Thanks, Farewells and Facilities at Final BOE Meeting on 6-23

It was standing room only for the last Board of Education (BOE) meeting of the academic year on June 23. The community came out in full force to pay tribute to retiring Superintendant Dr. Michael McGill for whom this would be the last BOE meeting. There were also many thanks given to BOE members for their tireless work and commitment and many lauding Board President Suzanne Seiden for her leadership. Highlights of BOE work this year include the search for a new Superintendant resulting in the hiring of Dr. Thomas Hagerman, master facilities planning, beginning development of an overall strategic plan to be continued upon the arrival of Dr. Hagerman, and a review of the budget development process with a focus on community engagement and transparency. Two BOE members, Jonathan Lewis and Sunil Subbakrishna, ended their tenure with statements and recognition from colleagues and community members. There were also several notable retirements of long-term teachers and district staff. The facilities plan was discussed in detail with numerous statements of support from various community members and school representatives.

Of special note, Dr. McGill made known a very generous gift from the family of Tyler Madoff. Tyler was a Scarsdale High School student who died tragically over the summer of 2012. The Madoff family announced a $300,000 leadership gift to be used for the purchase of gym equipment that may be needed in an enlarged fitness center. His mother, Marianne Madoff was the Teacher in Charge at Heathcote School and is now a math teacher in Fountain House at Scarsdale Middle School. Dr. McGill said the Madoff family received tremendous support from the Scarsdale community in the aftermath of Tyler's passing and has chosen this 'fitting tribute" to express their gratitude.

Board President Suzanne Seiden announced a special exception bill by the New York State Legislature that will allow Scarsdale to continue to maintain its health insurance reserve. The district's self-insurance health plan saved it a large amount of money. The district had previously been informed by its auditor that the reserve associated with this plan was no longer legal in a single self-insured school district. This new bill will allow Scarsdale to maintain its health insurance reserve. Seiden issued special thanks to State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assemblywoman Amy Paulin and Susie Rush for helping to make this happen. (See more on the new legislation here.)

Dr. McGill gave a heartfelt departure speech that he has since distributed in an email to the Scarsdale community. In his speech, he referenced still timely remarks made by his predecessor, Tom Sobol, many years ago. He used these remarks to discuss his own views on the need to embrace change and eschew uniformity, the importance of civility, thinking globally and the many challenges faced by those serving on the BOE in uncertain financial times. He emphasized the role of the BOE as "stewards and champions" of great education and said it has been a privilege to serve this "extraordinary" community. He received a standing ovation. (Read his remarks here.)

Community members paid tribute to Dr. McGill. Susie Rush spoke eloquently of his leadership and ended her statement with "Mike, you are in a class without peer." (see her complete remarks here.)

Art Rublin and Diane Greenwald from The Coalition for Scarsdale Schools announced sponsorship of a new annual award in Dr. McGill's honor to be presented to a deserving high school senior who is making a contribution as a global citizen. (See the announcement here.)

Departing BOE members reflected on their service over the last three years. Sunil Subbakrishna said some the highlights of his service included exchanging perspectives with a wide group of people on educational issues and expanding his Scarsdale network. He stated he now has an even greater appreciation for how remarkable Scarsdale is as a community. He enjoyed the opportunity to hear about students' work and to meet with high school students. He also enjoyed attending the Distinguished Alumni Awards. He graciously offered his good wishes and support to incoming BOE members Scott Silberfein and Chris Morin and stated that he was impressed by the very deep talent pool in the Scarsdale community as exemplified by these two new members.

Jonathan Lewis spoke next stating that it was a privilege and honor to serve the community as a BOE member. He made a strong plea for the district to continue to support research and development efforts that ultimately lead to innovations in curriculum. He championed the Scarsdale Teachers Institute (STI), the Center for Innovation and the summer stipends that allow teachers to work on special projects. He proposed giving principals greater flexibility to reallocate funds as they see fit.

Art Rublin of the Coalition for Scarsdale Schools thanked both Lewis and Subbakrishna for their service to the community, saying:

"Mr. Lewis, I have always been impressed by the thought you've given to the matters that have come before the Board during your service. I will always remember that in the Spring of your election and before your installation, you sat in the cheap seats with the rest of us community members and listened carefully to the Board meetings to be up to speed both on the Board and Dr. McGill's discourse and the community's feedback. Speaking of the community, I've always appreciated your recognition of the value of community engagement and input. While we didn't always agree on the matters that came before you, I knew that you always, always gave me the courtesy of your attention and reflection. I should also say that I have appreciated your expressions of support and concern regarding the tax cap, and I appreciate your support for an override budget last year. I also appreciate that you will remain very much engaged in support of local control of public education in New York state and public education generally.

Mr. Subbakrishna, thank you for the three years you devoted to service on the School Board. You brought a questioning mind but at the same time always an even temperament. Like Mr. Lewis, you also voted in support of a Budget last year that would have overridden the tax cap, demonstrating your support for local control. As with Mr. Lewis, we didn't always agree on issues, and approaches to process, but I appreciated your graciousness always. Your efforts have contributed to the strength of our District, Mr. Subbakrishna."

Speaking for the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale, Susie Rush said the following about Jonathan Lewis and Sunil Subbakirshna:

"Jonathan: I don't know whether it was your previous experience on the Great Neck Board of Education as a student delegate or your business credentials and background as an author in understanding policy decision making that enabled you to hit the ground running when you joined the Board but we are glad you brought it all with you. With a gentlemanly manner, always polite and respectful, you are generous with your praise of those who present to the board as well as your colleagues, raising thoughtful questions and are genuinely interested in hearing others' views and in understanding a person's position on or off the board. Although you are ever mindful of the current economic climate, and have sought ways to find cost savings to the district, you are impassioned by the opportunity to embrace liberal arts education in the 21st century, notably through the Center for Innovation -- its potential impact across grades and disciplines and its importance as a bridge to the Scarsdale Education for Tomorrow. Yet you recognize the constraints state policies impose on the district in realizing our aspirations and have kept us informed and advocated for relief at the regional and state levels. Thank you. We hope that you will enjoy some nights home and Hannah will not be cursing you for being around."

"Sunil: You had the massive task of managing the development of the strategic plan, including honing the process and coordinating community volunteers to run focus groups and synthesize the findings. A plan for the plan, you have provided the critical foundation for the new superintendent to complete long-range planning for the district. You are a stalwart defender of process and your no-nonsense, get-to-the-facts approach has kept discussions focused. You ask the tough questions and listen carefully, always with an eye on maximizing value and efficiency and understanding the impact to the budget. We have benefited from your knowledge of technology and finance as you have reminded us that research and development is separate from the routine operation of the schools and should not be neglected. You have encouraged us to see how we can use technology to think about curriculum in different ways and recognized the remarkable possibilities the Center for Innovation presents to us generally as a place to test ideas or specifically as a means to tailor instruction to smaller groups of students. In your analyses of issues, you have sought consistently to find a balance -- striving to provide a high quality education and asking people to pay for it. Thank you."

"While the possibility of a second term for both of you is a loss to all of us, we understand professional reasons make it unfeasible for you to remain on the board. We wish you both well and hope to benefit from your involvement in the community in any other ways you can squeeze in. I happen to know just the organization for you if you have the time."

Rush also thanks Board President Suzanne Seiden for her leadership this year, saying, "I would also like to recognize Suzanne Seiden for her extraordinary service as president of the Board of Education. This past year the Board has taken on a number of weighty tasks, likely more in a single year than any Board has in recent memory. Having listened to the community with last year's budget defeat, Suzanne led the Board and engaged the community in the development of a strategic plan as well as a master facilities plan working towards a bond issue this fall, and strived to improve the budget process. All of this on top of undertaking a search for a successor to our retiring superintendent of 16 years. Yet throughout these challenging months, she was steadfast in her commitment to communicate clearly and repeatedly to enable the public to stay informed. My guess is we have Suzanne to thank for giving the public greater access to board meetings by posting presentations as well as the meetings themselves online. Her unlimited patience, tireless dedication, calm demeanor, disarming sense of humor interjected at the most appropriate times – and I can't forget the chocolate chip cookies, and absolute fearlessness have served the community well. We are fortunate that she will continue to serve as a member of the Board."

About the two departing Board members, Robert Berg said, "I am the current President of the Scarsdale Forum. The Scarsdale Forum has already honored Sunil and Jonathan at its recent general meeting. But the Forum again wants to express in this public meeting its sincere thanks to both Jonathan and Sunil for their tireless service to the community over the past three years. What makes Scarsdale a unique and wonderful community is the selfless spirit of volunteerism that Sunil and Jonathan best exemplify. Very few positions in the community are as time-consuming, challenging, and important as being a Trustee on the Scarsdale Board of Education. The responsibilities of Board service are enormous. The Board must balance the need to preserve and improve our outstanding public school system, while recognizing the economic constraints imposed on a system with a $150 million annual operating budget that is nearly completely funded each year by just under 6,000 property owners, more than 1/2 of whom have no children in the school system. For several decades, Scarsdale school boards have almost reflexively passed budgets substantially in excess of inflation and the rate of growth in student enrollment, and small numbers of voters came out and passed those budgets. As a consequence, Scarsdale property owners face one of the highest property tax burdens in the entire country. The Great Recession changed the status quo. Jonathan, you and Sunil had the misfortune to serve your three years on the Board during these challenging times. But with your formidable intelligence, financial acumen, great insights, and your inquiring minds, you helped the Board and the community navigate these perilous waters. You willingly and exhaustively engaged community members covering a wide spectrum of strongly-held views. After the historic defeat of the first budget last year, you listened to the community, pressed for transparency, and helped fashion a second budget that garnered overwhelming community support. You both helped select our new Superintendent after an exhaustive nationwide search. Jonathan, you travelled all over the State, representing the community at State Association of School Board meetings, and you have been a strong and articulate supporter of the Center for Innovation and professional development. Sunil, you have provided your extraordinary strategic and financial skills on a strategic plan and the facilities plan. The Forum applauds you both for your dedicated service. On a personal note, Jonathan and Sunil, I greatly respect all your hard work, your wisdom, and the opportunity to get to know you better and to call you friends. Thank you.

Joan Weber took over the next portion of the meeting to cover various personnel issues and some very notable teacher retirements namely Stephanie Harley, classroom teacher from Heathcote after 30 years of service, Patricia Marwell, Librarian at Quaker Ridge with 31 years of service, and Dr. Constance Shelengian, Scarsdale Middle School music teacher and Department Chair. Also, Susan Taylor is retiring as the Director of STI after 12 years.

The facilities planning discussion portion of the meeting included a brief student presentation from Ms. Lisa Yokana's high school Architecture II class. Rising senior Sam Cooper and rising Junior Christine Fink were charged with developing a design for furniture for the proposed Student Learning Commons area of the high school. In order to develop the design, they solicited input from students, teachers and administrators about how each saw the space being used. The students also came up with a working definition of the term "Learning Commons" to mean a flexible space for group collaboration, socializing and eating. They described the space as something in between the library (quiet study space, best suited for individuals) and a cafeteria (noisy, impossible to get work done in groups). They presented a booth-style seating concept, with comfortable cushion seats, storage area for backpacks and a table with curved edges to define individual places at the table. It was an impressive demonstration of design skills as well as a great example of student engagement in the facilities planning process.

High School Student Matthew Mandel made a statement of support for the facilities plan at the high school. He was a member of the High School Planning Facilities Committee as well as the District Facilities Steering Committee. He commented that the Learning Commons will solve overcrowding issues in the cafeteria as well as the library, and described the need for a renovated fitness center and excitement about the maker space. His entire statement appears at the end of this article.

Art Rublin, Chairman of the Coalition for Scarsdale Schools, presented a detailed statement of support for the entire facilities plan. He said "On behalf of CSS I am speaking to express support for the capital projects priorities on which you as a Board reached consensus last month. We compliment the Board and Administration on a robust and transparent decision making process, including the establishment of the Master Plan Steering Committee. The amount of time and effort that went into the culling of the projects is truly remarkable." His entire statement appears at the end of this article.

Diane Greenwald and Jeffrey Osterman presented a report from The District Facilities Steering Committee. The Committee is self-described as comprised of "diverse parts of the Scarsdale community. We are younger and older residents from different neighborhoods, people with children in school and people without. We are teachers and we are students. What we share is a common interest in preserving and improving our excellent schools". The report details their mission, scope and process for reviewing the facilities proposals. They looked at each proposed project in detail and worked closely with the architects. They reviewed costs associated with projects and asked for revisions. Their report concludes: "After many hours of study and listening, we've reached consensus that there is sound justification for embarking on a capital construction program. The projects discussed have educational merit, and the Board of Education is justified in considering them for funding."

There were numerous statements of support from across the schools detailing the overall need for improvements and the positive impact these improvements will have on learning.

A partial list of speakers who made statements of support include Kim Schneider, Heathcote School PTA President, Pam Rubin, PT Council President, Steven Scharf, Scarsdale Middle School Popham 8 Social Studies Teacher, Jennifer Rossano, Scarsdale Middle School PTA Director of Programming, Kate Conlan, Edgewood PTA President and Linda Doucette-Ashman, Scarsdale High School PTA Vice President.

Many matters of regular business with regard to personnel, budget, gifts, and additional tributes to departing BOE members and retiring staff that could not be covered in this summary were presented and discussed during the marathon four-hour meeting.

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Matthew Mandel's complete remarks:
I would like to speak tonight about the proposed renovations to the high school. Before discussing the actual projects, I will quickly reflect on my time as a member of the various committees associated with the process. I participated on both the high school level committee and the district wide one. Both were similar in the deliberate and critical way they went about the task at hand. At no point along the way did we feel like we were meant to blindly sell a set of plans. Because each member of the committee represented a group that would experience the additions in a unique way, our plans were constantly evolving. Thankfully, the architects we worked with patiently tried to make sense of our ever-changing preferences and came back with great plans.
This combined sense of openness and carefulness was also seen on the district wide level. The incredible diversity of the committee meant no issue was left untouched. Although this diversity lent itself to long meetings, which, by the way, do not mix well with a Scarsdale High school workload, I think the diversity of the group and the conversations we had were important in making sure that the proposal we created truly represented everyone's best interest and did so in an effective manner.
The first project, the Learning Commons, is extremely exciting. The Learning Commons will transform the culture of the school and create a new focus for student activity. Although traditionally thought of as a space for quiet, solitary work, the library is currently used for socializing, eating, and large group projects. The Learning Commons would represent such a desired more recreational space as a result of its combination of food service, breakout spaces and collaborative areas for either group work or lunch and leave the library as a quiet space. These features would have the added benefit of taking pressure off of an already crowded and underserved lunchroom. After the renovation, students will never have to forego eating lunch because the cafeteria ran out of food.

A necessary implication of developing the Learning Commons will be the relocation of the fitness center. Such a relocation is also important because of the current state of our fitness center. One student at an open discussion on the renovations noted that the current fitness center is "crowded, antiquated, and... intimidating." Unlike our current center, the new one will include cardio machines and safe equipment, effectively brining our fitness center up to par with the other facilities in our great school.

The last project goes by many names. Some call it a D-lab, others a maker space and still others a design space. The variable nature of its name is symbolic of the spirit of the project – students both need and currently lack an area where they are free to experiment, create and innovate. The plans for the D-lab are very flexibility oriented so as to inspire creativity and be able to stay on the frontiers of design-based education.
From a student's perspective, each of these projects has tremendous merit. Academics and student life will be improved upon for the time being and their future will be opened to greater possibilities we couldn't begin to imagine.

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Statement by Art Rublin, Chair of the Coalition for Scarsdale Schools
On behalf of CSS I am speaking to express support for the capital projects priorities on which you as a Board reached consensus last month.

We compliment the Board and Administration on a robust and transparent decision making process, including the establishment of the Master Plan Steering Committee, which I see we will be hearing from at tonight's meeting, and building committees at the various schools. The amount of time and effort that went into the culling of the projects is truly remarkable.

The merits of each capital project on which the Board reached consensus seem clear:

1) First, the need for district technology infrastructure upgrade is clear. Mr. Crisci has indicated that as an example, upgrading the network switches for the District's technology infrastructure is crucial to the continued successful functioning of the District. Mr. Crisci notes that technology increasingly provides the foundation of Scarsdale's instructional program.

2) Second, the proposal to replace the flat roof on the older section of the Quaker Ridge School appears very sound. Whereas this kind of rubberized roof had a useful life of around 10 to 15 years when it was installed in approximately 1992, it is now 21 years old. Not surprisingly, leaking has been identified as a continuing problem.

3) Third, the proposal to renovate the Edgewood School Library and relocate the Edgewood office is compelling. We see that the Edgewood planning team and the Administration and School Board agree that the Edgewood library, which is the smallest of the all of the Scarsdale Public Schools libraries, is inadequate for appropriately serving Edgewood students' current and future needs. For example, because the library is relatively small, most of the bookcases are more than six feet high, making them inaccessible to elementary school students. The primary reasons for relocation of the office are important ones: improvement to security for the school, and use of the existing office space as flexible small group space for speech, Learning Resource Center Support, and ESL.

4) Fourth, the value of a multipurpose room at Heathcote is quite apparent. The District has noted that inadequate space for lunch has necessitated the use of the gym for overflow, which means the gym has not been available for physical education classes for 10 periods each week. It has also been noted that the multipurpose room will be valuable for the delivery of occupational and physical therapy services, as well as large group instruction such as band, orchestra and collaborative projects.

5) Fifth, at the Middle School, a new orchestra practice space would be an important addition. It seems clear that the stage is not an appropriate place for orchestra – practice on the stage inhibits proper use of the auditorium, and there is not space for safe storage of valuable instruments.

6) Sixth, at the High School, a new Learning Commons and a fitness center relocation would address a host of problems, including 1) inadequate food service, library and lunchroom capacity; 2) an absence of flexible space to support group study; and 3) the need to move Scarsdale forward with programs in applied science, technology, arts and mathematics.

We hope the School Board will continue to support these priorities.