From the BOE: Regents Out, Social Media In and a New Scoreboard at Dean Field

Scarsdale School Board Weighs Graduation Changes, Social Media Outreach and Financial Oversight

The Scarsdale Board of Education tackled a wide-ranging agenda on October 5, 2026, with discussions spanning major changes to New York State graduation requirements, the district's possible expansion into social media, financial oversight procedures and community initiatives.

The meeting offered a look at how Scarsdale is preparing for statewide educational reforms while considering changes to its own operations. Board members expressed support for innovation but also raised concerns about preserving local control, protecting student privacy and maintaining financial safeguards.

New York State Graduation Requirements Set for Major Changes

One of the evening's most significant discussions centered on New York Inspires, a statewide initiative that will change how students earn high school diplomas.

Superintendent Dr. Drew Patrick explained that beginning with students graduating in January 2028, New York plans to move to a single diploma and eliminate separate Regents examination requirements for graduation. The changes are part of a broader initiative emphasizing proficiency, real-world learning and performance-based assessment.

"Regents exams have never defined our students or program offerings," Patrick said, adding that the exams would take a backseat to "the kinds of authentic performance-based learning and assessment approaches we've long favored."

District administrators emphasized that Scarsdale has already invested heavily in assessments that ask students to apply their knowledge rather than simply memorize information.

Patrick described a performance-based assessment as an opportunity for students to transfer their knowledge and skills to a task connected to the real world, offering a musical performance as one example.

Still, board members questioned how the new system might affect academic rigor, course offerings, transcripts and local decision-making. Patrick sought to reassure the Board that state officials were not looking to reduce district autonomy. "They view this as an agenda toward restoring even more local control to local districts," he said.

Administrators acknowledged that many details remain unresolved, including how schools will document student proficiency and how graduation requirements will be reflected on transcripts. The district expects more information as state regulations are developed over the coming months.

Board Considers Expanding Communication Through Social Media
Another substantial discussion focused on whether the district should make greater use of social media to reach residents who may not follow traditional school communications.

Board members noted that while the district already communicates through emails, newsletters and public meetings, some families remain unaware of important developments. "I think what we're trying to do is reach the people we're not reaching with what we're doing now," said board member Colleen Brown.

Student board representative Lucy Eisenberg supported expanding outreach, noting that social media is a primary news source for many teenagers. "I think the addition of social media would be great," she said. "I feel like that's the main source of news for a lot of teenagers, myself kind of included."

Other board members raised concerns about privacy, legal requirements, staff responsibilities and the challenge of maintaining accounts over time. Several suggested beginning with a limited approach focused on major events and significant announcements rather than daily posts. The discussion did not result in a formal decision to launch a new social media platform, but it reflected an interest in continuing to explore ways to reach more of the community.

Proposed Financial Policy Changes Raise Questions About Oversight
The Board also reviewed proposed changes to two financial policies, including one that would eliminate the requirement for additional signatures on larger district checks.

Under the current policy, checks between $15,000 and $50,000 require an additional signature from the assistant superintendent, while checks exceeding $50,000 require the Board president's signature.

District officials explained that modern banking procedures have made these additional signatures less meaningful as fraud-prevention measures. They argued that the district's independent claims auditor already reviews payments and that the existing process can unnecessarily delay checks.
The proposed change would instead provide all Board members with access to complete check warrant reports, giving them greater visibility into district expenditures. Some Board members expressed reservations about removing an established oversight measure. "I want to make sure that we're being very careful about ... not loosening our internal controls at all," said board member Leah Dembitzer.

District Treasurer Lisa Zareski responded that the change would not weaken the district's financial protections. "That is our top priority: is to make sure everything is reviewed thoroughly," she said.

The discussion also revealed recent instances of attempted check fraud. District officials reported that three altered checks had been caught through existing bank safeguards during the fiscal year. Two additional incidents involved legitimate checks that were intercepted and fraudulently endorsed, involving approximately $200 and $900. The larger amount had been recovered, while the smaller remained in the recovery process.
The Board separately considered increasing the authorized limit on district credit cards from $2,500 to $10,000. Administrators said the current limit creates difficulties when paying for student travel, software subscriptions and other expenses that cannot easily be handled through purchase orders.

Both proposals were presented for initial review and are expected to return for a second reading and possible action at a future meeting.

Advocacy, Community Programs and Other Board Business
Board members also discussed the district's legislative advocacy priorities, particularly the financial pressures facing public schools. Topics included universal prekindergarten, healthcare costs, special education funding, charter schools and potential state support for capital improvements.
The Board reviewed proposed resolutions from the New York State School Boards Association ahead of its annual meeting, where a Scarsdale representative will participate in voting. The discussion highlighted the district's interest in advocating for greater flexibility and financial support while remaining cautious about additional state mandates.

In other business, Superintendent Patrick announced that the Scarsdale Action for Youth Coalition had secured an additional $625,000 in funding over five years, supporting prevention programming through September 2031.

Board members also reported on local PTA meetings, special education parent coffees, recreation facilities and the work of the Scarsdale SAFE Coalition, including efforts addressing domestic violence, bullying and mental health.

The Board approved a three-year memorandum of agreement with the district's teacher aides, effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029.

Several school gifts were also accepted, including $32,986.27 for a new scoreboard at Dean Field, student agenda books for Greenacres Elementary School and educational performances. Additional proposed PTA gifts included classroom supplies, arts programming, field trips and replacement window shades at Quaker Ridge Elementary School.

Looking ahead, the Board's next business meeting is scheduled for October 26, when administrators are expected to provide an education report addressing student assessment data, curriculum and the district's approach to artificial intelligence in classrooms.