Organizational Meeting: At 9:01 a.m., Dr. Patrick convened the annual Organizational Meeting at which newly elected Board member, Colleen Brown, was sworn in for her second term and Laura Liu for her first term. Newly elected ex officio student Board members Lucy Eisenberg and Anish Mehta were also sworn in. Following nominations, Board Officers were elected for the 2025-26 school year. Jim Dugan was elected Board President, and Colleen Brown was elected Board Vice President. Dr. Patrick noted that since Suzie Hahn was unable to attend the meeting in person, she will be sworn in for her second term on the Board by the end of July.
The Board acted on several annual requirements for the new school year, including the re-adoption of all Board of Education policies; the appointment of District Officers, District Consultants and a resolution for the appointment of the Audit Committee; the certification of payroll registers; designation of Board Officers to appoint impartial hearing officers; designation of depositories and the official school district newspaper; authorization of the bonding of employees; and authorization of several reimbursement rates, and bid procedures.
Public Hearing on the Code of Conduct: Board of Education President Mr. Dugan called to order a Public Hearing on the Code of Conduct. As required by State regulation, the Code of Conduct must be reviewed and re-adopted by the Board of Education annually. Mr. Rauschenbach reviewed the Code of Conduct, the annual review process, and the recommended changes to the Code for the 2025-26 school year. Mr. Dugan opened the floor to both the public and virtual audiences, but no one came forward.
BUSINESS MEETING
CABINET UPDATES/CONSENT AGENDA |
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Business Meeting: Mr. Dugan called the Business Meeting to order at 9:26 a.m., noting all Board members were present with Suzie Hahn attending remotely (Jim Dugan, President; Colleen Brown, Vice President; Leah Dembitzer; Robert Klein; Laura Liu; and Amber Yusuf). Mr. Dugan formally welcomed Ms. Liu as the Board’s newly elected member, and Ms. Brown and Ms. Hahn to their second terms on the Board, noting Ms. Brown’s role as Vice President this coming school year. He also gave a special welcome to the student Board members, stating, “We are truly delighted to have you here with us this morning.” Dr. Patrick and his Administrative Cabinet were also present.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Dugan thanked the Board for the opportunity to serve as Board President this year, saying, “I look forward to working with all of you as we continue our important work on behalf of our students, our school community, and the broader Scarsdale community.” He also noted, for the record, the 2025 Scarsdale High School graduates; thanked Ms. Hahn for her words and for representing the Board at the High School Graduation; and extended heartfelt congratulations to the Scarsdale High School Class of 2025 and the 5th and 8th grade students who moved up.
In closing, Mr. Dugan said, “The Board looks forward to its important work this year, collaborating with the administration, faculty, students, and community in fulfilling the newly crafted Strategic Plan, and ensuring excellent educational experiences and outcomes for our students in this ever-changing world.”
Dr. Patrick added his welcome to the first Business Meeting of the 2025-2026 school year and echoed Mr. Dugan’s words of congratulations to the 2025 Scarsdale High School graduates. He also recognized the work and dedication of the High School faculty, staff, and administration for providing an amazing graduation on Butler Field, and he congratulated our 5th and 8th graders as they’re bound for their next level of learning.
On behalf of the entire school community, Dr. Patrick congratulated and welcomed Colleen Brown and Suzie Hahn as they commence their second terms on the Board; Laura Liu as she begins her first term; Anish Mehta and Lucy Eisenberg, our new ex officio student Board members; and thanked the continuing Board members. He noted, “Your service to the school district is critically important, and deeply appreciated, as the work of our Board members has a lasting impact on the education of Scardale’s children.”.
Board members gave the following reports:
Ms. Hahn reported that she and Dr. Patrick attended the Scarsdale Edgemont Girl Scout Award Ceremony on June 11th and presented a Certificate of Recognition to SHS senior Samantha Levine for her Gold Award project “Simple Cooking With Sam.” She congratulated Ms. Levine and wished her the best in her future endeavors. Ms. Brown shared information on the Elementary Math Parent Coffee she attended with fellow Board members on June 11th. She noted that the event was thoughtfully designed and provided insight into the math curriculum, and she extended heartfelt thanks to the District administration and faculty for their contributions. Mr. Dugan provided information on the 2x2 Board-Leadership Meeting he attended on June 17th and the topics discussed.
Although there were no reports by the new student Board members, both Anish Mehta and Lucy Eisenberg introduced themselves and expressed excitement to be at the Board table.
Cabinet Updates: Dr. Patrick introduced Cabinet Members to provide the following updates.
Human Resources: Ms. Troy welcomed and introduced new faculty appointments on the Personnel Report, including the appointment of Nick Ferraro to the position of Director of Facilities III. Technology: Ms. Crowley presented an update on the role of the Data Protection Officer and reported on unauthorized disclosures, noting that there were zero breaches this year. She also provided details on an accidental release of data reported this year, the remediation plan used, and she answered Board questions. Safety, Security, and Emergency Management: Mr. Rauschenbach presented an update on the work and prioritization of installing door ajar sensors in the District. He also provided information on field work and work at the Fox Meadow playground, which are contingent on State aid. Mr. Rauschenbach answered questions submitted by Board members. Curriculum and Instruction: In Dr. McIntosh’s absence, Dr. Patrick noted that the contract with McGraw-Hill for Reveal Math will be presented to the Board for review, discussion, and action later in the meeting. -
Business/Facilities: Mr. Lennon provided the following updates:
The purchase of three large EV buses was included in the 2025-26 budget, utilizing EPA and NYSERDA funding to reduce the cost. Recent concerns regarding the reliability of Federal tax credits have resulted in the decision for the District to purchase two of the buses to keep within the budget. Mr. Lennon noted that if the credits become available, the third bus will be purchased, and further information will be presented at a future meeting. Mr. Lennon addressed questions and concerns presented by Board members. Mr. Lennon provided the background information and justification for a change order with Tribeca Air to remove, clean, and reconnect ductwork in the High School Auditorium. The change order will be presented to the Board for approval later in the meeting. Mr. Lennon answered Board questions. The Capital Projects Steering Committee will meet again later today to generate consensus for the scope of work for a potential 2026 Bond Referendum.
Hearing From Those Present: Community members were invited to address the Board. No one spoke in person or virtually.
Written Communications: Ms. Brown reported the Board had received (14) emails from members of the community since the last report, as listed in the Board meeting agenda, all of which received a response from the Board and/or District Administration.
Consent Agenda: The Board approved the items on the Consent Agenda, including the Code of Conduct and Personnel Report.
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INFORMATION/DISCUSSION
ACTION ITEMS |
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Information Items/Discussion: The Board considered several items under the information/discussion portion of the agenda:
Lisa Zareski, District Treasurer, presented the District Treasurer’s Report & Schedule of Investments for May 2025. In accordance with District Policy 6150, the Board of Education must approve all transfers of funds in excess of $25,000. Ms. Zareski explained the budget transfers that will be presented to the Board for approval later in the meeting. Contract Over $20K: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment - Reveal Math: Dr. Patrick provided the background information and proposal for renewing the contract with McGraw-Hill’s Reveal Math for three years. He explained that the recommendation is being made after a thorough review of the program’s strengths, areas for improvement, and the feedback received from educators, families, administrators, and students. Additionally, the program aligns with the Next Generation Math Standards. Dr. Patrick answered Board members' questions and discussed ways to continue to engage the community for further input on the program. The contract will be presented to the Board for approval later in the meeting. Dr. Patrick presented the background and first reading of draft Policy 8113 - Extreme Heat Condition Days. The policy will be presented for the second reading at the August 25th Board meeting. Dr. Patrick provided the background and the first reading of 1400-R - Public Complaints - Complaints About Instructional Materials and the corresponding form 1400-E that will, once adopted, accompany Policy 1400 - Public Complaints. Board Goals: Preliminary Discussion: Mr. Dugan provided background information on the Board’s process of establishing goals and objectives for the upcoming school year. The 2024-2025 adopted goals and objectives were used as a starting point for the Board discussion, which was followed by recommendations for the 2025-26 Board Goals and Objectives. A draft of the goals, incorporating the suggestions, will be presented at the August 25th Board meeting for further review and discussion. Superintendent Evaluation Template: Preliminary Discussion: Mr. Dugan provided an overview and timeline for the Board’s annual process of evaluating the Superintendent of Schools, and reviewed the template and evaluation tool that were used in last year’s evaluation. Board members engaged in a discussion and reached a consensus to continue to use the SuperEval evaluation tool for the upcoming school year. -
Dr. Patrick reviewed the gift proposals over $1,000 for the Board’s review and discussion, and answered Board questions.
Board Summer Work: Mr. Dugan introduced possible options for Board summer work and asked fellow Board members for their thoughts on any additional work and to reach out to him and Ms. Brown with any interest in this work.
Action Items: The Board adopted Policy 5695 - Students and Personal Electronic Devices; the 2025-26 Tax Levy; budget transfers, the contract with McGraw-Hill for Reveal Math, and approved, with gratitude, a gift proposal from the High School and an amended gift to Fox Meadow Elementary School.
Public Comment: Community members were invited to address the Board; no one spoke in person or remotely.
Wrap-Up Items: In a wrap-up of the meeting, Dr. Patrick confirmed that the 2025-26 Board goals will be reviewed and discussed at the August Board meeting.
Adjournment: The Board adjourned the meeting at 11:09 a.m. and entered into an Executive Session to discuss matters related to collective bargaining and contract negotiations. The Board meeting may be viewed on the District website, Board of Education VOD.
* Note from the Board of Education: Please email your feedback, questions, or comments to boardofed@scarsdaleschools.org
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