School Board Member Jonathan Lewis to Step Down

Scarsdale School Board member Jonathan Lewis has informed the School Board Nominating Committee (SBNC) that, for personal and professional reasons, he will not be a candidate this year for re-election to the Scarsdale Board of Education. Mr. Lewis has served on the School Board since 2011 and, although eligible for re-nomination, has decided not to seek a second term.

John Clapp, Chair of the SBNC stated: "On behalf of the SBNC, I would like to thank Jonathan for his dedicated service to the school district and the community. While we would like to be considering him for re-nomination, we respect his decision to step down at the end of the current school year and wish him well in his future endeavors. We are encouraged that Jonathan will continue his work as the board's liaison to the New York State School Board Association through the end of his term."

Commenting on Lewis' decision, School Board President Suzanne Seiden said, "My Board colleagues and I would like to thank Jonathan Lewis for his service. He has been a valued contributor, and we will miss his passion for innovation and continuous advocacy for excellence in education. We respect his decision not to seek a second term, and we know that he will continue to serve the schools and the community in other ways."

We spoke to Lewis about his decision not to seek a second term and here is what he shared with Scarsdale10583:

(Q) What are the reasons you will not seek a second term on the School Board?

(A) I have decided not to seek a second term for personal and professional reasons. I intend to stay involved in civic matters, most especially in education reform, with an emphasis on finding ways to end the unfunded mandates and other ill-considered policies at the state level that undermine progressive education and the fiscal solvency of school districts across the state.

(Q) Did the rejection of the first school budget last May or contentious community members impact your decision?

(A) Not at all. Grass roots democracy is the bedrock of our community and nation. The no vote was important feedback to the board which led to a round of open community meetings and a better budget approved by the voters. In that context, I have always felt that Scarsdale Board of Education meetings, and the exchange of views among board members and with the community, are part of a tradition of local democracy stretching back to the New England town meeting system of government. Through public meetings, I have learned from my fellow board members and the community.

(Q) During your tenure on the Board, of which contributions are you most proud? What did you enjoy or find interesting?

(A) Proudest contributions: A focus on fiscal responsibility while marshaling resources for progressive education initiatives such as the Center for Innovation. Working to keep tax increases low, while supporting investments in research and development and professional development initiatives critical to moving the district closer to the goals of the Scarsdale Education for Tomorrow.

(Q) What advice would you offer to other community members who are considering serving on the School Board?

New board members should remember that they are part of an important tradition of community service. Our school district's reputation has been built over decades, and trustees must put individual viewpoints aside and remember our goal is to serve as good stewards. None the less, the board today operates within a unique environment. The tax cap, combined with a variety of ill-considered state mandates, largely unfunded, will continue to be a challenge in the years ahead for all school districts seeking to deliver a great education to their community. New board members need to think about how to navigate those challenges while keeping their vision focused on delivering on the promise of a Scarsdale education.

(Q) Anything else you would like to add?

(A) I would like to say thank you to the SBNC and the people of Scarsdale for giving me the opportunity to serve our community. Thanks to my fellow board members who will continue to serve, and volunteer countless hours on behalf of us all, as well as to the professional staff who makes the work of the board possible. I also want to thank the teachers who bring to life the promise and values of a Scarsdale education - they are the heart and soul of our school district. Most important, I want to thank my wife, Laura, and children, Steven and Hannah, who supported and encouraged me throughout my term, though I was away for long hours often arriving home from board meetings in the late hours of the night.

Scarsdale10583 also spoke to Florie Wachtenheim, who served on the Scarsdale School Board from 2001-2006 and as Board Vice President and President in 2004 and 2005. We asked her what the impact of Lewis' decision might be on the current school board's sucession plans for selecting leadership. Here is her response:

"Each year the Board elects it leadership, meaning its President and Vice President. In any given year people are considered for their qualities and skill set, and the people best deemed suitable to lead the Board for the next school year are elected by their peers to do so. Yes, seniority has been appreciated as an important qualifier, but certainly not as the only one. I can think of several instances of trustees not completing six years on the Board of Education, in the years during my Board term and afterwards, and in each case it seems careful consideration was given to the issues of leadership and succession. The President and Vice-President of the BOE meet with the Superintendent of Schools approximately twice in every month. This forum plays an important role in leadership development."

She continued, "I think there is much value in having a school trustee serve for two three-year terms. The learning curve is pretty steep. Like many situations, trustees learn each time they go through a certain experience, such as a budget cycle. When the turnover is quicker, a Board will need to pay extra attention to mentoring newer members, and thoughtfully thinking through succession issues. I have been pleased to see that this has been the case, when necessary."

The SBNC will shortly be starting its work to identify candidates for nomination to the Board of Education. In 2014, the SBNC will nominate two candidates to the board. In addition to the vacancy created by Jonathan Lewis' decision not to seek re-nomination, an additional seat is available to fill the position currently held by Sunil Subbakrishna, who is completing his first term and is eligible for re-nomination.

The SBNC invites all residents to propose candidates for the Board of Education. A candidate must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, a qualified voter, and a resident of the Scarsdale school district for at least one year prior to the May 20, 2014 school board election date. Candidates should complete a biographical information form and submit it via email to the SBNC Chair, John Clapp, at sbncchair@gmail.com as soon as possible, but no later than 5:00 PM on February 25, 2014. Forms are available at www.scarsdalesbnc.com. For more information on the SBNC, including the governing Resolution, information on the non-partisan system, and a list of the current SBNC members, please visit the SBNC website or contact the SBNC Chair.