Students and Parents Ask BOE to Keep Non-Sanctioned Sports

The specter of the elimination of three non-sanctioned sports from the athletic program at Scarsdale High School brought a defense from students and parents. At the Board of Education meeting on February 3, 2025 there were comments about a proposal to eliminate crew, squash and fencing. Students waited almost two hours to speak at the meeting which followed a budget study session.

Kabir Bhalija said, “I am a member of Scarsdale and PCRA rowing teams. There is a misconception that top team members were asked to stay behind for a scholastic event – we were given a choice to do that or go to nationals.” “He continued, “There was no boys Scarsdale coach – there is just one Scarsdale coach. All coaching is received by PCRA… A lot of Scarsdale rowers go on to do great things – something really special. Rowing is every single season including summer. It is a big part of our lives.”

Matthew Bodner, a senior and member of PCRA club said, “Rowing has given students the opportunity to get recruited to top universities. My life has changed thanks to the opportunity to row.”

Dafna Erenstein said, “I am speaking for the girls – most of us started last year as freshman. We have grown as people. It teaches you valuable lessons – community and team building….You are rowing yourself but also teambuilding… In just a year and a half this has been lifesaving and lifechanging.”

Anya Ahuja said she is a sophomore who joined the squash team a year and a half ago. She said, “This is my first team sport – why are we considering cutting these three sports? If everyone can play a sport that they love, why can’t I and everyone else on the team? We have gone to every practice and every match and shown so much dedication. The team is growing in so many positive ways and just needs more time. This team has already affected by life emotionally, socially and physically. It has given me connections to other people in my culture in all grades. I hope you consider keeping this for everyone who plays.”

Her father Sameer Ahuja spoke next. He said he was also a member of the Village Board and leads Game Changer a sport streaming platform. He said, “The presentation felt like a foregone conclusion. We could go through and assign costs to every sport. As a resident and tax payer I ask for you to say the real message. Don’t tell the kids it’s because they are not showing up. The bus experience is terrible. Present the facts as they are.
Here are some reasons why you should keep these sports going.

-They are opportunities for equitable access and inclusivity for those who don’t gravitate toward popular sports.
-They are unique pathways to college.
-They are small teams with personalized coaching. A coach can change a person’s life.
-It costs money but it’s worth it.

He continued, “Some of these sports have just gotten going. We should invest in the future. Sports participation is the US is flat. So if we believe in sports, we should think about ways of improving participation. Niiche sports are just one way of doing that.”

Seema Ahuja, Anya’s mother spoke next. She said, “This is my first Board of Education meeting. When I was growing up sports were discouraged for girls. My immigrant parents did not understand sports. Sameer introduced Anya to the sport and we are so happy when we learned that the high school had started a team. The profile of the students who are on these teams represent a diverse group. Taking away that outlet would take away from the diversity of student experience that we care about here. I deeply believe in what athletics does for the community. Please do the right thing, do an analysis and speak to all the constituencies.”

Alex Scharf of 80 Wheelock Road said he raced in two crew boats named for Scarsdale students who passed away, Brian Lilly and Tyler Madoff. He said, “Scarsdale crew has helped me find myself.” He said he looked forward to the bus rides to practice where he bonded with other teammates. “Scarsdale crew has meant the world to me and helped me find out who I am. I want to give others the same opportunity.”
Moira Crouch said she was there to support crew as a crew parent. She said, “Crew is a sport that the district could never afford to do itself due to the cost of the boats which is $30 -$50,000.” She said, “It’s a nurturing environment as a freshman. It’s a lot of bang for your buck. It has such an impact on these kids.”

Tara and Jeffrey Scharf of 8 Wheelock Road said, “We had a choice of crew programs in the area and PCRA’s association with the Scarsdale Schools was important…. Being an athlete for the school is crucial… Crew brings male and female athletes together, even on the same boat... They learn to work together… The district offers excellence across the board. Offering sports that are not the money-making sports allow students to develop and be different. I would encourage you to brainstorm to keep these sports for future generations of students.”

Shirley Dugan echoed other comments about crew. She said it has been a transformative experience for her daughter. She noted the “camaraderie, team spirit and the coming together.” She said, “It has given her a great feeling of accomplishment.” “It is a close-knit community that we have not experienced here…. The kids are very committed to it. “It has elevated her self confidence and her sense of belonging."

In other public comments, Lena Yang from 22 Farrugut Road spoke as a representative of “Guardians of the Heart” in favor of including CPR training at Scarsdale High School.

Claudine Gecel of 10 Kent Road discussed the increase in healthcare costs and suggested that the district should look into working with a re-insurance company that insures “special risks.”

Other Board Business

Legal Update

Superintendent Drew Patrick announced that the Board of Education is being asked to approve a settlement brought as a result of the extension of the Child Victims Act in 2019. The case dates back to the 1970’s and does not involve any personnel employed in the Scarsdale School system in over 35 years.

Bond and Capital Project Planning

Superintendent Drew Patrick announced the formation of a facilities committee to develop a list of priorities for capital projects to be funded by the upcoming bond offering to be voted on in a referendum in 2026. The committee will be composed of members of the Board of Education, administration, teachers, parents, community, a student, architect/engineers and the construction management team. The PTA’s may lead the parent selection process and the community can apply to participate on the committee directly to the administration. A comprehensive facilities study will be done by BBS to assess the state of the buildings.

District Calendar

The Board adopted the following calendar for the 2025-26 school year.