Together, we can ensure it continues to grow as the heart of Scarsdale for years to come.
Thank you for your generosity and for believing in the power of community. Please consider becoming a friend of the library today!
With gratitude,
Daniela Retelny and Toby Milstein Schulman
Co-Presidents, Friends of the Scarsdale Library
Payment can be made online or via check. If paying by check, please select the “check” option in the online form and send your check to:
Friends of the Scarsdale Library, Attn: Treasurer
54 Olmsted Rd, Scarsdale, NY 10583
Please Recycle Your Pumpkins—It’s Easy!
- Details
- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 562
All those pumpkins and gourds that have been sitting on your front steps or that will decorate your Thanksgiving table can have another valuable use after the holidays--being turned into compost!
There are several easy ways Scarsdale residents can recycle pumpkins and gourds:
• Place them in, on or next to your food scrap recycling bin (Need one? Email [email protected] or register here.
• Bring them directly to the Food Scrap Drop-off Site at the Recycling Center, 110 Secor Road (Please put them on or in front of the wall behind the food scrap collection bins.)
• Place them with your yard waste or leaf pile
By sending our pumpkins and gourds to be composted, we are helping nature recycle her bounty and returning nutrients to our earth!
This Fall, Mow, Don’t Blow, Your Leaves: Better For Your Lawn and the Environment
- Details
- Written by: Scarsdale Conservation Advisory Council
- Hits: 3068
Mowing leaves into tiny pieces on your lawn--also known as mulch mowing-- is healthier for your lawn and soil than piling or bagging them to be removed. Leaf-mulched lawns often need less fertilizer and water. It is also better for our environment because the pollutants from leaf blowers and trucks that must haul away the leaves are avoided. And, leaves piled in the streets can be a thing of the past! Homeowners around Scarsdale have been mulch mowing leaves for many years with great results. Here are the facts:
Mulch mowing does not harm your lawn—it makes your lawn healthier. Decomposing mulched leaves nestle between the individual blades of grass where weeds can germinate. Once the small bits of leaves settle in, microbes and worms start breaking them down. The nutrients from the decomposed leaves enhance the soil.
Done correctly, mulch mowing should not make your lawn look messy. As long as the mulch mowing creates small pieces--about the size of a dime--the shredded leaves quickly settle into the lawn, and your lawn should not look messy. It is important that the leaves are shredded because whole leaves left on a lawn can smother the grass.
It’s easy. Mulch mowing can be done with any standard homeowner or commercial lawn mower. Simply mow over the fallen leaves. All types of leaves can be mulch mowed. (Pine needles, which are acidic, may change the ph balance of your lawn if mulch mowed in large quantities, so consider using pine needles as a mulch around the base of pine trees.)
All landscapers have the equipment to mulch mow. If you have a landscaper, ask them to mulch mow your leaves. Many, but not all, landscapers have experience mulch mowing. If your landscaper is new to mulch mowing, the following are key points for them to know:
Equipment: To help shred the leaves into small pieces, it’s recommended that a mulching blade be used. This type of blade, which has grooves to shred the leaves, is inexpensive and available for any type of mower. Mulching kits, which include additional attachments beyond just a mulching blade, are also available at any mower distributor and can be fitted to commercial mowers.
Mulching Technique: Mowing the leaves in a circular pattern, rather than back and forth in lines, will result in smaller pieces of leaves which decompose more quickly and will avoid “striping lines.”
Time: It should take your landscaper no additional time to mulch mow leaves rather than blowing them to the curb. In fact, if done correctly, it actually saves time. It is just as easy (or easier) to mulch mow than it is to blow leaves curbside.
Cost: Mulch mowing leaves should not cost more than having leaves blown to the curb or bagged. There are many landscapers in Scarsdale who have been mulch mowing properties for years at no additional cost. If your landscaper claims it will be more time-consuming, ask them to try it for a few weeks. They will see it takes no extra time.
If you mow your own lawn, just keep mowing! You can continue using your mower without installing a mulching blade, but sometimes you may have to go over certain areas of your lawn twice to make sure the leaves have been cut into small pieces. Better yet, you can install a mulching blade yourself or bring it to any local mower shop to install. Try to mulch leaves once a week so the piles don’t build up too high for your mower, especially during the heavy drop of leaves. Remember to keep the blade sharpened and the deck height adjusted as needed.
Large piles of leaves will become markedly smaller when mulch mowed. Shredding piles of leaves significantly reduces the volume of leaves. What looks like a huge leaf pile will shred into tiny pieces and quickly settle into your lawn. Even if you need to put some leaves to the curb during the heavy leaf drop, any reduction in leaves put curbside benefits our environment.
Excess mulched leaves can be placed in your garden beds. Leaf mulch can be placed into garden beds to help prevent weed growth, to conserve moisture and sprinkler usage and to provide a protective layer in winter. Shredded leaves look great, are a healthy addition to your yard and will save you the cost of buying wood mulch. Remember, to avoid damaging trees and plants, never place mulch directly against a tree trunk or shrub and never pile mulch more than 2”- 3” high in a garden bed.
Leaf mulch mowing benefits our local landscape, reduces the number of truck trips in our community and gets large piles of leaves off our streets.
For information on mulch mowing, including video tutorials, see the Love ‘Em and Leave ‘Em Mulch Mowing site at leleny.org.
If you have any questions or comments, email Scarsdale’s Conservation Advisory Council.
- Shop and Contribute to Breast Cancer Awareness this Month at I Am More Scarsdale
- Assemblywoman Amy Paulin Introduces Bill to Protect New Yorkers’ Access to Vaccines Amid Federal Interference
- Westchester Remembers 9/11
- Scarsdale Procedure Committee Invites Residents to Join the Citizens Nominating Committee
