A Conversation with Scarsdale Board of Education President Lee Maude

The 2015-16 school year has officially begun and the Scarsdale School Board has an ambitious agenda and some new procedures. We spoke to School Board President Lee Maude about what's in store and here is what she shared:

Now that you have assumed leadership of the Board, how will your role change? What new responsibilities do you have?

As President, my role is to be a facilitator and make sure the Board of Education works cohesively as a team. We will strive to listen to each other, staff and the community, and to respect each other views and come to consensus through mutual understanding and respectful dialogue.

What are the board's priorities for the 2015-2016 school year?

We have much work to accomplish this year. This year Dr. Hagerman and his cabinet with the board will be working on: the Scarsdale Transition Plan, the construction projects approved in 2014, consideration of further construction for 2019, the 2016-17 budget and of negotiations of the Teachers contract as well as other contracts.

Why have you moved some meetings to the daytime – how do you think that will affect attendance?

As community members, you will notice a number changes in the structure of our Board meetings. We have made these changes to have deeper conversations and listen to the community. These changes provide us with time to work with the administration on important changes to our educational programs. Let's review these changes.

One Wednesday morning each month we will meet to review any pending Board business. To the extent you have been or are unable to attend evening Board meetings, these morning meetings will give you the opportunity to attend and participate through the public comment opportunities. After pending Board business, the Board will work on various aspects of Dr. Hagerman's Transition Plan. The plan is divided into eight important areas of focus which we are calling Portfolios. We are excited about these areas of focus for the District and community for the next three years.

Curriculum Assessment and 21st Century Learning

Construction and Facilities

Communications, Community Involvement and Political Outreach

Budget and Finance and Negotiations

Human Capital and Leadership Development

Instructional and Informational Technology

Special Education and Pupil Services

BOE Development, leadership, succession planning and staff relationships

During each Wednesday meeting, we will review our progress on the Transition Plan. Following this review we will have an in-depth presentation and discussion about one or two of the eight Portfolios. The discussion will be led by a member of Dr. Hagerman's cabinet along with one or two Board members who have been assigned to these portfolios. The purpose of these meetings is to present information to the Board and the public and for the Board to assess and monitor the changes taking place at our schools. As members of the community we invite you to watch these meetings at the High School in Room 170-172 , on cable TV, or on our website.

Another change you will see in our Board meetings is that the three Assistant Superintendents will join us for discussion at the Board table. This will allow us to have meaningful, authentic, and collaborative conversation and reach consensus among the Board and the Cabinet.

One of our goals this year is to provide a more meaningful dialogue about teaching and learning outside of the budget process. Therefore, new education initiatives will be highlighted before the budget is presented. We believe this will give the Board and community more time to reflect on any proposed changes in our educational program.

There is ongoing controversy about the fate of the Greenacres School. How will the members of the building committee be selected? What are your thoughts about the process.

We are adding three more residents and three more GA staff members to the GA building committee. The GA PTA will pick two and the GA Homeowners Association will pick one.

Are there any contracts up for negotiation this year? If so, which ones?
Yes see below:

STA -- Teachers & Nurses
SPA - Principals
ASTAA -- Aides
MADSA -- Middle Managers

Which board member will represent Scarsdale in Albany this year – what are some matters of concern to Scarsdale?

Suzanne Seiden and Art Rublin will be working on political advocacy, communications and outreach. We anticipate that the board will continue a dialogue with the State concerning issues such as unfunded state mandates, student testing and the Teacher APPR evaluation.

Anything else you would like to add?

This is an exciting year for the District. We invite everyone to watch our meetings and follow our progress on the Scarsdale School District Transition Plan.

We are relatively young board with most of us in our first three years of service. Our focus this year will be to listen to our constituencies, which include the Scarsdale School District students, faculty and administration and members of the community. Our goal for the coming year is to collaborate with Dr. Hagerman's team on the Transition Plan. We will endeavor to remain focused on those issues outlined in his plan.