Candidate for Village Trustee Scott Silberfein Has a Passion for the Job
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Former Scarsdale School Board member and longtime Scarsdale resident Scott Silberfein is on the ballot for Scarsdale Village Trustee. Find out about his experience and why he would like to serve below:
Tell us about your professional and volunteer experience to date.
My wife Joey and I have lived in Scarsdale since 2006 and are the proud parents of three daughters who graduated from Scarsdale High School.
I am an attorney and have 25+ years of substantial experience advocating for clients in a variety of high-stakes, complex litigation matters and class actions in the state and federal courts as well as before arbitration panels and mediators.
My commercial litigation experience spans many industries including consumer products, jewelry, real estate, and equipment lease financing and includes actions involving claims for fraud, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty and partnership actions, employment issues (including but not limited to business torts, unfair competition, trade secret, and non-competition/solicitation covenants), bankruptcy and reorganization issues, alleged violations of RICO and federal and state consumer protection laws. I also have extensive experience representing companies in responding to and defending against investigations and lawsuits by Attorneys General. My class action experience includes litigations in state and federal courts and proceedings before the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation involving unfair competition, breach of warranty, product-related issues, data breach and privacy, and consumer protection statutes of nearly all fifty states.
After college and prior to attending law school, I worked in Washington, D.C in the legislative offices of Congressman Gary Ackerman and in the telecommunications industry.
I am also a longtime community volunteer. I served on the Scarsdale Board of Education from 2014-2020 including 1.5 years as President. I am currently serving as a Board member of the Scarsdale Schools Education Foundation, the Scarsdale Youth Soccer Club, and Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity's Supreme Council and am a member of Scarsdale’s Judicial Qualifications Advisory Committee. Among other roles, I am a former member of the Scarsdale Bowl Committee and Scarsdale’s Board of Ethics, and a former Board member of Westchester Reform Temple, the Greenacres Neighborhood Association, and the Crohn’s Colitis Foundation of America-Westchester/Fairfield Chapter. I also proudly coached my daughters’ recreational soccer, basketball, and softball teams.
Why are you stepping up now to serve as a Scarsdale Village Trustee?
I have a passion for the job and a love for our Village.
What skills do you bring to the Board?
I am a problem solver, relationship builder, have a deep desire to learn about all sides of an issue, and possess the ability to quickly understand and synthesize complex issues along with financial and legal documents. Additionally, I am an active listener, with an open mind to all points of view and constituencies and know how to serve all of the residents of the Village without agenda or pre-conceived point of view.
What were some of the most valuable lessons you learned as a volunteer?
To assume best intentions from all colleagues, employees, and stakeholders and that it is incredibly important—essential—to serve with credibility and integrity.
What were some of your most rewarding volunteer experiences?
In addition to contributing to very productive boards, my most rewarding volunteer experiences have been the ones where after a lot of hard work, partnership, and creative problem solving, we have been able to deliver wonderful results for stakeholders. In Scarsdale, primarily in capital work, these experiences would include the installation of the permanent lights at Butler Field at Scarsdale High School, the renovations to Greenacres Elementary School, and the Learning Commons, Design Lab, and new fitness center at the High School. But, in reality, my most rewarding volunteer experiences in Scarsdale and beyond always come back to the incredibly smart, hard-working, engaging, and impressive people I have had an opportunity to meet, work with, and learn from.
How do you think that service on the Village Board will be similar or different from your experience on the School Board?
I am used to working as a member of a board of seven dedicated resident volunteers and expect the same on the Village Board. As a member of the School Board, I was incredibly lucky to work with a dedicated group of administrators, teachers, and staff dedicated to their craft. I expect to experience the same as a member of the Village Board. I am sure there will be differences, such as budgeting and bond work which don’t require a community vote, but I expect—maybe naively—the service to be similar and feel familiar.
The Village is now embarking on an initiative to build Scarsdale’s first indoor/outdoor pool complex. Share your thoughts on this ambitious project.
My family was a long-time user and supporter of the Scarsdale Pool. I believe we should provide such an important part of the Village for the current residents and for future residents. To do that, significant investment is necessary and I generally support the current project. I trust and respect our professionals, consultants, and the current Village Board in reaching the conclusion. One item I need to learn more about is the expected operating costs and the self-sufficiency of the complex.
At the same time, the school board has proposed a $101.7 million bond for expansion and infrastructure improvements to the facilities. What are your views on the overall expansion of taxpayer debt?
Managing our ever-Increasing taxpayer debt and maintaining our high bond ratings is of paramount importance. There are limits to the amount of debt we can ask the community to support, but we also need to meet the needs and desires of our constituents in delivering a world class public education, providing the required level of services, and fixing and maintaining our aging infrastructure. If the taxing authorities take the time to thoroughly study the issues and alternatives, encourage and listen to community input, and make prudent decisions, I believe our community will support (as they usually do) the budgetary plans.
Last spring the Village Board proposed the purchase of police technology that facilitated increased surveillance through the use of cameras, license plate readers and drones. Tell us what you think.
Transparency and communication are always key. I also want to provide our Police Department with all of the tools they need and want. While we always need to be concerned with privacy including the data collected about our residents and who has the data, we live in a world in which data about our lives are always being captured—EZPass, ATM, mobile phones, traffic cameras, waze, google, and the list goes on. So, in the end, I think we already share so much data, that we need to acknowledge that while being aware of to whom we voluntarily share any data and to whom they share the same data.
What do you hope to accomplish as a Village Trustee?
I love our Village. It’s been here for 325 years and will be here for a long time after me. As Trustee, I hope to be a valuable and contributing steward of our Village’s vast resources, infrastructure, and charm while maintaining the Village as a desired place to live.
A Surprise Visit to Village Hall
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I was hoping the Village Board meeting on Tuesday night February 24 would wrap up before the State of the Union address at 9 pm. And the agenda was moving swiftly when Congressman George Latimer appeared at the door. What was he doing at the Scarsdale Village Board meeting on the night of the State of the Union?
Latimer came to the podium and explained that though he should be in Washington, with airports closed and Amtrak out of service, there was no way for him to return to the Capitol in time for Trump’s remarks, so he took the opportunity to visit his constituents.
He complimented the Village on doing a great job during the two day snow emergency and spoke in favor of the Village’s policy on immigration enforcement. He said that in his previous job as Westchester County Executive the County had adopted a similar policy in regard to immigration enforcement. See more here.
Latimer provided an update on Congressional matters, saying, “We (the Democrats) are not prepared to vote for a budget until we see some changes in the ways ICE operates. The shutdown will only impact homeland security, TSA, FEMA and the government will continue to operate.”
Turning to tariffs, he said, “We are facing an ambiguity right now. The President has some authority.” He discussed a roundtable for small business owners to be held on Friday February 27 in the Little Theater at Westchester County Center. RSVP by emailing [email protected].
He invited the Village to propose projects for federal funding for the 2026-27 budget year. He said, “We are opening a portal for projects that you feel are a priority…. It is a difficult process. If there is a project or two that you would like to see federal funding for -- we will try to help you get the request in and go to bat for it.”
Pool News
The Trustees then reviewed a resolution to revise the Village’s agreement with Lothrop Associates Architects who are designing the pool complex. Deputy Mayor Gruenberg read the amendment and explained that the scope of the original agreement had expanded when the Village decided to move forward with the larger indoor/outdoor pool complex. The new agreement calls for a lump sum fee of 6.75% of the construction costs, not to exceed $900,959.48.
Furthermore, Gruenberg explained that the Pool Committee is considering adding some of the features that the community supported, “including a separate outdoor diving pool, a separate indoor leisure pool with a warmer temperature distinct from the lap and diving pools, and expanded gathering space for families and neighbors.”
She said though those enhancements would bring the budget of $80 million, they would refine the plans and do value engineering to pursue cost savings and efficiencies. Furthermore she said, “If appropriate, we may recommend phasing or deferring certain elements that do not affect the core operation of the indoor and outdoor facilities in order to keep the project aligned with our financial framework. Finally, I want to be clear that the Village Board does not intend to authorize or issue bonds above the $70.4 million that was previously presented to the community.”
The resolution was supported by six of the trustees. However, Trustee Jerry Wise objected saying, “The contract with Lothrop was only received after 2 pm today. It is a million dollar contract. I didn’t get the resolution until 20 minutes before the meeting and there was no cover memo from the Village Manager explaining what Dara said. I am told that this is an emergency but that does not warrant this change from our procedures. I don’t’ feel the public has had the opportunity to speak or comment.”
Trustee Jason Kofman defended the resolution, saying, “The construction budget has gone up… the architects fees are going up. Trustee David Goldschmidt said, “Given that we have voted to move forward on it – I am comfortable moving forward.”
Rose Ann Sofia Leaves a Legacy of Love
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Rose Ann Sofia, 86, of Scarsdale, New York, passed away peacefully at home on February 18, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on February 13, 1940, in Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada. Rose Ann was the beloved daughter of Elizabeth Taber. She was raised with strong family values; kindness, resilience, faith, and unwavering devotion to those she loved, which guided her throughout her life.
Rose Ann shared 51 devoted years of marriage with her beloved husband, John. Together they created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and enduring love. She was a proud and loving mother to Cara Mildé (Toby) and Amy Sofia Biondi (Mike), and a cherished grandmother to Fletcher, Quinn, Elizabeth, Brooke, and Johnny. Her grandchildren were the light of her life and her greatest joy. Rose Ann is also survived by her treasured cousins of the Clements family.
Known for her quick wit, generous heart, and steadfast loyalty, Rose Ann was a source of strength and encouragement to family and friends. She worked for many years as a trader at Bond House, R.W. Pressprich & Co., where she earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues. Leaving Wall Street to raise her daughters, she and John moved to Scarsdale, NY where they built a life for more than forty-five years. Rose Ann devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family and her parish community at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. She volunteered tirelessly at Edgewood Elementary School, the Girl Scouts of America, and served on numerous community committees, always giving her time with cheerful smiles and enthusiasm.
Rose Ann loved nothing more than gathering friends and family around a table overflowing with food and laughter. An exceptional cook, she had a remarkable gift for bringing people together, and her gregarious laugh, accompanied by the unmistakable twinkle in her hazel eyes, will be fondly remembered. Rose Ann’s love and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
Visiting hours will be held on Monday, February 23rd from 3:00-7:00 p.m. at Bennett Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Tuesday, February 24th, at 10:00 a.m. with interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend and celebrate her beautiful life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rose Ann’s memory to Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps https://www.scarsdalevac.com/donate SVAC P.O. Box 92 Scarsdale, NY 10583 (914) 722-2288.
Residents Ask Village Board to Stand Up Against ICE
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The national conversation about immigration enforcement came home to Scarsdale at the meeting of the Village Board on Tuesday February 10, 2026. Alissa Baum and Myra Saul attended the meeting and asked the Village Board to support proposed legislation to limit ICE actions in New York State.
Here is what they said:
Good evening. We are Alissa Baum, 2 Sylvan Lane and Myra Saul, 5 Lincoln Road. We are speaking in our capacities as individuals and not representing any group.
About two weeks ago, in response to the murders of Renee Goode and Alex Pretti, members of the Westchester community--of all faiths and backgrounds as well as our elected officials-- gathered at Congregation Kol Ami in White Plains to find comfort in our shared humanity. Justin, you as our mayor, spoke eloquently that night, explaining that regardless of what may be our political differences, we all share a belief in our Constitution, the rule of law, and our common humanity. Thank you.
The other day Heather Cox Richardson, a distinguished American historian, wrote in her online column, that there are over 70,000 people, including children, held in ICE detention centers around the country. These centers are operated by private firms, some apparently shoestring operations, which now oversee private jails that each hold thousands of people. There are reports of the lack of medical facilities and the outright denial of medical care at these centers; many substantiated by ICE.
There are now other reports that whole communities are speaking out against ICE, especially with respect to the establishment of detention centers in their communities. For instance, in nearby Chester, NY, the Orange County Legislature, both Republicans and Democrats, unanimously oppose a proposed detention center there.
Scarsdale needs to stand up with the tools that it has to fight against ICE on both political and moral grounds. Politically—because as our Mayor said at our community gathering of two weeks ago—these issues transcend Democratic and Republican party lines and go to the essence of the constitutional rights we all enjoy. Morally---because we need to speak up with a forceful voice for those in our communities who are suffering.
It is with this background that we are asking the Village of Scarsdale, through its trustees, to support some common sense handcuffs on ICE, as proposed by our governor, in the name of upholding our constitutional rights and decency.
These are:
1. The New York State Bivens Act, which would protect the constitutional rights of New Yorkers by establishing a right to sue federal officers and hold them accountable for violations of individuals’ constitutional rights.
2. The Sensitive Location Protection Act, which would amend the NY State Civil Rights Law to protect sensitive locations – schools, daycares, hospitals, houses of worship, and housing accommodations – from civil immigration enforcement, except where a federal agent has a judicial warrant. We do not want to see ICE invading the spaces we cherish as safe and secure.
3. The Local Crimes and Local Cops Act, which would prohibit so-called 287(g) agreements. This bill would bar state and local police from acting as federal agents or using taxpayer-funded resources or personnel to carry out federal civil immigration enforcement.
We note that this legislation is less far reaching than New York for All, a bill currently being considered by the state legislature and cosponsored by both our state senator and state assemblyperson. Considering that, if the governor’s proposals still seem too controversial, which they shouldn’t be, the Village needs to at least take a stand with respect to its own police force. Right now, we only have a policy which states that the Scarsdale Police Department will not engage in immigration enforcement. |
A policy simply does not have the force of law. Given the activities of ICE in our own backyard, it is critical that we make sure that our own local authorities are not permitted to cooperate with ICE absent a judicial warrant or ongoing serious criminal investigation.
Scarsdale should join other communities across the state and the country willing to protect the most vulnerable among us.
Thank you for your consideration.
Nan Berke came to the mic to second the second the recommendations to limit ICE’s grip. She said, “Kathy Hochul supports this act along with the New York Bar Association. I am hopeful that Scarsdale can be one of the first local governments endorsing this act. I run the local tag sale at Scarsdale Congregational Church and people from all walks of life come to enjoy the sale. We implemented measures to protect people during the sale. I want to make the thought of ICE unimaginable again. The President says his guardrails are only limited by his own morality – this is too low a bar.”
On Wednesday February 11, Mayor Justin Arest responded. Here is his letter:
Dear Scarsdale,
At our Village Board meeting on Tuesday night, residents offered thoughtful comments about the role of local law enforcement and proposals in Albany addressing civil immigration enforcement. We have also received other inquiries from residents. I appreciate this engagement. It is part of what makes Scarsdale, Scarsdale.
Keeping Scarsdale Policing Local
Residents spoke about protecting our community from civil immigration enforcement activity. On that point, it is important to be clear about what we do today.
Scarsdale has not entered into a federal 287(g) agreement, and our officers are not empowered to act as immigration agents. Our department’s focus is local public safety. Scarsdale does not hold or detain individuals for civil immigration purposes based on administrative paperwork alone. As a matter of department policy and long-standing practice, detention does not occur absent a judicial warrant or a criminal matter within our jurisdiction. Consistent with legal guidance from the New York Attorney General, these practices ensure that local resources are used for local safety.
What a Village Can and Cannot Do
Residents also urged the Village to adopt or codify proposals currently being debated in Albany, including the New York State Bivens Act proposal and the Sensitive Location Protection Act.
Those are serious policy questions, but they are not questions a Village can settle by local law. A municipality cannot create a new state cause of action allowing residents to sue federal officials. That authority rests with the State Legislature. Likewise, the Village cannot enact a local rule that overrides federal enforcement authority or sets binding statewide standards for federal agencies. If we attempted to do so, it would likely be preempted by state or federal law and could expose taxpayers to unnecessary litigation.
Moving Forward
As your local government, our job is to keep Scarsdale safe, to keep our police focused on local policing, and to follow the law as it exists. We will continue to track the legislation being considered in Albany and speak up when state action affects our community.
We encourage residents to continue sharing their perspectives with elected representatives at every level of government. The Village remains in communication with our partners at the county, state, and federal levels, and we believe constructive public engagement plays an important role in shaping policy.
Scarsdale should remain a place that values public safety, constitutional rights, and basic decency, all at the same time.
Sincerely,
Justin Arest
Mayor
Responding to the Mayor, Baum, Berke and Saul sent the following letter on February 12, 2026:
Mr. Mayor,
Thank you for your response on behalf of the Village. Respectfully, however, your response does not address our requests.
1. As to Scarsdale police, you indicate that "As a matter of department policy (emphasis added) and long-standing practice, detention does not occur absent a judicial warrant or a criminal matter within our jurisdiction. Consistent with legal guidance from the New York Attorney General, these practices ensure that local resources are used for local safety."
This is the nut of one of the issues we raised in our remarks. We are asking that this policy be made into a local law. If passed, Scarsdale would not be the first Westchester jurisdiction to have such a law. The Town of Irvington has a local law which was used as a model for Westchester County's Immigrant Protection Act with respect to the County's police force.
2. You state that we asked the Village to adopt or codify various state proposals.
You have misstated our request. We are requesting that the Village Trustees pass a resolution in support or issue a Memorandum of Support with respect to the governor's proposals. There is no conflict between various layers of government with respect to this action. As we discussed at the Trustee Meeting, Scarsdale needs to use the tools that it possesses--one of which is to express support for constitutional rights and for our neighbors through the voice of our government.
3. Lastly, you state that "As your local government, our job is to keep Scarsdale safe, to keep our police focused on local policing, and to follow the law as it exists. We will continue to track the legislation being considered in Albany and speak up when state action affects our community."
We reject the notion of the parameters of the powers of local government as stated in the first sentence of this statement. It is too limited. In fact, you recognize that later in the same paragraph where you say that Scarsdale government will "speak up when state action affects our community." As a routine matter, our state officials seek input from various stakeholders, including local government officials, when considering legislation. Similarly, local government officials directly advocate for laws on the county, state, or federal level when an issue has the potential of impacting the community. We have no doubt that if the matter were fiscal, Scarsdale officials would be vigorously conveying to higher levels of government the impact those changes would have on our Village. The challenging of the SALT deduction cap and ConEd rate increases are certainly areas where our local government advocated for change with our state representatives. And, we emphasize that current federal immigration enforcement is affecting us now. It was only months ago that the community united in support of one of its residents who was caught in this overreach.
Scarsdale took a stand in favor of constitutional rights years ago; it was a leader in defense of the First Amendment during the McCarthy Era in the so-called "Battle of the Books". Our democracy is in peril now. There is no reason why Scarsdale should not be a leader now. New times call for different tactics, but with the same goal--upholding constitutional rights. Don't let this opportunity slip away. Be a leader and make us and our future residents proud to call Scarsdale home.
Respectfully submitted,
Alissa Baum, Nan Berke, and Myra Saul
In other news from Village Hall, the Board approved a resolution to receive reimbursement from Westchester County for clearning ice and snow from 3.2 miles of county roads within Scarsdale.
-They passed a resolution to allow a real property tax levy increase above the allowable tax cap 3.65%.
-They authorized the use of Westchester County voting machines for the annual village election on March 18, 2026.
-They accepted a give of $5,000 from Fenway Golf Club Charitable Fund for the Scarsdale Police Department.
-They authorized an agreement with executive search firm Robert Half Inc to fill an executive level position for the Village.
-They discussed, but did not vote on new regulations regarding fencing around swimming pools.
Community Speaks Out About Proposed $101mm Bond at Public Forum
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After advocacy from the community, the Board voted to include funding for a $3.2mm turf field at Scarsdale Middle School in the bond.What do residents think about a proposed $98.6mm bond (now $101.7mm), slated for a vote in May 2026. The district invited speakers to offer comments on the proposal at their meeting on Monday February 2, 2026 and heard statements from school groups, including the PT Council, School PTA’s, booster organization Maroon and White and the Scarsdale Teachers Association. All voiced unanimous support for the bond, with some requesting additional spending for a turf field at Scarsdale Middle School.
Others expressed reservations, including the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale, and individual speakers who questioned the district’s long term financial plan and the potential impact of the expansion of the district footprint and additional debt service.
Here are excerpts from a selection of the statements which all included thanks to the district, the board and the Capital Projects Committee:
Erica German and Mayra Kirkendall Rodriguez said,“The Scarsdale PTC Executive Committee unanimously supports the proposed scope for the 2026 Capital Projects…. The proposed capital projects support the learning, health, and safety of Scarsdale’s children across all seven schools. These student-centered investments focus on enhancing districtwide learning spaces and essential infrastructure in ways that directly impact teaching and learning. By addressing both immediate facility needs including critical infrastructure, and long-term educational goals, including the creation of flexible, modern learning spaces, the projects help continue Scarsdale’s long-standing commitment to educational excellence.”
They made the following requests:
“- a publicly accessible tax calculator for residents to analyze the impact of the series of debt issuances on their household,
-a discussion of all associated operational costs that may arise due to the proposed capital projects,
-an analysis of the potential impact of the debt issuances on the annual budget, in terms of curriculum, student experience, and fund balance,
-a detailed explanation of the potential impact of the new debt issuances on the tax cap, and the timing of District revisions of the projected operating deficit given that the assumptions for the Long Range Plan were based on $40 million; presently the proposed debt amount is $98.7 million.”
Erika Rublin spoke for the Scarsdale High School PTA Executive Committee and said, “the current bond scope as proposed strikes a good balance with respect to needs across the district, and we encourage the community to support the proposed bond… In an ideal world with unlimited funds, we would love to see renovations to the high school classrooms and labs.”
She continued, “But were pleased that the bond:
-Includes air conditioning for Gyms A and B so that our athletic teams and PE classes can comfortably use those spaces.
-Updates our 3-D art space, a space that is no longer fully serving our students and is in desperate need of modernization so that we can continue to offer a wide range of art classes in our curriculum.
-Converts the Little Theater from a space that currently does not allow for instructional use into a flexible, multi-purpose space that will be usable for a wide variety of programming including testing and other curricular needs.
-Renovates the LRC to accommodate the growing number of students in the program.
-Creates quiet study areas in the library for our students.
However, they asked for the Board to include the SMS turf project that was in the originally presented bond scope. “Our district currently has only one turf field – Butler Field at SHS – that is shared by multiple athletic teams and is used by Scarsdale’s youth beyond the school sports teams. Playing time on that one turf field is severely constrained. An additional turf field will give our multiple high school and community sports teams the opportunity to practice for much more of the year. As we consider the wellness of Scarsdale’s youth, the additional turf field would support efforts to encourage our kids to get away from their screens and be active outside.”
Dorathy Sunshine and Jessica Rosenberg Co-Presidents of the Fox Meadow PTA– expressed support for bond and the $25mm in spatial improvements to the school, which they said “would benefit our entire ecosystem and provide “modernized learning spaces to address crowding and access, and “healthier environments” by providing air conditioning in the gymatorium. The called the bond, “a vital investment in the future of Fox Meadow.”
Heathcote PTA President Saum Shetty thanked the district “for recognizing the unique needs of the Heathcote School.” They are “grateful for air conditioning and renovation of our library.”
Jackie Nimer PTA President of Edgewood said, “We support the bond scope as necessary. Edgewood is already outgrowing its space. We added six students in the last 30 days. The space is not just about the square footage. Turning closets into learning spaces is not creative. When we are short on space, education slips and results in small compromises.”
Greenacres PTA President Liza King, said the Executive Committee “appreciates the bond and is grateful for community engagement.” They voiced “support for the scope and for air conditioning in the gym.”
Gina Chon, President of the Scarsdale Middle School PTA, spoke on behalf of the Executive Committee.
She said, “We are grateful that key improvements for our building—including the library renovation, cafeteria upgrades, and the installation of air conditioning in the library, cafeterias, and band room—are included in the scope of the capital bond. These improvements will significantly enhance the learning environment and daily experience of our students and staff.
…We understand that the turf field originally included for the Middle School was removed because the Village is exploring a potential stormwater retention and pumping system in the Sheldrake neighborhood, which would impact our school. We recognize that this effort could create an opportunity to pursue funding support from the Village and other sources in connection with a future turf field project.
Given the importance of this project to our school community, we respectfully request additional information regarding the anticipated timing, planning process, and next steps for the stormwater initiative, and how it may align with the district’s plans for a new turf field at the Middle School.”
Maroon and White Booster Committee expressed strong support for improving the fields and support for middle school turf in the current bond.
Joe Vaughn, President of the Scarsdale Teachers Association said, “The community values and supports education. This is an opportunity to invest in the future of the schools. STA stands in strong support of the student-centered bond.”
However, some expressed reservations
Dalya Kahn read a statement from the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale
She said, “The League supports the proposed 2026 Scarsdale Schools Bond with reservations and commends the School Board and Administration for the bond development process.”
The League commended the district on open communications, responsiveness and transparency.
But she said, “While the League supports the Bond in general, the League has reservations about the scope and timing of the proposed expansion of Edgewood Elementary School, and encourages the District to consider deferring those plans until more certainty exists about the enrollment projections and increased class sections at the school. The League is concerned by the significant cost to taxpayers at a time that coincides with additional tax increases relating to the Village bond for the pool complex.”
They encouraged the District to do the following:
-Monitor interest rates and take advantage of favorable opportunities, including anticipated lower interest rates.
-Be sensitive to the tax burden on residents, including the tax impact of other Village projects, when deciding what to include in the Bond.
-Communicate plans for replacing the oil tanks at all seven schools over the next few.years pursuant to the District’s 5-year capital plan.
PTC Budget Co- Chair, Rachana Singh, speaking on her own behalf had questions about finances. She said, “The district’s own Outstanding Debt and State Building Aid model shows two important figures that deserve to be considered together.
First, the Capital Vote Local Share represents the additional annual cost of the proposed bond that taxpayers would be responsible for each year after State Building Aid. Over the life of the bond, that local share totals approximately $120 million. This is not a one-time cost — it is a recurring obligation that becomes part of the district’s budget
Second, when this new obligation is combined with the district’s existing debt, the model shows a Proforma Local Share of approximately $167 million over the projection period. This figure reflects the total local debt-service burden that future budgets must absorb.
While the model highlights a single “peak” year, budgets are not experienced at a peak — they are experienced every year. A recurring local share of this magnitude increases the district’s fixed expenditures, reduces financial flexibility, and compounds over time under the tax cap.
If State Building Aid is reduced, delayed, or does not materialize as assumed, the local share increases immediately and permanently, widening the gap between recurring revenues and recurring expenditures. That gap can only be closed through higher taxes, reductions in educational services, or the use of fund balance.
For this reason alone, the Board of Education should undertake comprehensive long-term financial planning before approving the scope of the bond, so the district and community can fully understand how these recurring costs will affect future budgets, fund balance alignment, and overall financial stability.
The BOE can also advocate for the community by asking Bond advisors to model 2–3 options (e.g., minimal/essentials-only at $40M, moderate at $60–70M, full at $98M+) and share updated pro formas publicly via BoardDocs."
Jeff Ostroth called for a long-term plan. He said, “For the things we are not doing, when are we going to pay for them? The size of the bonds in 2014 and 2018 matched the debt rolling off. In 2014 there was a plan. I don’t know what comes next. Let the community know what’s coming.”
Claudine Gecel said, “Annual budgets have not been balanced without drawing down reserves. We are at risk of our reserves going away – and its serious. We can’t ethically make an informed decision about this without getting the information about balancing the budget. We have to pay for all of this. We can’t make an informed decision about these big projects until we see the everyday budget – and that it is balanced with what we have.”
Following the comments, the Board had a lengthy discussion about including funding for the turf field at Scarsdale Middle School. It had been removed, partially due to discussions with the Village that indicated they may install stormwater detention basins underneath the field. Until they are ready to move forward with the stormwater remediation plan, the district’s proposal to add a turf field was in question.
The board opted to add back $3.2 million into the bond, raising the total to $101.7mm. They plan to build the turf field toward the end of the cycle in order to coordinate with the village on the stormwater remediation plan.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Board voted to include an additional $3.2mm for a turf field at Scarsdale Middle School and appeared to be moving forward with the $101mm plus bond recommendation, with the next step being a SEQRA adoption on February 9, 2026.
