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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 19 November 2025

Created: 19 November 2025

Last Updated: 19 November 2025

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(This statement was read at the November 17, 2025 meeting of the Scarsdale Board of Education, by the PT Council Budget Study Co-Chairs)

Good evening.
We are the Scarsdale Parent Teacher Council Budget Study Co-Chairs this academic year, Mayra Kirkendall-Rodríguez and Rachana Singh. Since September, we have been communicating with the PTC and PTAs and appreciate their engagement. Even more so, we have happily dedicated many hours to reaching out to individual parents and taxpayers, via emails, announcements in PTA newsletters, and speaking with them at local community events.

This year, we also sent out a Google Form to facilitate parents’ feedback. And of course, no one on local Facebook sites could have missed our many missives encouraging Scarsdale residents to be part of the budget process.

This is a key year for residents to recognize that the District faces a projected operating deficit. Additionally, proposed capital project bonds are under consideration both within the School District and the Village. Any debt issuance affects servicing costs, which are borne by taxpayers. Another significant challenge for the District is the reliance on the fund balance to prevent even greater tax increases.

Section 1 - Themes and Observations for 2026-2027 Budget

Based on our due diligence, here are our observations and questions:

1. Our most significant fiscal concerns include rising healthcare costs, the projected operating deficit, and the low level of the fund balance. These issues, combined with the proposed capital bond, underscore the importance of transparency in the budget process so that residents can see what the tax impact will be.

2. For many Scarsdale residents, there is uncertainty in determining budget priorities for 2026-2027 and beyond, since they are awaiting clarity on the scale and scope of the proposed bond for capital projects. Additionally, knowing what is included in the proposed capital projects bond would help community stakeholders determine whether anything left out would be a budget priority presently or in the longer-term.

While many parents, taxpayers and we realize that the scope of the bond project is not complete, it is important to understand how this project will affect the budget this coming year and the District’s long term financial plan.

To ensure transparency and fiscal prudence, we recommend that as soon as it is feasible, the District please share with our community the following scenarios for the proposed bond:
● a “tax-neutral” option — approximately $40 million, as referenced by the administration,
● an infrastructure-focused option that includes only Priority One items from the BCS report along with air conditioning which would be above $40 million, and
● the current $108 million bond proposal. (Note: the $108 million was in the presentation we had late Friday; this evening the amount rose to $113m)
3. Various members of the community told us that they would like a detailed rationale for prioritizing investments in our schools.
● For example, parents and taxpayers have asked “why is the District spending on cafeterias, fields, and libraries over investing in more math courses, science labs at the elementary schools and SMS, and/or adding Advanced Placement courses at SHS?”

4. Parents from several schools and the Scarsdale CHILD Committee have stated that an anonymous special education needs assessment survey of parents and teachers, would be valuable to identify what staffing and spatial additions are needed.

Section 2 - Proposed Capital Bond and Budget Planning Impact

As the District considers the proposed capital bond, the community would appreciate understanding how this significant borrowing initiative is being integrated into the long-range budget planning process. Taxpayers will benefit from clarity on how the bond’s debt service schedule will align with other budgetary obligations and existing or anticipated capital commitments. Specifically:

● How does the District plan to model the annual tax impact of the bond — both the magnitude of the increase and the timing of when those increases would appear on the tax bill?
● Has the District projected how this new debt service will affect the overall property tax levy in the first five years following issuance?
● Given that the Village and District are proposing bonds that ultimately draw from the same taxpayer base, how is the District managing overlapping liabilities to ensure transparency and to avoid possible “bond confusion or fatigue” among residents?

Understanding these details will help community stakeholders assess not only the merit of the capital projects, but also the sustainability of the overall tax implications in light of multiple major borrowing initiatives.

Section 3 - Questions and Requests From Previous Years

Last year, the PTC asked the District to assess rising health plan costs and identify what is driving these increases. The new Long Range Financial Plan projects healthcare costs rising about 8% each year over the next five years, which continues to put pressure on both the fund balance and the tax levy.

We are asking for more detail on what strategies the District is exploring to help manage these increases—whether through plan design, cost-containment efforts, investment strategies within the self-insured model, or through future labor negotiations.

The LRP notes that “recent plan and labor contribution changes may improve trends,” and we would appreciate clarity on what those changes are and whether they are showing early results.

We also note that the Health Insurance Reserve, currently $2.85 million, is projected to decline to zero by 2028–29. Once it is depleted, all future health cost increases will need to be absorbed directly by the operating budget.

Given this, we ask how the District plans to manage rising healthcare volatility once the reserve is exhausted, and whether alternative reserve strategies are being considered to help stabilize long-term costs.

Section 4 - Fiscal Questions and Concerns

Because maintaining a high credit rating directly affects the District’s borrowing costs, we have several observations and questions regarding the November 2025 Long Range Plan (LRP), particularly around fund balance, available cash, and leverage (the District’s level of debt).

We are concerned about the District’s operating deficit forecast. If a bond is issued within the next two to three years, the community needs clarity on the combined tax impact of both an operating deficit and debt service.

The District’s current five-year expense forecast projects total expenses of $222 million by 2029–2030—a 21% increase—with instructional expenses up 16% and employee benefits up 28%. Could the District please explain what steps are being taken to moderate these significant projected growth rates?

The current District Long Range Plan forecasts a significant operating deficit for 2029–2030. Please update the community on how the forecast operating deficit could affect the District’s credit rating and borrowing costs, particularly since Bond Anticipation Notes (BANs) and bonds may be issued between 2027 and 2030.

Interest Earnings

With both long-term and short-term rates starting to come down, we would like to know:

● how has the District adjusted its assumptions for interest income in the later years of the five-year plan?
● what reduction in yield is built into those projections, and
● how sensitive are our revenues if rates drop more quickly than expected?

Questions about Fund Balance and Reserves

With the Health Insurance Reserve expected to be depleted by 2028–29 and the unassigned fund balance already at the 4% legal limit, we ask:
● At what point does reliance on reserves become unsustainable?

● What is the District’s long-term plan to rebuild reserves once the Health Insurance Reserve is exhausted?

● How will flexibility be maintained to absorb unexpected costs when reserves decline?

● Has the Board considered setting target levels or replenishment plans for each reserve fund?

● Could the District share an updated model showing how deficits change under varying assumptions for healthcare or wage growth?

Credit Ratings Implications

Scarsdale currently holds a Moody’s AAA rating, which is very important because this rating lowers borrowing costs for taxpayers when the District issues debt. However, with decreases in the projected fund balance since 2020 and increased indebtedness of the District, could Moody’s lower Scarsdale’s rating to AA+? If so, what can the District do to decrease borrowing costs? Higher debt service could influence the community’s and the District’s decisions about what might have to change in the budget, possibly impacting student experiences.

Under Moody’s methodology:

● Fund balance as % of operating revenue (20% of the ratings methodology weighting): Scarsdale is about 13%, below the AAA median of 24% (equivalent to a single A rating on this metric).

● Net cash ratio, a metric to measure an issuer’s liquidity, (10% weighting in the methodology): Scarsdale is around 15%, below the AAA median of 25%.

● Leverage ratio (20% ratings weighting): While currently manageable, an additional $68 million in borrowing, above the $40 million be retired, could raise debt levels enough to affect the District’s overall rating.

All the above factors are half of the methodology, and they are not at AAA for the Scarsdale School District.

Concluding Comments

Thank you for holding this session for residents; we look forward to this months-long budget process and definitely encourage Scarsdale residents to participate in sessions and forums about the proposed budget as well as the capital projects bond throughout the coming months.

PT Council Budget Study Chairs:
Mayra Kirkendall-Rodríguez, PTC Budget Study Co-Chair
Rachana Singh, PTC Budget Study Co-Chair

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 11 November 2025

Created: 11 November 2025

Last Updated: 11 November 2025

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With Mayor Justin Arest out of town, Deputy Mayor Dara Gruenberg led a brief meeting of the Scarsdale Board of Trustees on Monday November 10, 2025, which was rescheduled due to the Veteran’s Day holiday on Tuesday November 11, 2025.

Here are her opening remarks:

Veterans Day

Tomorrow morning, the Village of Scarsdale will hold its annual Veterans Day ceremony at 10:30 AM in Boniface Circle Park. This program honors the service and sacrifice of our U.S. military veterans, with participation from local officials, veterans, scouts, and community members. The ceremony will include a flag raising, wreath laying, and remarks reflecting on the meaning of Veterans Day. It will open and close with the Presentation and Retiring of Colors by the Scarsdale Fire and Police Honor Guard. I encourage everyone to attend and show appreciation for those who have served our country with courage and commitment.

Troop 4 Court of Honor

I attended Troop 4’s Court of Honor last evening. Congratulations to the 41 members of Scarsdale Troop 4 who were recognized at the ceremony receiving 158 merit badges and 35 rank advancements. I am always struck by the strong sense of community within the Scouts, a community that not only nurtures individual passions but also empowers kids to explore their curiosities and interests. A special thank you to the adults who volunteer their time so generously to help raise the next generation of thinkers and leaders while grounding them in values of character and integrity.

Hoff-Barthelson Fall Gathering

Last evening, I also had the pleasure of attending the Hoff-Barthelson Fall Gathering with our State Senator, Shelley Mayer, where two extraordinary student musicians, Meera Chari and Ariana Thomas, showcased their talents. Their performances were both uplifting and inspiring, a wonderful reminder of the vibrant arts community we’re so fortunate to have here in Scarsdale.

Pool Neighborhood Feedback Sessions

Residents are encouraged to join one of the upcoming neighborhood feedback sessions to share input on the Pool Complex project.
Rutherford Hall Sessions:

Nov 17, 8 PM: Greenacres, Sherbrooke Park, Overhill, East Heathcote, Fox Meadow

Dec 1, 7 PM: Crane Berkley, Drake Edgewood, Arthur Manor

Dec 11, 7 PM: Colonial Acres, Quaker Ridge, Scarsdale Meadows

Additional Sessions (Scarsdale Public Library):

Nov 14, 11:30 AM: Scarsdale Senior Council

Nov 21, 9:30 AM: Open Public Session (children welcome)

Con Edison Settlement

The Westchester Municipal Consortium, which represents 40 municipalities, recently achieved a major victory in the Con Edison 2025 rate case. The three-year settlement significantly reduces Con Edison’s proposed rate hikes—from 13.4% to 2.8% for electricity and from 19% to 2% for gas—with modest adjustments in subsequent years. The Consortium also secured important Westchester-specific provisions, including annual capital investment meetings with Con Edison leadership and a detailed study comparing underground versus overhead system costs. This collaborative effort has delivered real savings, greater transparency, and stronger accountability for our residents.

Upcoming Work Session – November 18 at 5:30pm

The Board will hold a pre-budget work session on Tuesday, November 18, focusing on paving, sidewalks, and stormwater infrastructure. We encourage everyone to attend in person or via Zoom.

CNC Election

A reminder that the Citizens Nominating Committee election will take place this Thursday, November 13, at the Scarsdale Public Library, from 7 AM to 10 AM and again from 2 PM to 9 PM. All eligible residents are encouraged to come out and vote.

Farmers Market

Finally, as the Farmer’s Market and Destination Scarsdale come to a close, I just want to thank our partners, Down to Earth Markets and the Scarsdale Business Alliance for their efforts in putting together an amazing season. I want to give a special thank you to SBA Executive Director, Sam Reemer, SBA Board Member, Randi Culang, and Deputy Village Manager, Stephen Shallo, for their tireless efforts in organizing all of the Destination Scarsdale events for the last 7 months. The last date for the Farmer’s Market of the season is November 23rd. Please come out and shop!

Resolutions:

Village Elections

Trustees designated Election Day for Village Elections on March 18, 2026.

Drainage Improvements

Trustees approved a resolution to declare the Village Board as lead agency for an environmental review of the Brite Avenue and Fox Meadow area to identify necessary improvements to the stormwater drainage infrastructure to mitigate recurring flooding I the area.

Scarsdale Business Alliance

Trustees agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding with the Scarsdale Business Alliance to promote local economic development, business and cultural vitality and community programs, with “annual financial support from the Village to help defray costs incurred with organizing and implement program, activities and events of public interest and value.”

Letters

Also in the agenda packet was a letter from a Quaker Ridge parent who is concerned about coyotes: Here is what she wrote:

Dear Scarsdale Village Manager, Mayor and Board of Trustees,(Note this has also been sent to the Board of Ed and Quaker Ridge PTA.)

I hope you are doing well. I am writing on behalf of concerned families (cc'd are just some) in our neighborhood regarding an escalating public safety issue involving frequent coyote sightings- specifically in residential yards, on neighborhood pathways, and most alarmingly, along the route many children use to walk to school. There are likely dozens and dozens of other families as concerned as us from discussions with parents and dog walkers in the neighborhood over the last few months

In recent weeks, several families, including mine, have encountered coyotes in backyards and on the public pathway leading to the elementary school on the way to school. Our neighborhood has always been known as a safe environment for children and families, and we are deeply worried that this situation is changing. With an elementary school at the center of our community and so many children walking or biking each day, the risk is too great to ignore. As many of you may have seen, there was a recent incident in New Jersey involving a coyote attack-an example that underscores the seriousness of the threat. We want to take proactive steps before something similar happens here. These coyotes are not being spotted on cameras in the middle of the night but while walking, in backyards and it appears even on the school property during school days.

Coyotes are becoming increasingly bold, and without coordinated action, it is only a matter of time before there. is an incident involving a child, pet, or staff member. We strongly feel that this is a public safety hazard requiring a unified response, not individual households acting alone.

Several families are prepared to contribute toward professional prevention and trapping services, but these measures are most effective when implemented collectively and in coordination with local authorities. We are asking for the PTA's and the school board's help with the following:

1 Support in raising awareness among parents and staff
2. Assistance in organizing a coordinated neighborhood response
3. Help facilitating fundraising or cost-sharing efforts for safe, legal coyote control and trapping through licensed professionals. We have begun speaking to a few different providers about options.
4. Engagementwithlocalanimalcontrolandcountyofficialstopursueanofficialactionplanfor school-adjacent areas

Our goal is simple: protect our children, our school community, and our neighborhood before an avoidable tragedy occurs.

If necessary we'd be happy to discuss an action plan at the next PTA meeting or, if possible, as a special topic sooner. Many families are ready.to participate and share firsthand accounts of sightings.

Thank you for your attention, partnership, and commitment too the safety of our children. I look forward to your response and to working together on a solution.

Sincerely,
Concerned Quaker Ridge Parents
Jessica Sarter Weiland 914-772-1782
[email protected]

Also in the packet were letters from Susan Levine and Karen Dolins concerning the pool proposal.

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 04 November 2025

Created: 04 November 2025

Last Updated: 05 November 2025

Hits: 1732

This year, the skeleton is posing for a wedding photograph.A scantily clad skeleton, posed as a pole dancer, who was the subject of complaints to the Scarsdale Police last Halloween has cleaned up her act.

Last year she was posed as a pole dancer.
This year, the same skeleton is getting married! We passed by her home across the street from the Greenacres Elementary School and found last year’s pole dancer posing for a wedding photograph.

Check her out with a sign next to her photographer that says, “Pole Dancer Just Got Married.”

The front lawn of the house is a museum of skeletons and humorous signs.

Check these out!

See more Halloween decorations here:

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 30 October 2025

Created: 30 October 2025

Last Updated: 30 October 2025

Hits: 777

A glimpse from inside one of the books, where they saved an 1873 meeting bulletin.
The Scarsdale Historical Society, in partnership with the Scarsdale Public Schools and Scarsdale Public Library, has re-discovered and digitized a collection of school board minute books dating as far back as the 1860s. The books are providing valuable material for the Historical Society’s upcoming documentary on the history of the Scarsdale schools, set to premiere in December.

The existence of the notebooks was referenced in old articles and books from 50 years ago, but neither the Historical Society nor the Scarsdale Public Library knew of their current whereabouts. On a hunt to find them, they reached out to Honoré Adams, District Clerk and Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, who ultimately found them in district storage.Photo of the oldest School Board notebook, with entries dating back to 1868.

There are 7 notebooks from the years 1868-1928, largely handwritten. They offer a rare glimpse into the district’s earliest days — a time of oil lamps, tight budgets, and even the occasional stray farm animal wandering onto the grounds. Together, the books trace the humble origins of a district that would grow into one of the nation’s most respected.

Now fully digitized, transcribed, and searchable online, the minute books are accessible to the public through the library’s Digital Collection on the New York Heritage website. “We are privileged to host these historic files and make them accessible to the public,” stated Elizabeth Bermel, Director of Scarsdale Public Library. The digitization project was funded by a grant provided by the Historical Society, with all three organizations collaborating closely to preserve the fragile originals.

"This project is exactly in keeping with our mission to preserve and share Scarsdale’s history," said Randy Guggenheimer, President of the Scarsdale Historical Society. "We are grateful to collaborate with the Scarsdale Public Schools and Scarsdale Library, continuing the village’s long tradition of community-minded spirit and collective effort."

“Our students can learn so much from this initiative,” said Drew Patrick, Superintendent of Scarsdale Public Schools. “It’s a real-life lesson on the power of primary sources, and how history is best understood through the records of those who lived it.”

For more details and access to the digitized books, visit bit.ly/schoolbooksfound.

About the Scarsdale Historical Society

The Scarsdale Historical Society exists to discover, preserve and disseminate historical information, as well as inspire others to learn about and contribute to the history of Scarsdale and the Central Mid-Westchester Region. The Scarsdale Historical Society accepts grant applications for projects that meet its mission, particularly those that will inspire others to learn about the history of Scarsdale and the surrounding communities. Learn more here. 

(Submitted by Leslie Chang, Scarsdale Historical Society)

Honoré Adams, District Clerk, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, and hero behind the rediscovery of the minute books.