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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 11 May 2026

Created: 11 May 2026

Last Updated: 12 May 2026

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Omer Wiczyk has been nominated by the Scarsdale School Board Nominating Committee to serve on the Scarsdale School Board. The contested election will be held on Tuesday May 19, 2026 at Scarsdale Middle School, with voting from 7 am to 9 pm. Wiczyk answered questions posed by Scarsdale10583 below:

How long have you lived in town and what do you value about the community?

My family and I have lived in Scarsdale for ten years, and during that time this community has become a very important part of our lives. Our two daughters have grown up here, attended our public schools, and many of our closest friendships and experiences are tied to the community.

What I value most about Scarsdale is the combination of civic engagement, educational excellence, and genuine community involvement. People here care deeply about the schools, the Village, and about one another. One of the things I’ve especially appreciated through my volunteer work is that so many residents, with differing but incredible backgrounds, are willing to devote their time and energy to improving the community, often behind the scenes and without recognition.

I also love that Scarsdale is a place where people are thoughtful and engaged. Residents ask hard questions, bring different perspectives, and are dedicated to maintaining the strength of our institutions. I think that culture of engagement is one of the reasons our schools and our community are so strong.

What professional skills do you bring to the Board of Education?

I’m an attorney, and my career has been spent analyzing and investigating complex issues, reviewing large amounts of information carefully, asking focused questions, and working collaboratively with other individuals and organizations to solve difficult problems. I spent 20 years as a prosecutor including several years running a team of attorneys conducting complicated investigations. I am now working as a civil rights attorney, focusing on issues involving education. My experiences have taught me the importance of preparation, judgment, communication, and thoughtful decision-making under pressure.

One of the most important skills I would bring to the Board is the ability to listen carefully and work constructively with other people who may have different viewpoints. Throughout my professional career and my volunteer work in Scarsdale, I’ve frequently worked in team settings where collaboration, respect, and consensus-building were essential.

Tell us about your volunteer experiences.

Volunteer service has been an important part of my life. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to serve in roles that have given me the chance to work closely with many different members of our community and to understand how our local institutions function. I served as President of the Scarsdale Forum, which brings residents together to study local issues and develop thoughtful, non-partisan recommendations on matters affecting the Village and schools. I’ve also served as a member and then Chair of the Citizens Nominating Committee, which is responsible for helping identify and vet candidates for Village offices, as well as on the CNC Election Committee. Currently, I serve as Chair of the Judicial Qualifications Advisory Committee and on the Village’s Advisory Council on Communications.

My experiences have reinforced the importance of listening, preparation, and teamwork. Most of our community’s work is done quietly and collaboratively. You work with people who have different perspectives and backgrounds, try to build consensus when possible, and focus on strengthening institutions rather than advancing personal agendas. I have come to appreciate how many members of our community devote extraordinary amounts of their time and energy simply because they deeply care about Scarsdale. That is one of the things that makes Scarsdale so incredibly special, and I’ve been humbled and grateful to play a role in it.

As a parent, what do you feel are the strengths of the Scarsdale schools? What, if anything, would you like to see changed or improved?

Scarsdale schools offer a combination of academic excellence and the genuine dedication of the teachers, administrators, and staff to students’ overall growth. Our schools challenge students intellectually but also provide tremendous opportunities in the arts, sports, extracurricular activities, and community engagement.

I also appreciate that the district is willing to innovate. We cannot stand still, especially considering how quickly the world is changing. At the same time, I think strong institutions should always remain open to feedback and continual reassessment. From conversations with parents, students, and educators, I know there are areas where people would like clearer communication and broader opportunities for community input; they want to be heard. I hope to help be a conduit for the community and for the district to ensure innovations and programs are both understood for their merits and align with community values.

Why did you decide to run for school board at this time?

I care deeply about this community, our schools, and most importantly, our children. As a parent with children in the district, I’ve seen firsthand the tremendous impact the schools have not only academically, but socially and emotionally as students grow and develop. I feel that this is the right time in my life to give back in a meaningful way. Serving on the Board requires a significant commitment both in time and energy, and I have the ability right now to devote myself fully to that responsibility

I would approach this position with humility and an open mind. I don’t view Board service as a way to advance a personal agenda. I think effective governance and public service requires listening to the community – students, parents, teachers, administrators, and fellow Board members, and then working together with the best interest of Scarsdale’s children

Share any thoughts about Scarsdale’s non-partisan election system.

Scarsdale’s non-partisan system is one of our community’s greatest strengths. It encourages people to focus less on ideology, political affiliation, or personal status, and more on qualifications, temperament, and judgment. It seeks those with a genuine commitment to public service and seeking the wellbeing of our students.

Having served as both a member and Chair of the Citizens Nominating Committee, I’ve seen firsthand how seriously members take their responsibility of evaluating candidates. The process is thoughtful, rigorous, and time intensive. Committee members devote significant effort to outreach, interviews, deliberation, and due diligence in an effort to identify candidates who are prepared to govern collaboratively and responsibly. They ask detailed questions of the candidates and follow-up on several answers through the interview.

One aspect of the process that people may not fully appreciate is the amount of due diligence that occurs beyond the formal interviews themselves. Committee members speak with people who have worked with or know the candidates in different settings to better understand qualities that may not fully come across in a presentation or résumé — things like temperament, judgment, work ethic, ability to work with others, openness to differing viewpoints, and how someone handles disagreement or difficult situations. In my view, that reference checking adds real value because effective board service depends not only on experience or credentials, but also on a candidate’s ability to work constructively as part of a governing body.

No system is perfect, but I believe the non-partisan structure has helped Scarsdale maintain stability, strong civic engagement, and a focus on long-term stability rather than political division. Particularly in matters involving children and education, I think there is incredible value in trying to approach issues thoughtfully, collaboratively, and outside of a partisan framework.

In your view, what are the biggest challenges facing the Scarsdale Schools?

Among the biggest challenges facing our schools is the speed with which our world is changing, making it hard for our educators to ensure that students are prepared academically, socially, and emotionally for the future. Technology, AI, and social media are evolving rapidly, and schools are constantly being asked to adapt thoughtfully while still maintaining the values and academic strengths that define our district. Balancing academic excellence with student wellness is a difficult challenge. Scarsdale is rightly known for our high standards and strong achievement, but it is equally important that our students also feel supported, connected, and able to thrive emotionally and socially.

Another challenge we currently face is maintaining strong communication and trust between the district and the broader community. Both our Board and our residents care deeply about the wellbeing of schools and bring a wide range of perspectives and experiences. We need to continue to engage with parents, students, teachers, and community members, particularly during periods of change or controversy, in safe and productive dialogues.

Finally, Scarsdale faces long-term financial and facilities planning challenges, including rising costs and significant capital needs. I think it’s vital to approach those issues thoughtfully and transparently, always with students and the district’s long-term health at the center of the discussion.

If you do serve, what are your hopes for the schools in the next six years?

I hope Scarsdale continues to be recognized for its academic excellence, and as a district where students feel supported, engaged, and prepared to succeed in an increasingly complex world. I also hope we continue to evolve and innovate where appropriate, while remaining grounded in the core values and strengths that have long defined our schools — like critical thinking development and non sibi, not for self alone. I also hope to see continued improvement in building strong partnerships among students, parents, educators, administrators, and the broader community; the district is strongest when people feel heard, respected, and invested in a shared mission.

What are your thoughts on the district, board and community response to the recent antisemitic incident at SHS?

The recent incidents were deeply upsetting. Antisemitism is one of the world’s oldest and most enduring hatreds, and throughout history it has repeatedly adapted and resurfaced in new forms and in different societies. That reality makes it especially important that we remain vigilant and respond thoughtfully, while fostering an environment grounded in respect, understanding, and inclusion. Of course, any incident involving hatred or bias directed at students should be taken seriously, and schools must remain places where every student feels safe.

I respect the district and board efforts to respond thoughtfully and appropriately in addressing the seriousness of the incident and supporting affected students and families. I also know that many members of the community wished the response had come more quickly and more directly at the outset. Moments like this only reinforce the importance of continuing to foster a school environment built on respect, empathy, and open communication.

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Written by: Stacey Liew

Published: 07 May 2026

Created: 07 May 2026

Last Updated: 11 May 2026

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SAS Director Jill Serling, Superintendent Andrew Patrick, and David SiegelWhether Artificial Intelligence becomes a useful tool for students or a detriment to their learning in the long-run, there’s one factor that will remain critical to education and careers: human collaboration.

That was the takeaway from a Town Hall session featuring David Siegel and Drew Patrick, hosted by the Scarsdale Adult School on April 28, 2026 at Scarsdale Library called “AI and the Future of Education.”

David Siegel is a Princeton trained computer scientist and entrepreneur with a PhD from MIT where he did research at the university’s Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. He spent the early days in his career working on applying technology to financial services, and eventually created his own company, Two Sigma, in the early days of the internet. Two Sigma was made on the premise that innovative technology and data science can unlock meaningful insight on the world’s data. Siegel has also served on the board of Khan Academy and the Cornell Tech Council and co-founded the Scratch Foundation and the FIRST Robotics organization in New York City. He also happens to be the proud parent of two Scarsdale High School graduates.

He sat down with Scarsdale’s Superintendent of Schools Andrew Patrick to discuss AI in the schools, challenges for public schools in this new age, how AI has affected teachers, how to prepare children to “get ahead” of AI, career goals for students and prioritizing the process of obtaining an answer versus simply having the correct answer.

Current Practices With AI

Patrick explained that schools are currently working through the best ways to manage screen time, AI, and software, following a red-orange-green light model, where there’s certain actions students can take and can’t take, but also some gray areas.

Siegel added that best practices are widely debated, and that no one truly knows what the best practices are in the end. He said that the source of the issue comes from the timing of the outcome in education, which only occurs a decade or two after completing education. There are questions surrounding successful outcomes, including what parents want for their children: Ensuring they earn enough money? Emotional happiness? And how would these outcomes be measured? Siegel urged a return to basics, as trying to tackle these tough problems all at once may just result in blindly enacting plans without thoroughly considering them.

Challenges for Public Schools

Due to the widespread usage of technology today, Siegel suggests that the “social fabric” is unraveling. Rather than students working with each other, they treat Chat-GPT and other chatbots as their teammates. He calls it an “open issue” that has to be handled. Though, he notes that no one is certain of how to best handle it, even if the problem has been identified. Since technology tends to cause people to work in isolation, Siegel indicates that perhaps two decades from now, it will be discovered that something extremely concerning has happened to the next generation.

At Scarsdale High School, the Design Lab, the AT Entrepreneurship class, and the robotics team all share a common element, according to Siegel. In all these places, students build creations together, which ultimately teaches them to work with each other. He considers collaboration a critical focus and a philosophy to be followed.

SAS Director Jill Serling noted that this is one of the reasons why the Scarsdale Adult School exists: to strengthen a sense of community.

AI’s Effect on Teachers

Patrick calls the present moment a period of struggle where faculty are attempting to figure out what AI means for them. Some teachers are worried that any time a student uses AI, they are missing out on learning properly.. Others feel that there are thoughtful ways to utilize it, especially since it will be a factor in their lives after leaving Scarsdale. They consider it a tool that can enhance learning. Inquiry groups are actively working to answer questions about the uncertainty and the effects of AI.

The topic evidently impacts university faculty as well. Siegel mentions that the faculty don’t want to have to police students. After all, they’re there to teach and connect with students. He said that parents play an important role: children shouldn’t go to school with a mindset that it’s acceptable to engage in behaviors that will harm education. Instead, parents should encourage kids to learn, not just to obtain desired grades. Siegel implores parents to help children to understand that the most significant part of education is learning.

Best and Worst Cases When AI is Involved

In Siegel’s opinion, the most likely case is that students will learn much less. The worst case begins when students continuously use AI to do thinking for them. At some point, they’ll no longer know what they’re even writing. He reiterated that the prompts students feed to AI don’t capture what they're actually thinking, and that chatbots won’t know what students are thinking. Rather, chatbots can only expand on student input.

The best case is if AI is utilized the same way any other tools are, he asserts. After all, it can be useful to help increase productivity. Siegel’s main point is that people have to do the work themselves, or else they won’t end up learning anything.

“Getting Ahead” of AI

“We’re not getting ahead of AI,” Patrick disclosed to the audience. He says institutions move much slower compared to the pace of AI’s development. However, he does think that elementary schoolers are in a bit of a different scenario. With a framework around digital competencies, media literacy, ethics, and the way to judge sources, the district aims to expose elementary schoolers to prerequisites before encountering AI.

Ideal Career Areas

When asked about what’s next for students after high school and college, Siegel revealed that he is not that worried about the loss of jobs. He argues that AI isn’t exactly doing anything in particular. That in the end, it’s just generating words, and that words alone can’t solve issues. He affirms that any work that will move society forward requires people and collaboration, and that the reason why AI companies say there won’t be any jobs left is to drive up their sales. Most work doesn’t involve writing a report, meaning that AI may speed up only around ten percent of a job.

Bringing up professional programmers as an example, Siegel explains that only twenty percent of their time is spent on coding. The majority of their time is spent working with sales teams and others, designing, planning, and figuring out solutions. Consequently, AI doesn’t speed up the entirety of a job, only a portion.

According to Siegel, even if the market years from now looks very different from today’s market, every year it only changes by a bit. He implied that currently people are struggling since they think their future will be worse than their parents’ experience. A factor that may have led to this view is the rapid rate that the market has evolved. People who expected to have the same career their whole lives are disappointed when it goes away. He highlights that for many jobs, you stagnate if you don’t evolve as an individual and “keep reinventing yourself.”

Siegel notes that many will find the process exhausting as education didn’t teach them the agility needed for reinvention. He also acknowledges that not everyone has enough time to invest in frequently developing new skills. In his view, a lot of people in the US are unable to do this, which results in them struggling the most as AI will take away their jobs. He expresses that there’s improvement needed to be made by society in this realm.

The Process Versus the Result
Siegel regards the process of determining an answer is to define what truly matters, not to find the “right” answer. He believes people can sometimes learn much more by working through something and getting an incorrect answer than just instantly getting the right answer. In the end, education is about the journey, not obtaining the correct answer.

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 24 April 2026

Created: 24 April 2026

Last Updated: 24 April 2026

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After a tumultuous week in Scarsdale, School Board President Jim Dugan announced today that he is stepping down as President of the Board of Education – but will continue to serve out his term as a Board of Education member until the end of his term in June, 2027.

What led to his resignation? Last week there was an antisemitic incident at Scarsdale High School, where posters promoting an event sponsored by the Israeli Culture Club were put in urinals. The Board President’s daughter, who does not attend the high school, amplified the incident with a post on Instagram.

Dugan’s statement, along with those from the Board of Education, School Principal and Superintendent were not sufficient to diffuse anger from the community and a petition demanding his resignation circulated and was signed by over 1,000 people. A dueling petition was signed by supporters but Dugan decided to step down as President, saying, “The events of the last several days have made clear that my continuing in the role would be too much of a distraction from the critical work of the Board.”

A few minutes later, the community received a second email from the Board, announcing that Board Vice President Colleen Brown will assume the presidency until the Board elects a replacement for Dugan.

The conflict here in Scarsdale has been covered by television stations and newspapers and many hope that calm will now be restored.

See both of their emails below:

Dear Scarsdale Community,

After reflection and prayer, I have decided to step aside from the role of President of the Scarsdale Board of Education for the remainder of my term. The events of the last several days have made clear that my continuing in the role would be too much of a distraction from the critical work of the Board. I am sorry for the pain that this community is suffering. I empathize with that pain, and I hope that we can find some peace and unity as we work together to address and remediate incidents of antisemitism and intolerance in our schools. As our community continues to heal, I am dedicated to continuing my work as a board member alongside my colleagues as we collaborate with our school administrators to develop programs that can bring us together as a united Scarsdale.

Very truly yours,
James C. Dugan

From the Board of Education

Dear Scarsdale Community,

Earlier this evening, Board President Jim Dugan announced that he will be stepping aside from that role for the remainder of this school year. He will continue to serve as a member of our Board, until the end of his term, and remain an important voice in our deliberations and the decisions we make as we work through the serious issues facing our district, and the work still to be done for our upcoming budget and bond referendum votes on May 19. Effective immediately, Colleen Brown, our Vice President, will assume the responsibilities and leadership of the presidency until the board can elect a new president at an upcoming board meeting, consistent with Board policy.

This was an extremely difficult and personal decision for Jim; one we know he did not want to make. For nearly 20 years, Jim and his family have been a part of the Scarsdale community. He has contributed tirelessly of himself in service to others through community organizations and, over the past five years, our school district. His dedication to our students and commitment to this community have been unwavering and heartfelt. He has been a driving force for many of the innovative and precedent-setting initiatives our District has implemented that continue to earn Scarsdale Schools a reputation as one of the finest public-school districts in the country.

As Jim shared in his letter to the community, the circumstances that unfolded over the past week at our high school and involving a member of his family led him to this difficult decision. Putting the community first, Jim did not want to be a distraction that might intrude on the Board's work ahead, including responding to the recent antisemitic incidents with the seriousness they demand. We thank Jim for his leadership over this past year and know he will continue to be a strong advocate for our community throughout the rest of his term as a trustee.

As we noted in our letter to the community last Saturday, this Board condemns, in absolute terms, all forms of antisemitism, hate, and discrimination. The students responsible will be dealt with to the fullest extent possible as determined by our Student Code of Conduct. At no time should any student in Scarsdale Schools feel unsafe, disrespected or be a target because of their religion, background, race, or who they are or what they believe in.

We are committed to creating and sustaining learning environments in our schools that reflect respect, inclusivity, civil discourse, and an acknowledgment of our differences. What occurred last Friday made clear that, regardless of the various programs and processes we have, we still need to do more. To that end, this week several members of our Board attended a workshop at Purchase College entitled, “Identifying and Addressing Antisemitism in our Schools,” co-sponsored by Westchester Jewish Council. In addition, we will be reaching out to community partners to seek input, guidance, and what our next steps should be to raise awareness of the serious harm caused by all acts of hate.

We know there is anger, frustration, and pain in our community. We feel it also. We also know we must continue to engage, listen and lead with purpose, to ensure our schools are places that support our students’ well-being and ability to achieve their full potential. We can only accomplish this when we all work together in service of our children. Together, with understanding, we will build trust, unity, and come through this difficult time stronger and more united.

Colleen Brown, Vice President
Leah Dembitzer
James Dugan
Suzie Hahn
Robert Klein
Laura Liu
Amber Yusuf

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 20 April 2026

Created: 20 April 2026

Last Updated: 21 April 2026

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Scarsdale Board of Education President James DuganUpdated April 21, 2026: Following an antisemitic incident at Scarsdale High School last week, dueling petitions are circulating among residents: one calling for the resignation of Jim Dugan, the President of the Board of Education, and a counter petition in support of him.

Why do they want him to vacate his seat on the Board? Because after the pro-Israel flyers were placed in urinals, the Board President’s daughter, who attends boarding school, posted a photo of the flyer in the urinal on Instagram with an inflammatory message. However, after she realized that it was inappropriate, she quickly took it down and offered a statement of apology.

In case some in the community have not read her statement – or the statement from James Dugan, they are both posted below.

Around town, some residents are surprised that an errant Instagram post from a student who is not in the Scarsdale Schools could require her Dad to resign from the Board, after 4 ½ years of service, the last two as VP and President.

Here is a comment from Michelle Sterling and David Fenigstein, longtime Scarsdale neighbors. They said, “Like so many in our community, we were deeply upset by the recent antisemitic incident at Scarsdale High School. It was wrong, hurtful, and completely unacceptable. At the same time, while a student’s decision to repost the incident in a supportive way was a serious mistake, she is 17 years old, and that mistake should not lead to the vilification of her, her family, or calls to ruin their lives. We have known this family for many years, and, as Jewish residents, we can say they are among the kindest, most open, and inclusive people we know, and are the opposite of what they are being accused of. What happened at SHS deserves accountability, but placing the weight of this entire incident on one family is not right. We’re truly pained by what happened at the school, but we’re not going to answer it with a call for more harm. None of us are perfect, and we’ve all faced moments where our children make serious mistakes. We must find a constructive way to address wrongdoing with accountability, while still maintaining compassion and civility.” --Michelle Sterling (Fenigstein) and David Fenigstein

Claudia Green and Noah Kroloff said, "We have known Jim and his wife as friends and neighbors for many years. They are unassailable in character. This is a couple who once dropped by simply to bring us an apple cake for Rosh Hashanah and who stood with us in tears after October 7. They understand what religious persecution and exclusion look like, having experienced it within their own family history.

What happened at SHS was unacceptable, and our community is right to feel anger and fear in the face of yet another act of antisemitism. But we also have a responsibility to respond with perspective. When young people make regrettable choices, there must be accountability, but there must also be room for learning and redemption.

This is a moment for all of us to engage with our children about what it means to live in a diverse community and world. These are the years when both their judgment and character are shaped. Mistakes, even serious ones, can be teaching moments if we confront them with compassion rather than cruelty.

We hope we can all come together as a community grounded in our shared values. Let’s hold firm against hate while also lifting up those who have stumbled, helping them move from ignorance toward understanding. That is not weakness, it is our responsibility.

Diane Greenwald said, "I abhor antisemitism and all forms of hate and I get that when people feel afraid and vulnerable they may retreat to safe spaces, but we are stronger as allies with others who also feel vulnerable than in isolation. In this moment, when assumptions and accusations run rampant, I hope we can instead give grace, as one community.

School Board President Jim Dugan is a good person, an elected volunteer from within the community, and should not be forced to resign under a false cloud of antisemitism. That would be a travesty and simply wrong. He is not a hateful man.

We raise our kids here to be critical thinkers, who practice their voices, sometimes to great effect and sometimes making mistakes and missteps. And if they falter, we catch them when we can, and teach them. We learn from them too. We hope to give teens tools to evaluate the swarming information highway that consumes us all and we may not meet this need fast enough or with enough nuance. We also know much happens between teens that we do not see and we must walk humbly through their worlds to ensure they are safe and loved, thriving and growing.  Again, I hope we will never judge or condemn children, but offer privacy for learning."

And here is a letter to the community from James Dugan – with his daughter’s apology below:

To the Scarsdale Community:

I make this statement as a parent, a member of the Scarsdale community, and a school board member. Recent events have provided a profound teaching moment for me as a parent and have impacted me and my family. To begin, I want to be clear about where I stand regarding the conduct at Scarsdale High School that came to light on Friday, April 17, 2026. I condemn that conduct, as I do any conduct that condones antisemitism or otherwise targets any religion, ethnicity, race or nationality for negative or disparaging treatment. I strongly believe in the fundamental worth and dignity of each member of our human community. I hold these beliefs firmly and full-heartedly, and I fully support our District in taking a strong stand against antisemitism and against any conduct that targets a religion, race, or ethnicity for negative treatment.

As a parent, I will focus on healing my family. But as a school board member, my focus will continue to be on our students, our schools, and our educational program. I am fully committed to following through on our mission, which is to support each student’s full development, enabling them to be effective and independent contributors in a democratic society within an interdependent world. That mission is as meaningful now as it has ever been. I look forward to continuing to be part of the Board’s work in support of our students and our schools.

Very truly yours
James C. Dugan

(From Dugan’s daughter)
“I foolishly posted that angry, obnoxious meme about the flyers at Scarsdale High School. Realizing my mistake, I quickly took it down because I know it was offensive and inappropriate and I wish I had never posted it. Nothing about that represents my values or those of my family. I’m sorry I did it and have learned a real lesson from the response.”

What do you think? Post your comments below. Please include your first and last name and your email address.