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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 03 June 2026

Created: 03 June 2026

Last Updated: 03 June 2026

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Assemblywoman Amy Paulin played a leading role in successfully negotiating critical protections for houses of worship, and Jewish institutions such as religious schools and community centers, as part of the New York State budget bill passed on May 26, 2026. (Part QQ of A.10008-C/S.9008-C).

Following intense negotiations surrounding Governor Hochul’s proposed “buffer zone” legislation, Assemblywoman Paulin worked closely with fellow legislators, including Assemblymembers Simcha Eichenstein and Micah Lasher, to craft language that both enhances public safety and withstands constitutional scrutiny.

The final agreement represents a major victory for the Jewish community and other faith-based institutions that have faced an alarming rise in harassment, intimidation, and antisemitic incidents in recent years.

“As antisemitism and hate crimes continue to rise across our state and nation, it is essential that our houses of worship, religious schools, and community institutions have meaningful protections,” said Assemblywoman Paulin. “I was proud to play a role in the negotiations to ensure that the final language in the budget protects vulnerable communities while respecting constitutional rights.”

Throughout the negotiations, the Assembly was focused on ensuring that the legislation would provide real-world protections for Jewish institutions that have increasingly become targets of intimidation and harassment.

One of the most significant accomplishments secured during negotiations was an expanded definition of “religious place of worship.” Under the final agreement, protections will explicitly extend not only to traditional houses of worship, but also to Jewish community centers, yeshivas, and religious schools.

In addition, the new law encompasses perimeters including entrances, exits, sidewalks, driveways and parking lots around vulnerable institutions, strengthening security and enforcement capabilities.

“I thank Governor Hochul for leading the way on and being a champion for this issue,” said Paulin. “Speaker Heastie also has my sincerest thanks for standing with the Jewish members of the Assembly and the broader Jewish community in support of these protections for Jewish New Yorkers.”

The final legislation builds upon existing New York law, which has already been upheld and tested in court, that creates criminal penalties for harassment outside religious institutions and reproductive health centers. The updated penal law Section 240.69 adds new protections by creating a criminal penalty for individuals who, “with respect to an individual who was or is seeking to enter into or exit from a place of religious worship … within fifty feet from a place of religious worship, knowingly or intentionally engages in a course of conduct that places that individual in reasonable fear for their safety.”

“Families, students, and worshippers deserve to feel safe when attending synagogue, school, or community events,” Paulin said. “At a time when the Jewish community has been under sustained attack, this legislation is a tremendous win and sends a clear message that New York stands against hate and intimidation.”
To watch Assemblywoman Paulin’s remarks on the Assembly floor, click here.

Jewish leaders have applauded the new legislation.

Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President, Union for Reform Judaism, said, “Amid the unprecedented rise of antisemitism, Assemblymember Paulin has provided vital leadership to keep our community safer. We appreciate her commitment to ensuring Jews can gather, worship, and live fully, openly, and without fear.”

Michael Mittelman, President, Westchester Jewish Council, said, "We want to thank Assemblywoman Amy Paulin for her leadership as well as her fellow NYS Assemblymembers for this important legislation that will provide critical protections to Jewish houses of worship, learning and gathering that have become targets of unprecedented levels of hate. The protections in this bill, accompanied by the work of law enforcement, send a clear message that hate will not be tolerated and that the safety of our communities remains a priority.“

Daniel Rosenthal, Vice President, Government & External Relations, UJA-Federation of New York, said "We commend Governor Hochul, Assemblymember Paulin and the state legislature for taking decisive action to protect New Yorkers by passing ‘buffer zone’ legislation, ensuring that safety and security remain paramount across our communities. This legislation will protect New Yorkers from intimidation and harassment while maintaining safe access to critical community institutions. UJA-Federation of New York will continue to advocate for polices that protect and safeguard New York’s Jewish community.”

Jonathan E. Blake, Senior Rabbi, Westchester Reform Temple, said, "New York’s Jews, and those who worship, celebrate, mourn, and learn with us in our synagogues and community institutions, deserve to know that they can do so safe from threat or harm. This legislation will ensure that essential measure.“

Elise Dowell, CEO, JCC Mid-Westchester, said, "Our entire community is deeply grateful for Assemblywoman Paulin's leadership in securing the Buffer Zone legislation to ensure protection and safety for those who simply wish to enter and exit religious institutions and community centers. Assemblywoman Paulin's dedication and commitment to advocating for and passing legislation that supports our community is inspiring and appreciated -- not just by her constituents, but by all New Yorkers. Our local and state officials who championed these efforts offer all of us hope that New York will continue to be a place where the Jewish community can feel shielded from threats of violence and intimidation.“

Rabbi Jonathan Morgenstern, Young Israel of Scarsdale, said, "Once again, Assemblywoman Amy Paulin has proven herself to be a steadfast advocate of Jewish New Yorkers and Jewish people everywhere, putting forward common sense legislation that protects freedom and access to worship during this troubling time of rising antisemitic and anti-Israel violence and rhetoric. Jews, and people of all faiths and ethnicities, have the constitutional right to worship, study and pray as we please, without fear of harassment and intimidation.“

Rabbi Jesse Gallop, Temple Israel of New Rochelle, said, "Creating safe buffer zones around houses of worship protects our community, especially our children, from hate and antisemitism. Synagogues, temples, mosques and churches should be places of love, tolerance and acceptance, teaching values that improve our world, not grounds for protest and aggressive behavior. All people should be able to worship in peace and safety.”

Rabbi Lester Bronstein, Rabbi Emeritus Bet Am Shalom Synagogue, said, "Over many years, Assemblywoman Amy Paulin (my assemblywoman!) has conducted herself as a staunch civil libertarian, lifting up the rights and wellbeing of everyone in our midst. Once again she has proven that we can have laws that protect both worshipers and students and all Americans who want to raise their voices in legal protest. We can indeed live together here! Our Jewish community is immensely grateful and indebted to Assemblywoman Paulin, as should be all who love our country and its freedoms. This elegantly crafted ruling shields us from intimidation, even as it strengthens the moral voice of the Constitution for the benefit of all Americans.“

Rabbi Reuven Fink, Young Israel of New Rochelle, said, “This is a great boon for Jewish institutions who have heretofore felt besieged by hate mongers and antisemitism. We thank Amy Paulin for all her amazing leadership!”

Rabbi Chaim Marder, Hebrew Institute of White Plains, said, “At a time of rising anti-semitism, the Jewish community is on edge. In the more recent period, groups of agitators with hate-filled and dangerous messaging have threatened the safety and wellbeing of our synagogues and religious institutions. We are deeply appreciative of Assemblywoman Amy Paulin for her role in helping advance legislation which will keep such groups from menacing and threatening our community members seeking to access our sacred spaces.“

Rabbi Adam Baldachin, Shaarei Tikvah Synagogue, said, “As rabbi of Shaarei Tikvah, a synagogue in Scarsdale, I am so grateful for this legislation that will help protect Jews during a time of rising antisemitism. Assemblywoman Paulin's dedicated efforts will result in a lawful way of protecting our community.”

Rabbi David A. Schuck, Beth El Synagogue Center, New Rochelle, said, “Houses of worship must remain places of prayer, learning, community, and refuge. At a time when Jewish institutions and other faith communities face rising threats, harassment, and intimidation, this legislation offers a necessary and carefully balanced protection. It protects worshippers, students, families, and faith communities from intimidation while preserving the constitutional right to speak, protest, and express dissent. In a free society, both commitments are essential. This bill defends free speech without allowing harassment to become the price of entering a house of worship.”

Rabbi Dani Rockoff, Head of School, Westchester Day School, said, “Jewish schools and houses of worship should always be places of learning, prayer, community, and hope — never places where families fear harassment or intimidation. At a moment of rising antisemitism, this legislation provides meaningful protections and reassurance for our community. We are grateful to Assemblywoman Amy Paulin and all those who helped advance this important effort on behalf of vulnerable faith communities throughout New York.”
Rabbi Sruli Deitsch, Chabad of Bronxville, Eastchester and Tuckahoe, said, "I feel that this legislation provides our community with a vital layer of peace of mind. knowing that there is a legal safeguard to protect our children at school and our families at prayer from harassment. It will give us peace of mind when gathering, learning, and celebrating Judaisim. We are incredibly grateful for this meaningful protection.“

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 20 May 2026

Created: 20 May 2026

Last Updated: 21 May 2026

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Imagine this…. by next summer you could be relaxing in inviting chairs by library pond, spending time with friends in an outdoor pavilion or enjoying a story walk on the grounds of the Scarsdale Library.

Yes, the long awaited landscaping plan for the library finally has a timeline. The next phase of work will begin this June and is targeted to be completed by next spring.

At a meeting at Village Hall on May 19, Elizabeth Bermel reviewed the plans with members of the Village Board, the Village Manager, Capitol Projects Manager Paul Zaicek, Library Board President Diksha Mudbhart, Co-chair of the landscape project committee Terri Singer and others.

The Library Pavilion

Deputy Mayor Dara Gruenberg explained that the plans were five years in the making. In the interim a large stormwater remediation project took place along Olmstead Road, the pond was totally re-done and a sidewalk was installed on Olmstead Road. With that work complete and $2.2 million in private funds raised, the work can now be done.

The plans, designed by Slade Architecture, are exciting. Most notable will be the addition of an outdoor pavilion with a solid roof and open sides that includes fans, heaters, lighting, electrical outlets and even an AV screen. The pavilion permits seating for 40 people and can be used for meetings, lectures and gatherings.

Surrounding the pavilion will be native plants, shrubs and trees including magnolias, blue spruce, inkberry, junipers, salvia, coneflower, ornamental grasses and more.

The Library Story Walk

Another fun feature is a story walk which is a series of LED frames posted along a path where children’s or illustrated books can be posted – page by page. This allows users to walk along the path and read a book from page to page. The story walk, extending along the westside of the parking lot will also including native plants, trees and shrubs and three seating areas.

Bermel reassured everyone that the plans will not cause a loss in parking which will remain at 114 spaces.

A groundbreaking for the new project will be held in late June and the public will be invited to celebrate the fruition of long-range plans to provide a public garden in Scarsdale.

See more here:

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Written by: Wendy MacMillan

Published: 14 May 2026

Created: 14 May 2026

Last Updated: 14 May 2026

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Superintendent Drew Patrick and Ass't Superintendent Meghan TroyAt a special Board of Education succession meeting followed by its only regular meeting in May, the Scarsdale school community gathered to appoint new board leadership, welcome incoming faculty and administrators and celebrate the achievements of educators across the district, culminating in the conferral of tenure on 22 faculty members and administrators.

To start the succession meeting, interim Board President Colleen Brown, made a nomination for Suzie Hahn to serve as President of the Board of Education through the July 15, 2026 organizational meeting. In her remarks supporting the nomination, Brown referenced the importance of stability, continuity and unity during the final months of the school year and noted the need to maintain focus on ongoing district priorities, including the recently developed budget and bond proposal designed to support student learning, growth and well-being.

“After thoughtful reflection, I believe this moment calls for an approach grounded in stability, unity and what is best for our students and our community,” Brown stated. She went on to praise Hahn for her prior service as board president, and her experience, institutional knowledge and collaborative leadership style. “She understands the responsibilities of the role, appreciates the sensitivity of this moment and has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to our students, staff and community.”

Following a unanimous vote, Hahn was officially elected president of the Board of Education effective May 11, 2026 through the board’s organizational meeting in July.

After taking her oath, Hahn shared: “Recent events have left all of us navigating a very challenging and emotional period. We are confronting serious issues that require not only thoughtful leadership, but also compassion, reflection, and a shared commitment to moving forward together. At the same time, and this happens in one week from tomorrow, the community will be voting on an annual budget and bond referendum, the outcomes of which will have a long-standing impact on the educational needs and well-being of every student in our district.

Over the next two months, my goal will be to help ensure that this Board continues to operate thoughtfully, transparently, and steadily during this transition period. I believe strongly in the importance of maintaining continuity while also preserving the opportunity for the full Board to engage in a deliberate and comprehensive leadership process and election for the 2026-2027 school year in July.

Most importantly, I want our community to know that this Board remains fully committed to the work ahead. While there are difficult conversations and moments in front of us, we will approach them with seriousness, integrity, and care for our students, this district, and every member of our community.

Thank you again for your trust and confidence. I look forward to continuing this work together.”

The evening also featured the introduction of several newly appointed faculty members and administrators who will join the district for the upcoming school year.

Among those welcomed was Katharine Beck, who will serve as the next Director of Counseling at Scarsdale High School. Beck holds degrees from Teachers College, Columbia University, Seton Hall University and Union College and currently serves as Director of College and Postsecondary Counseling at a New York City high school. Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, Dr. Meghan Troy praised her leadership in the counseling field, as well as her empathy and strong advocacy for students.

Scarsdale alumna Maggie Donovan was introduced as a new English teacher at Scarsdale High School. Donovan, who earned degrees from Teachers College, Columbia University and Boston College, currently teaches in the Bronx. Troy noted her familiarity with the district and her passion for immersive learning experiences.

Sophia Esteves was welcomed as a new special education teacher at Scarsdale Middle School. A graduate of Manhattanville University and Binghamton University, Esteves has already spent five years working within the Scarsdale schools as both a lead replacement teacher and teacher aide.

The district also introduced Brian Galderisi as a new art teacher at Scarsdale High School. Galderisi, an accomplished artist and educator with degrees from Yale University School of Art, Hunter College and Montserrat College of Art, currently teaches in Dobbs Ferry. Troy described him as a strong role model who values inclusive learning environments.

Brad Magnusson, already a familiar presence at Scarsdale Middle School, was appointed as a probationary special education teacher. Magnusson recently earned his doctorate in educational leadership and was recognized for quickly earning the respect of colleagues, families and students through his dedication to learning and growth.

Jason Weinstein was introduced as a new elementary instrumental band teacher. Currently teaching in New Jersey, Weinstein was praised for bringing a joyful and contagious energy to music education.

District leaders also announced that Scarsdale Middle School science teacher and department chair Dr. Christy Brown will become the school’s next assistant principal.
Although unable to attend the meeting, Brown is expected to be formally welcomed at the board’s June meeting.

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Tenure Ceremony

Following the introductions, the Board transitioned into its annual tenure recognition ceremony, but first took an opportunity to highlight School Principals Day, Teacher Appreciation Week and National School Nurse Week and took a moment to recognize teachers, nurses, principals, assistant principals and the many staff members who support students throughout the district each day.

“While Scarsdale is a community that holds high expectations, it is also one that deeply appreciates and respects the work of our educators,” Dr. Drew Patrick said. Special thanks were also extended to the PTAs throughout the district for their efforts in recognizing faculty and staff during Teacher Appreciation Week.

Educators were commended for fostering collaborative, future-oriented school cultures that emphasize student well-being, belonging and resilience while supporting the development of the “whole child.”

The centerpiece of the evening was the conferral of tenure to 22 educators and administrators, including 18 teachers and four building and district leaders. Dr. Meghan Troy described tenure as a major professional milestone earned only after a rigorous probationary process involving classroom observations, mentoring, evaluations, portfolio reviews and annual administrative panels.

Troy went on to describe the tenure process as “thoughtful, intentional and collaborative,” noting that it reflects Scarsdale’s commitment to professional growth and instructional excellence. “All of you have added something unique and special to our district,” Troy said.

Throughout the joyous ceremony, principals and district leaders introduced each tenure candidate individually, sharing stories about their leadership, creativity, compassion and impact on students.

At Edgewood School, Assistant Principal Lauren Drapek was recognized for providing “caring and consistent leadership” through multiple administrative transitions, while special education teachers Elise Koski and Allison Lerner were praised for their expertise, positivity and dedication to students.Twin Sisters Lisa and Lauren Pomerantz at the Tenure Ceremony

Greenacres Elementary School honored special education teacher Kristen Mateja for creating joyful and inclusive learning experiences while fostering school spirit and community engagement.

At Heathcote School, educators Jennifer Duncan, Mary Lattin and Terrie Bentley were celebrated for their creativity, adaptability and ability to inspire students through science, inclusive classroom communities and the arts.

Scarsdale Middle School Principal Chris Coughlin introduced what he called the “stellar six,” recognizing educators Kyle Davidson, Frankie Hughes, Jessica Janicola, Anne Marie Scalisi, Stephanie Schettini and Rebecca Streeter for creating meaningful connections with students and cultivating engaging learning environments.

At Scarsdale High School, Principal Ken Bonamo honored five faculty members for their leadership and dedication. Chemistry teacher Kevin Anton was recognized for creating a classroom culture of curiosity and inclusion, while computer science teacher Jigar Jadav was praised for inspiring innovation through coursework, mentorship and leadership of the school’s AI Club.

Learning Resource Center teacher Tim Leddy was acknowledged for his collaborative support of students across subjects, while social worker Lauren Pomerantz was commended for her advocacy for student mental health and wellness. Dean Amanda Rios-Thomas was recognized for her compassion and student-centered leadership.

District administrators were also honored. Math Coordinator Carrie Orgera was praised for advancing equitable and student-centered mathematics instruction districtwide. Director of Learning, Innovation and Technology Jeannie Crowley was recognized for her thoughtful leadership in educational technology, while Assistant

Also receiving tenure were Superintendent for Business Andrew Lennon who was commended for overseeing major district initiatives, including the district’s $101.7 million capital bond project.

Meghan Troy herself was recognized for her leadership and commitment to excellence, student well-being and justice throughout her tenure as Assistant Superintendent.

As part of the ceremony, each tenure recipient received a commemorative candle bearing the message: “May you be proud of the work you do, the person you are, and the difference you make.”

Board President Suzie Hahn closed the evening by thanking educators for their dedication and service to students and schools. “Teachers are true heroes with the remarkable ability to inspire, nurture growth and guide students toward success with knowledge, compassion and unwavering dedication,” Hahn said.

Following a unanimous vote by the Board of Education, tenure was officially conferred upon all 22 candidates to applause from colleagues, family members and community members gathered for the celebration.

The meeting concluded with congratulations to the newly tenured faculty and administrators, recognition of the district’s newest hires and acknowledgment of the lasting impact educators continue to make throughout the Scarsdale school community.

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 09 May 2026

Created: 09 May 2026

Last Updated: 09 May 2026

Hits: 1282

(The following letter was written by Rachana Singh)

To the Editor:

In the lead-up to a public vote with significant financial implications for our community, the quality and integrity of information provided to residents is essential.

I am writing in my personal capacity as a Scarsdale resident, parent, and community member. I also serve as a PTC Budget Study Committee Co-Chair, which has given me familiarity with the district’s budget and bond presentations; however, this letter reflects my individual views.

I am concerned about the recent “Vote Yes” flyer circulated by the Scarsdale Middle School PTA and the Scarsdale Parent-Teacher Council. The flyer presents a series of specific predictions about the consequences of a “No” vote — including increased class sizes, further staff reductions, elimination of modified sports and enrichment programs, amongst other claims.
While the district has published enrollment projections in a demographer’s report, there has not been a detailed public scenario-based analysis or modeling that quantifies these specific outcomes using staffing ratios, program funding levels, or alternative budget scenarios.

In the absence of such transparent modeling, these strongly framed “probable consequences” risk being perceived more as advocacy than balanced information — particularly when distributed by trusted parent organizations ahead of a public referendum.

PTAs and the PTC play valuable roles in our community, and with that influence comes a responsibility to ground communications in clear, verifiable district sources. Including direct links to the relevant budget documents, bond scope, enrollment forecasts, demographer’s report, and supporting analyses would better empower residents to draw their own conclusions.
This need for clarity is especially important this year, as Scarsdale taxpayers face multiple major financial decisions including a village bond and a village budget that exceeds the tax cap. All voters, including those without children in the schools, deserve clear data on the school budget, the proposed school bond, cumulative tax impacts, long-term debt, and overall sustainability.

This letter is not intended to support or oppose the budget or bond. It is simply a call to ensure that residents have access to complete and well-supported information before casting their ballots on May 19th.

I strongly encourage all Scarsdale residents to review the district’s official school budget and bond materials including the tax impact calculator directly on the Scarsdale School District website. Examine the assumptions, projections, and project details, and conduct your own due diligence on these important decisions.

Sincerely,
Rachana Singh