Special Meeting: At 6:00 p.m., Mr. Dugan convened a Special Meeting. The Board entered into an Executive Session to discuss matters related to the employment history of a particular person.
Audit Committee Meeting: At 6:31 p.m., Mr. Dugan convened the Board as the Audit Committee, noting that all committee members were present. Dimitris Bantileskas, Nawrocki Smith, LLP presented the Internal Auditor’s Focus Report pertaining to the District’s Health Insurance Program for the 2024-25 school year. Audit Committee members presented questions that were answered by Mr. Bantileskas. Ms. Troy reviewed and provided an overview of each recommendation and status identified in the Corrective Action Plan.
The Audit Committee voted unanimously to recommend to the Board of Education acceptance of the Internal Audit Report and the Corrective Action Plan that will be presented to the Board for approval at the January 26th Board Business Meeting.
Business Meeting: Mr. Dugan called the Business Meeting to order at 6:55 p.m., noting that all Board members were present, including the two student Board members (Jim Dugan, President; Colleen Brown, Vice President; Leah Dembitzer; Suzie Hahn; Robert Klein; Laura Liu; Amber Yusuf; Lucy Eisenberg; and Anish Mehta), and Dr. Patrick and members of his Administrative Cabinet.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Dugan wished everyone all the best in the New Year and he provided a brief recap of the earlier Audit Committee Meeting. He also reported that as the budget season begins at the State level, Governor Hochul will deliver her State of the State address tomorrow, January 13th, and the Executive Budget is due to be released later this month. Mr. Dugan spoke about the various forms of Board advocacy that aim to support legislation that meets the needs of our students. He noted that the Board will consider potential advocacy opportunities for this school year later in the meeting.
Mr. Dugan also addressed the Capital Project Bond process, which has been underway since early last year. He stated, “We come now to a crossroads, where we have before us an exciting opportunity to secure the successful future of our schools and, concomitantly, our community, for the next 50 years and beyond. The improvements that we will be able to implement via our proposed bond will be extensive, affecting student learning and experience in myriad ways. At a basic level, this work will elevate the student learning experience and bring necessary upgrades and enhancements to our buildings, the lack of which would, over time, result in the deterioration and loss of functionality in our buildings, to the detriment of all of our students. I am excited to be part of this wonderful opportunity to confirm our committment to the future of our children and the continued vitality and leadership of our community in matters of public education. We should all be proud of what we have accomplished so far, but we can and must do more to continue to be a school district others look to for leadership and as a measure of what is possible for a public school to be.”
In closing, Mr. Dugan acknowledged the first Board Community Coffee of the new year which will be reported on later in the meeting and he extended an invitation to the evening winter Board Coffee scheduled for Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Dr. Patrick added his welcome and echoed Mr. Dugan’s wishes to all for a Happy New Year. He provided a brief overview of the feedback received from the most recent Capital Projects Bond survey, that will be presented during the update later in the meeting. He added, “I want to express my deep appreciation to our community for the continued engagement in this process, and for participating in our survey during a time when it would have been easy to disconnect… I look forward to discussing this feedback a bit later tonight, and I want to give a public shout out to high school senior Sam Weston who has been interning in my office this month and helped with the data analysis.”
Dr. Patrick also provided the following information regarding the opening of online Kindergarten registration:
Current residents who expect to have a child attend Kindergarten during the 2026-27 school year are encouraged to complete this process between January 15 and January 30, 2026. Although prospective Kindergarteners may register at any time before the start of the school year, completing this process early ensures a smooth screening and placement process. Children whose fifth birthday falls on or before December 31, 2026, may be registered. If you are unsure which school your child should attend, feel free to contact registrar Nunzia Mauro at 721-2444 or email registrar@scarsdaleschools.org.
Additionally, as we enter into the heart of the 2026-27 budget development process, Dr. Patrick provided an outline of the process and the upcoming budget meetings. The Calendar for the Development of the 2026-27 Budget may be viewed here. Since the 2026 legislative session is underway with Governor Hochul’s State of the State address, Dr. Patrick provided details and deadlines for State funding and related advocacy opportunities that will be discussed by the Board later in the meeting.
In closing, Dr. Patrick noted important upcoming dates:
Board members presented the following reports:
Ms. Yusuf provided information on the Board Community Coffee that she and Ms. Brown hosted on January 9th, she shared a few words about her time serving on the Board (with her second term expiring on June 30th), and she encouraged community members to consider running for the Board. Mr. Klein reported that on January 7th he attended a Capital Projects Steering Committee Meeting.
Student Board members presented the following reports:
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Ms. Eisenberg reported on the following SHS student events:
The SHS Drama Club’s presentation, An Evening of Student Directed One Acts on January 9th and 10th. SHS ‘Hot Topics’ Lunch Discussions that provide a safe space for candid conversations around current events. A Pep Rally on January 9th for SHS students to celebrate our student athletes and Raider pride.
Mr. Mehta reported that Capital Project Bond posters with QR codes for student responses were hung throughout the High School to encourage student participation in the process.
Cabinet Updates: Dr. Patrick introduced Cabinet Member(s) to provide the following updates.
Safety, Security, and Emergency Management: Mr. Rauschenbach reported that the newly installed door ajar sensors were programmed successfully and are fully functional in five of the District schools. Since the installation at the two remaining schools is included as part of the SHS turf project in the current budget, the work will be completed at a later date once approval has been granted by NYSED.
Hearing From Those Present: Community members were invited to address the Board. Three people spoke in person. Two people spoke virtually.
Follow-up to Public Comment: In response to the comment related to A/C in the Heathcote MPRC, Dr. Patrick noted that this will be addressed during the Capital Projects Bond update presentation later in the meeting. Mr. Lennon addressed the question regarding tax neutrality.
Written Communications: Ms. Brown presented the emails that the Board received 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 Personnel Report.
INFORMATION/DISCUSSION
ACTION ITEMS |
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Information Items/Discussion: The Board considered several items under the information/discussion portion of the agenda:
Dr. Patrick reviewed the proposed timeline for a bond referendum and next steps:
February 2 - Public Bond Forum March 2 or 16 - Adopt Bond Resolution March, April, May - Public Information Campaign May 19 - Board Election, Budget and Bond Votes
Board members provided feedback, asked questions that were answered by Dr. Patrick and Mr. Lennon, and read statements of support of the current bond scope provided the A/C at the Heathcote School Multi-Purpose Room is added back into the scope of work.
Dr. Patrick provided a brief background on the District’s current use of the A-School building, the District’s partnership with the Village, and the recent tour that District Administration, Board members, and Village officials took part in. Although the Village owns the property and Village officials have expressed an interest in reassuming the use of the building, Board members expressed an interest in a continued partnership with the Village and engaged in a detailed discussion around the options and possibility for the space. The importance of the additional parking that the A-School lot provides was a common theme of the Board’s conversation and the traffic safety concerns associated with losing the additional parking at the A-School lot. The Board and District Administration also discussed the approximate financial investment that would be required for necessary renovations of the building. Dr. Patrick stated that he will continue the conversation with the Village and report back to the Board.
The draft calendar will be presented to the Board for approval on January 26th. Further information on school calendar development can be viewed here.
Board Discussion: Legislative Advocacy: Mr. Dugan initiated a discussion around potential legislative priorities for the 2025-26 school year and recommended forming a Board Committee to conduct this work. Board members expressed interest and reached a consensus to establish a Board Advocacy Committee. Further information will be provided at a future Board meeting. Mr. Lennon presented the second reading of Policy #2160 - School District Officer Employee Code of Ethics and 2160-R - School District Ethics Regulation. With no further revisions recommended, the policy and regulation will be presented to the Board for approval later in the meeting. Dr. Patrick presented the second reading of Policy #5550 - Student Privacy and provided an explanation of a minor change made to the policy since the last Board meeting. Provided no further revisions are recommended, the policy will be presented to the Board for a third reading and approval at the January 26th Board meeting. Request for Proposals (RFP) for District Healthcare Consultant: Mr. Lennon explained that as part of the RFP process, a review committee composed of District Administration, Staff, and Board members, has made the unanimous recommendation for Risk Strategies to assume the role of Healthcare Consultant to assist and advise the District on various aspects of employee and retiree health benefits. Mr. Lennon noted that the resolution being presented to the Board for approval later in the meeting is contingent on the District receiving the signed contract. Prior to Dr. Patrick reviewing the gift proposals, exceeding $1,000.00, Mr. Lennon provided an update on a discussion with the PTAs regarding the gift procedures for field trips at each school. They are considering changes for consistency with the donation procedures, similar to the changes made for author visits this year. Further information will be provided at a future Board meeting.
Dr. Patrick presented the following gift proposals:
Action Items: The Board approved the appointment of Risk Strategies, Policy #2160 and Regulation 2160-R, and accepted with gratitude gift proposals to Fox Meadow Elementary School, the Middle School and High School.
Public Comment: Community members were invited to address the Board for a second time. No one spoke in person or remotely.
Adjournment: The Board adjourned the Business Meeting at 9:39 p.m. 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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Scarsdale Public Schools
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