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.
Flag Design Concert
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Calling all artists: The Village has announced a Flag Design Contest in honor of America's 250th Anniversary and Scarsdale's 325th! Here are the details:
America 250/Scarsdale 325 Flag Design Contest
In celebration of 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and the 325th anniversary of Scarsdale, the Village will be hosting a Flag Design Contest to mark the occasion. Residents of all ages are invited to create a unique design that celebrates these milestones and showcases our vibrant community. Flags should be representative of both our Village and our country, tying together local and national history.
The winning design will be transformed into a physical flag, flown at Village Hall and other Village properties throughout 2026.
Residents are encouraged to use their creativity and join us in commemorating these important anniversaries!
Rules & Guidelines
- Entries must be submitted via online submission form by March 20, 2026, at 5:00pm.
- Designs must easily be displayed on a 3’ x 5’ cloth flag to be flown on a flagpole.
- Designs must not include imagery or language that is offensive, divisive, or unsuitable for public display.
- Submissions must be original designs and cannot include copyrighted or AI generated content.
- Use of the Village of Scarsdale logo is permitted.
- By submitting works, artists agree to grant permission to alter/crop work as needed to fit the appropriate
dimensions.
- Designs will be modified by a professional graphic designer to ensure clarity and enhance visual appeal.
- All participants acknowledge that they will receive no compensation at any point in connection with the
selection and use of their submitted design.
- The Village has the right to reject any application it deems incomplete or inappropriate.
- By submitting a design to the Village of Scarsdale, the individual recognizes that the design will become and shall remain property of the Village, and in its sole discretion the Village may reproduce, modify, adapt, and use designs in a variety of publications, communications, memorabilia, and promotional material.
Selection Process
- A panel of judges will select the winner, and the flag will be revealed at the Memorial Day ceremony and parade.
Eligibility
- Participants must be residents of the Village of Scarsdale or Mamaroneck Strip to submit a design.
- Residents may submit one design each.
- If the participant is under the age of 18, parent/guardian signature is required upon submission.
For questions or further information, please contact Ruby Tower at [email protected].
Introducing Assistant Village Manager Ruby Tower
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Ruby Tower joined the Scarsdale Village Manager's office as Assistant Village Manager in November, 2025, coming to Scarsdale from Rye. In order to get to know her, we posed some questions and here is what she shared:
Tell us about your education and background. What led you to a career in public administration?
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Law and a Master’s degree in Public Administration, both from Binghamton University. I have always been drawn to government and public service, but my coursework throughout the Public Administration program solidified my desire to pursue a career in local government. My academic and internship experiences while in the Public Administration program allowed me to learn firsthand the immense positive impacts that local government employees have within the community.
Professionally, I previously worked in the Town Administrator’s office at the Town of Rye. My role as Administrative Aide allowed me to assist with a wide variety of projects at the Town, from special event planning to the budget process and capital projects. Throughout my time with the Town of Rye, I gained valuable experience in a number of key areas, allowing me to expand my knowledge of municipal government and learn what it takes to provide essential services to residents in an efficient and effective manner.
What will be your responsibilities in Scarsdale?
As Assistant Village Manager, my role centers on supporting the Village Manager in facilitating the essential daily operations of the Village. These responsibilities include preparing the agenda and materials for Village Board of Trustees meetings, assisting with special events, and identifying grant programs that align with Village priorities.
From your first months on the job - what similarities are there between Scarsdale and Rye government? What do we do differently?
The scale of operations here at Scarsdale, including the number of employees and departments, is much larger than the Town of Rye. The coordination between departments is handled extremely efficiently, and department heads manage a significant number of employees. These talented staff at the Village allow for high quality services to be delivered effectively. I am excited to continue to learn about and experience our skilled departments in action!
What were some initiatives you worked on in Rye - and how might you use what you learned here?
Throughout my time in Rye, I assisted with a variety of functions, including grants management and budget preparation. In running point on grants administration for the Town, I gained valuable experience working with local, state, and federal granting agencies and Town staff to get important projects completed. Managing grant funding requires a robust understanding of required reporting and processes, strict attention to detail, and consistent communication. In assisting with the preparation of the annual Town budget, I worked with my team to carefully track key financial trends and priorities, and plan for the upcoming year. Both of these functions, along with various other key initiatives, taught me valuable public administration skills.
I am excited to bring the skills and experience I have developed to the Manager’s office here in Scarsdale and look forward to making a meaningful contribution to our operations.
What do you hope to learn and accomplish as part of the Scarsdale team?
As a new member of the Scarsdale team, I am very excited to connect with the vibrant community here. In my first weeks at the Village, I have already connected with multiple organizations, and I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with our wonderful residents. I am also thrilled to be a member of such a hard-working team. Though it is still early in my time here, it is already apparent to me that our staff at the Village is committed to making a positive impact on our residents, and it is a team that I am excited and proud to be a part of.
Andrea Stewart-Cousins Says NY State Senate is "Ready to Meet the Moment"
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Here are remarks delivered by NYS Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins at the opening of the 2026 Legislative Session of the NYS Senate.
These are not times for complacency. These are times that demand clarity, responsibility, and focus.
We are beginning a New Year in a moment when the pressures facing New Yorkers feel heavier and more immediate in their daily lives. Families are opening utility bills they can barely afford. They are walking grocery aisles where prices rise faster than paychecks. They are worried about the cost of housing, health care and the overall cost of living. At the same time, many New Yorkers are watching with genuine concern as hard-won rights and constitutional freedoms are challenged across the country.
That is the reality our constituents are living with. It is the responsibility of the Senate, led by this Majority, to meet it head-on.
Understandably, there is a lot we do not know, and a lot we cannot predict. The uncertainty can feel overwhelming. But if there is one truth about our work, it is that we have been here before and every time, this chamber has risen to meet the moment.
In fact, we have already proven who we are in times of crisis.
When the chaos and division of Trump 1.0 tested the foundations of our institutions, it was this chamber that stepped forward to defend New Yorkers.
We will continue to be a clear and unwavering voice for what New Yorkers deserve from their federal representatives. For example, laws like the Shield Act were not abstract ideas. They are fundamental protections that matter, now, when people need them most. We showed the country that states could hold the line when Washington would not, and that government could still be a force for stability, fairness, compassion, and good.
In moments of crisis, when COVID brought the world to a halt and when a former Governor resigned in scandal, this chamber provided continuity and steadiness. You confronted what was uncomfortable, kept government functioning, and passed critical budgets under impossible conditions. We did it without losing our values or losing sight of the people we serve.
Those moments were not easy. But they reminded us of something essential. We know how to lead in uncertain times. We know how to confront the unimaginable. We know how to govern when the ground shifts beneath us, because we already have.
We know how to work together and reach consensus. We represent every corner of this state, from cities to suburbs, small towns to farmland. We represent districts that are safely Democratic or Republican, as well as districts that are competitive, moderate, and hard-fought. Our strength comes not from pretending one size fits all, but from understanding that New York works best when communities see themselves reflected in the various solutions we advance.
Ideology and principles matter. They guide us. They shape our priorities and our sense of justice. But governing also requires realism. The landscape ahead is complicated. The stakes are high. Navigating what comes next will require discipline, collaboration, and resolve.
In moments like these, we have to be adults in the room. We have to help set the tone and direction for the state. We must give a sense of security to our constituents who are living in unprecedented times of uncertainty. That is what the Senate has done under this Majority’s leadership. When Washington chose chaos, we delivered stability. When Washington offered rhetoric, we produced results. When Washington leaned into division, we focused on improving people’s lives in tangible, practical ways.
That is the standard New Yorkers expect from us as we move into this year.
We know what our communities need. We understand the challenges they face. We see the role the Senate, led by this Majority, must play, not just to respond to this moment, but to shape what comes next.
This session, our work continues to meet the affordability crisis head-on. We will tackle everything from the rising utility costs and the price of groceries, to promoting universal child care. We will continue strengthening a health care system that puts patients first. And we will stand firm in defense of voting rights and equal rights, with one of our central focuses being standing up for communities that are being targeted and marginalized, which includes protecting our immigrant brothers and sisters by advancing the goals of New York for All.
As we open this Legislative Session, let us do so with confidence, grounded in what we have already proven, clear-eyed about the work ahead, and united in our responsibility to deliver.
Because New Yorkers are counting on us. And this Senate, led by this Majority, is ready to meet the moment.
Andrea Stewart-Cousins holds the positions of President Pro Tempore and Majority Leader of the New York State Senate, and she is the Senator for the 35th District. As the longest-serving Democratic Majority Leader in New York State Senate history, and the first woman and African American woman to occupy this role, her tenure is distinguished by significant legislative achievements and a steadfast commitment to addressing the needs of New Yorkers.
Jill Haskel Passes Away at Age 89
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Jill Newmark Haskel, born August 15, 1936, died suddenly on Monday, December 22, 2025. She was 89 years old.
Jill was born in Los Angeles, California as an only child to parents Richard and Jane Newmark. She graduated from Hollywood High School in Los Angeles and later from Tobe-Coburn School for Fashion (in more recent times was known as Wood Tobe-Coburn School in Manhattan). In 1958, she married Merwin R. Haskel, Jr.
Jill and Merwin raised their four sons—Brad, Bill, and twins, Jim and Tony—in Scarsdale, NY, where they were active members of their neighborhood and community. Jill was a dedicated mother, later becoming a loving mother-in-law to Amy (Bill) and Annie (Jim), and a proud grandmother to six grandchildren: Jake, Tommy, Jenny, Tess, Sam, and Eli. She was a cherished sister-in-law to Richard and Jane Haskel and Aunt to Patricia Freund, and Whit (and Lina) Haskel and their children Sofia, Sebastian, Lilith and Oliver.
Jill and Merwin shared nearly sixty wonderful years of marriage together, making their homes in Scarsdale, Hartsdale, and White Plains, as well as their beloved Stratton, Vermont. When Merwin passed away in 2017, Jill was faithfully by his side throughout his long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. A devoted family member and friend, Jill stayed in close touch with those she loved—always texting, calling, and checking in. She had a gift for connecting with people of all ages and backgrounds, leaving every community she joined better off. In her later years, Jill lived at The Osborn Senior Living Community in Rye, New York, where she became more active than ever. She filled her days with a wide range of activities—from regular trips to New York City for the Philharmonic and Broadway shows to attending her favorite Zumba classes. Her more than forty years of volunteer service at White Plains Hospital, along with a decade of work with the Alzheimer’s Association, reflected her deep compassion and unwavering commitment to others.
After her passing, countless friends have reached out to the family, sharing stories and fond memories that spoke to Jill’s kindness, compassion, and unwavering determination to help others. Though her loss is deeply felt, the legacy she leaves behind—and the example she set through her generosity and warmth—will continue to inspire generations to come.
Details regarding the celebration of Jill's life will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to White Plains Hospital, or the Alzheimer’s Association of Westchester.
