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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 23 June 2016

Created: 23 June 2016

Last Updated: 23 June 2016

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To coin one of Suzanne Seiden's favorite metaphors, the MVP of the Scarsdale Board of Education has completed six years of service to the community. Monday June 20th marked her final game, and even then, she didn't get off easy when the marathon meeting ran until 12:21 am. But then again, her tenure on the board was anything but easy.

After receiving her nomination from the School Board Nominating Committee, Bob Harrison decided to challenge her for her seat on the board. For most candidates, the nomination by the SBNC is a virtual guarantee of a seat on the School Board. But not for Suzanne. She had to campaign, shake hands at the train station and launch a fully coordinated effort to win the seat, which of course she did and ultimately scored a resounding victory.

Once on the board, she had little time to learn the ropes before she took on the vice presidency and presidency, jobs that are traditionally done by more seasoned members of the board. As other were not willing or able to serve, she stepped up and did an exemplary job. In subsequent years, two board members opted not to run for second terms, leaving her as one of the more senior members of the board for most of her tenure.

During this time, a budget failed for the first time in over 40 years and she was instrumental in getting it passed a few weeks later. After a contentious year, Dr. McGill, the district's long-time superintendent announced his plans to retire, and Suzanne again stepped up to lead a national search for a new superintendent. The following year, the district lost both Joan Weber and Linda Purvis, leaving big voids in the administration and requiring further searches for personnel. She became a mentor, a leader and the institutional memory for a board and administration with little history.

She was unfailingly gracious, upbeat and composed through contentious discussions and lengthy meetings, peppering her comments with humor.

These good traits were noted by her colleagues and community leaders who toasted her on Monday;

Board President Lee Maude:
It's hard to believe but we are coming to the end of your six years of service for the Scarsdale Schools and students. This followed your years in the PTAs, PTA President for the Middle School and the PTC. Your level of commitment and your professionalism are exemplary. You are not one to ever complain about the workload though we have heard you bicker about the pay. There are so many in the community always asking what are we doing for them. While you Suzanne are always asking what you can do for others. It is part of your DNA, and this town is so fortunate to have you.

Suzanne you have many amazing strengths let me touch on a few. In all our Board discussion you are always reminding us of the need to be thoughtful and compassionate in our dealings with the teachers, students and families. You have also reminded us and rightly so to thank the teachers for their tireless work on behalf of our students. You always thank members of the community who speak at public comment sessions regardless of their point of view. In our policy discussion you have reminded us of those families under duress and making sure we are thoughtful as we design policy. We hope in the years ahead you bring your thoughtfulness and compassion to other groups in Scarsdale so that we may continue to benefit from your wise counsel.

You have been the bearer of board tradition and with the help of Lois helped us maintain board practices. The Board underwent tremendous change during your year of Presidency and you met the challenge in an open and rigorous manner laying out a work plan for the year that we all could follow. You also encouraged us to meet with former board members, which many of us did. This was so helpful and I hope we continue the practice.

Scarsdale Schools District is an institution with a proud heritage. Our job as board members is less of owners and more of caretakers (to quote Dr McGill). Suzanne you have taken great care in your work to preserve what is great about our schools and to guide the institution forward.

And as a board member and board President you can have no greater impact on a district than helping to recruit and hire a new Superintendent. Hiring a Superintendent for Scarsdale is no small task and you did a tremendous job in the process of hiring and vetting search firms, working with Chuck Fowler and completing focus groups, surveys and hours of interviews. And of course we found Thomas. In the last two years Thomas has taken a leading institution and put us on a new trajectory as an institution ready to accept change. Suzanne this could not have happened without your leadership. As a board member we hope to serve and leave the Scarsdale School District no worse than when we joined. But you Suzanne have had an immense impact on this place that will be felt for many years. We cannot thank you enough for that.

Thank you Suzanne. You are a truly remarkable person and we will miss you on the Board.

Board Vice President Bill Natbony said, "Our kids grew up in Quaker Ridge together." He appreciated her "compassion, wisdom, wit, sports analogies," and said Seiden was "Truly a team player." He credited her with bringing stability to the board during her year as president and thanked her for personal advice that allowed him to grow as a board member and as a person.

Pam Fuehrer told Seiden that she had admired her for a long time, calling Seiden
her "favorite program of professional development." She said she will remember Seiden saying, "There's more that unites us than divides us in this district.

Art Rublin told Seiden, "You've been the best kind of mentor ... not only have you had wise things to say but you guided by example....You faced a unique challenge in a contested election and served the community with high distinction. You radiated positive energy and brought out the best in people. You distinguished yourself with your sense of humor and seriousness of purpose. You are compassionate but didn't shy away from tough decisions. You provided critical leadership for the bond passage and successfully led a nationwide search for superintendent. You've left a tremendous legacy and you will be sorely missed."

Dr. Hagerman conveyed his regard and affection for Suzanne saying, "Though speeches are often inflated by hyperbole, this one is not.... I wouldn't be here in Scarsdale without Suzanne. She provided me with support and encouragement throughout the search process.... She is a true believer in Scarsdale.... I was immediately drawn to her warmth and authentic demeanor. After arriving I learned more about Suzanne. When I was moving in I got a call from Suzanne and she headed over with coffee and bagels. She always says thank you and lauds the achievements of others. She genuinely cares about people and understands their contribution to the greater good. She is the quintessential mother who always reaches out to let you know she is thinking about you.... As a board member she has been unwavering in her support and a strong steward of people, policy and finance. She firmly believes that when there is a will there is a way and does not take no for an answer. Luckily she is on the right side of the cause." Hagerman told Seiden, "Your legacy will live on in my eyes and the eyes of others who respect you for who you are and what you have done for all of us."

At the 8 pm session of the meeting, former Board colleagues Jill Spieler and Liz Guggenheimer also lauded Seiden. They said she was, "student-centric, shares WOW moments and is a consensus builder... She stays on topic and asks thoughtful questions ...She stepped us as a board officer after only one year of service. She guided us with grace patience and the utmost integrity." Spieler added, there are the three words our graduates should know, which Suzanne demonstrated, "Know, Think, Act." They presented her with a tote that said "Love Giving" and bagful of gifts.

Karen Ceske thanked Seiden on behalf of the board of the PT Council, saying her "Commitments have been steadfast, tireless and selfless." Ceske credited Seiden with "Insightful questions, reasoned judgment and a collaborative and practical approach." She said, Suzanne, "acknowledges peoples' hard work and valuable contributions, and even when it got tough she remained calm and kept her wonderful sense of humor." She said, "You are the consummate volunteer and we hope you will enjoy your well-earned relaxation." The PT Council made a gift to the PT Scholarship Fund in her honor.

Thanking everyone, Seiden said she felt "Pressure to use a sports metaphor." She said, "It's my last "at bat" and I am proud to be on this team. Being on the school board is a team sport – thanks to my teammates and my former colleagues... The district hits it out of the park everyday. You are all are home run hitters and you should be eligible for the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown."