School Budget Statements: SHS PTA Says "Make Students the Priority," and C.H.I.L.D Requests Data
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SHS PTA Executive Committee Preliminary Comments on 2025-26 Budget Planning November 17, 2025
Good evening. I am Erika Rublin, SHS PTA President and I am speaking on behalf of the Scarsdale High School PTA Executive Committee and Budget Study Chair.
The Scarsdale High School PTA Executive Committee and Budget Study Chair thanks the District Administration and Board of Education for holding a Budget Priorities’ Session for the community. The SHS PTA EC and Budget Study Chair firmly believes that early, proactive, and frequent engagement with parents and the broader school community, is an essential aspect of a thorough budget process.
Over the next few months, as the Board of Education and the District work through the Budget Priorities for the 2026-27 school year we ask that you continue to keep our students as the driving priority. We encourage a focus on teaching and learning, keeping in mind the District’s “Portrait of a Graduate”.
The SHS PTA EC and Budget Study Chair would like to emphasize our continued support for maintaining student choice for class selection and levels of learning, providing comprehensive student support and promoting teaching practices that nurture the development of the whole child and differentiated teaching. We encourage initiatives that prioritize student mental health, well being and the creation of an inclusive environment where all students feel a sense of belonging. Furthermore, we endorse a continued commitment to the creation and implementation of innovative, best-in- class curriculum practices, and encourage ongoing professional development to strengthen these critical elements of the student experience.
The SHS PTA EC and Budget Study Chair thanks the District for its transparent and thoughtful process in the ongoing development of a proposed bond for capital projects. We recognize that this process is ongoing and as the scope of the bond project becomes finalized, infrastructure needs at the high school for budget priorities may develop. We appreciate the proposed capital projects at the high school and encourage continued investment in our classrooms and science labs so that Scarsdale High School can continue to offer the highest level of instruction.
The SHS PTA EC and Budget Study Chair recognizes with great appreciation, the District’s thoughtful look at technology-usage and the development of the Students and Internet Enabled Devices Policy to comply with the new New York State law. We encourage continued, ongoing attention to technology in the classroom and the impact of Artifical Intelligence on our students, our curriculum and teaching/learning.
The SHS PTA EC and Budget Study Chair appreciates and recognizes the fiscal considerations with respect to budgeting. We encourage your continued focus on updating and refining expense and revenue projections and we encourage the administration to consider the long term fiscal issues associated with the budget. We encourage you to continue to maintain transparency and to continue to provide clear explanations through this process.
We encourage you to continue engaging the community this budget season so that the budget reflects a shared goal for our District as we move forward. The SHS PTA EC and Budget Study Chair looks forward to engaging in this work with you.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Scarsdale High School PTA Executive Committee and Budget Study Chair Erika Rublin, SHS PTA President
Megan Simon, SHS PTA President Elect
Radhika Dewan, SHS PTA Treasurer
Tina Lin, SHS PTA Vice President of Programming
Jenny Simon Tabak, SHS PTA Vice President of Membership Melissa Brown Eisenberg, Recording Secretary
Kelli Halyard, Corresponding Secretary
Diksha Mudbhary, SHS PTA Budget Study Chair
Statement to the Scarsdale Board of Education
Delivered on behalf of Scarsdale C.H.I.L.D. (Children Having Individual Learning Differences)
This statement is made on behalf of Scarsdale C.H.I.L.D.,a part of PTC and a long-standing organization representing families of students with disabilities and learning differences. This statement is prepared by Vice Chair Connie Beyer-Hense and co -chairs, Rachana Singh and Erin Rudensky. We have written this statement in collaboration with CHILD School representatives. We have included feedback from many families with students receiving special education services/and or related services.
Our community is grateful for the District’s commitment to serving all learners. But the experiences of our families make one thing clear: we need greater transparency, stronger data, and more targeted planning to ensure every child in Scarsdale receives an equitable education.
Tonight, we are asking for concrete steps the District can take this year to strengthen special education and support meaningful inclusion across all schools. We have identified key themes as we listened carefully to the CHILD community and our representatives in all the seven school buildings.
We are asking for three items:
-Anonymous Special Education Survey
-ICT and Placement Data
-Transparency on Out-of-District placement and Nonresident enrollment
1. Anonymous Special Education Survey: Centering the voices of Parents and Teachers
Families and teachers are essential partners in special education. Yet their experiences often remain invisible in district-level planning.
Recently, the District conducted the state mandated Indicator 8 Parent Involvement Survey. We ask that those results be shared and discussed with the community.
Furthermore we are asking the District to administer an anonymous, district-wide Special Education Survey of both parents and teachers. This survey would provide critical information, including:
-The quality of communication and collaboration between home and school,
-Strengths and weaknesses of IEP and CSE/CPSE processes, and
-The effectiveness of current programs and supports.
-Most importantly, these findings must inform the 2025–26 budget and planning process. Families deserve to see their lived experiences reflected in district decisions.
Next we believe it would be beneficial to know the
2. ICT and Placement Data: Understanding Equity and Access
To advocate for our students, we need a full and accurate picture of how placements are currently functioning. That requires transparency on the data the District already has,
We are asking for the following district-wide information:
-The number of students with IEPs;
-How many attend schools other than their home school;
-How many are placed out-of-district; and
-How many families have declined ICT placements because those placements required a non–home school setting.
This data is essential for understanding equity across our schools, especially in light of the recent redistricting debate.
We are also urging the District to expand ICT classrooms—to all elementary schools, across all grade levels, and to Scarsdale High School. Consistency matters. Students deserve a continuum of services that does not break down just as coursework becomes most challenging.
To plan thoughtfully and to set everyone up for success, we kindly request a detailed cost-benefit analysis that includes
-Special education teaching FTEs needed
-Required aide/paraprofessional support, and
-Potential cost savings from reducing out-of-district placements and strengthening inclusive practices in-district.
This is not only about budgeting—it is about galvanizing a system that meets the needs of learners where they are.
Finally, we want to address:
3. Out-of-District Placements and Nonresident Enrollment: Transparency for Responsible Planning
We are calling for full transparency around out-of-district placements and nonresident enrollment. These decisions profoundly affect students, families, and the District’s finances.
We ask for clear data on:
-How many Scarsdale students with IEPs attend out-of-district programs (broken down by elementary and secondary);
-The number and capacity of all in-district special class programs such as 8:1:2 and 12:1:1;
-Tuition revenue received for nonresident students with disabilities; and
-How many out-of-district students are enrolled in our programs.
Given the figures in the 2025–26 Nonresident Tuition Report, this transparency is essential for responsible budgeting and for building the inclusive continuum our students deserve.
And as redistricting concerns continue—particularly within the Fox Meadow community—we believe this data is critical. For years, many special education students have had to attend non–home schools or move between buildings to access services. Understanding this long-standing reality will help situate today’s concerns within a broader conversation about equity for all families,
In Closing
Our requests reflect the voices of families across Scarsdale. Currently, 1 in 4 children in Scarsdale receive some form of support services, and 14% of our students have an IEP. These numbers underscore the importance of building a system that is equitable, transparent, responsive and reflects years of lived experience. Our request reflects a deep commitment to the belief that every child deserves a fair, inclusive, and high-quality education within their own community.
We are asking the District and Board to:
-Listen to parents and teachers through a district-wide survey;
-Ground decisions in transparent, accessible data; and
-Invest in inclusive practices, including a full ICT continuum from elementary through high school.
These are not abstract proposals. They are actionable, achievable, and aligned with the values Scarsdale holds dear.
We believe these steps will strengthen outcomes for students with disabilities and learning differences and, ultimately, benefit all Scarsdale students. Together, we share the same goal—to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive and every resource is used thoughtfully and effectively.
Thank you for your time and your partnership—and for your continued commitment to every Scarsdale student
Rachana Singh & Erin Rudenskey - Co Chairs
Cornelia Beyer-Hense - Vice Chair
Amy Paulin to Hold Rally in Scarsdale to Urge Governor Hochul to Sign the Medical Aid in Dying Act
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On Thursday, November 13, at 5:00 p.m., Assemblymember Amy Paulin will host a rally at Chase Park in Scarsdale to urge Governor Kathy Hochul to sign the Medical Aid in Dying Act (A136/S138) into law. The bill, which passed both houses of the New York State Legislature earlier this year, would give terminally ill, mentally capable adults with a prognosis of six months or less the option to request medication to peacefully end their suffering if it becomes unbearable.
At the rally with Paulin will be Westchester Reform Temple Rabbi Jonathan Blake, Calvary Baptist Church Rev. Erwin Lee Trollinger, NYS Senator Shelley Mayer, and many local advocates including Indivisible Scarsdale and Scarsdale Democrats.|
Assemblymember Paulin, the bill’s longtime Assembly sponsor, called its passage “a truly historic and compassionate step forward for New York,” and emphasized that the law “is about easing needless suffering and honoring deeply personal choices.” The legislation includes strict safeguards and mirrors laws already in place in 11 states and Washington, D.C.
Supporters say the measure is about autonomy, compassion, and comfort. “Knowing I can access medical aid in dying has freed me from fear of the future and allowed me to live what remains of my life as fully as possible,” said Dr. Jeremy Boal, a New York physician with ALS who supports the bill.
Thursday’s rally will bring together local advocates, faith leaders, medical professionals, and residents calling on the Governor to make New York the 12th state to authorize medical aid in dying. Attendees are encouraged to join Assemblymember Paulin and lend their voices to this compassionate cause.
WHEN: Thursday, November 13, 5–6 PM
WHERE: Chase Park, 32 Chase Rd, Scarsdale, NY 10583
SHS Students Bring Community Together at Charity Dinner
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SHS 10th grade student government members singing Sweet Caroline at Karaoke.On Monday November 3, the Scarsdale Student Government hosted a Community Dinner in the SHS cafeteria, bringing together residents of all ages for an evening of food, fun, and philanthropy. The event featured delicious offerings from local favorites, Pizzarelli’s, Giannoni’s, and Jade Spoon, with yummy desserts donated by the PTA. There was entertainment for all ages, including arts and crafts, music, and games, provided by various student groups, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere. 
SHS Student Government seniors Gabe Green and Zachary Weinberg.SHS Student Government President of the Class of 2028, Sammy Cascade commented "I love how the Community Dinner brings students, families, administrators and teachers together for a fun night with a purpose. This year’s event was no different, and it was incredible to see the community come together for such an important cause." The event raised over $7,000, with all proceeds donated to My Sisters’ Place, supporting the organization’s important work in the community. Check out the festivities below with fun photos from the event.
SMS 6th Grader Reuben Peled playing 🏓 ping pong against Student Government Sophomore Emmitt Klingsberg (not shown).
Gerry O’Neill, SHS student government seniors Gavin Tieng and Anish Mehta.
Free Organ Recital by Internationally Acclaimed Organist Paul Jacobs
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Dr. John T. King, in charge of everything musical at Hitchcock Presbyterian Church of Scarsdale for the last 36 years, as well as artistic director, conductor and founder of the New Choral Society, an all-auditioned volunteer chorus of approximately 48 people from Westchester County and surrounding areas, in 1994, literally has been providing all kinds of wonderful, pleasing and first-class music at Hitchcock for seemingly forever.
While he won’t admit it, Dr. King is indeed a well-respected legend in his own lifetime.
He is a working musical phenomenon, who also directs the Chancel and the youth choirs and the adult bells program at his church. And, sometimes he is a featured speaker on a variety of major music subjects at the church and other Westchester County venues.
Obviously, King’s successes are too many to repeat in this digital space. But, nonetheless, perhaps his biggest coup of recent years, certainly in 2025, is convincing Grammy-Award winning organist Paul Jacobs, the internationally acclaimed organist and his good friend of many years, and heralded in June of 2022 as “one of the finest teachers and organists of our day,” by Zachary Woolfe of The New York Times, as well as openly praised by Alex Ross of The New Yorker, as “America’s leading organ performer” and by The Economist as “a grand New York institution” by James R. Oestreich of The New York Times, to return to Hitchcock Presbyterian and perform his usual, most professional and extremely enjoyable organ recital. His first recital at Hitchcock was in November of 2013.
According to Dr. King, the most important occasion for Jacobs’ recital, his second ever at Hitchcock, is to help celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the installation of the Mighty J.W. Walker Organ in the sanctuary of Hitchcock on Greenacres Avenue in Scarsdale, with a free concert there on Sunday, November 9 at 3 p.m. Doors open at 2:30 pm.
That’s spelled F-R-E-E. No charge! Don’t miss it!
Put it on your calendar. You just never know when Jacobs will be back in town again for an exciting recital.
According to Dr. King, also recognized by many as a music historian, said, “At the original dedication, the music was played by Jacob’s organ professor and mine from Yale University, Thomas Murray, on November 18, 1990. “Jacobs, in kind of a full circle nod,” Dr. King adds, “is scheduled to play one of the pieces that Murray played at the original dedication.”
In addition to his well-earned claim to fame around the country and world with stops in every U.S. state and many more overseas, Jacobs is the renowned professor of organ at The Juilliard School in Manhattan and, equally important for Hitchcock, the No. 1 teacher for all of its Hitchcock organ scholars over the years. It has indeed become a “badge of honor” to study under Jacobs.
Jacobs will present in his organ concert an overall program of organ music by Johann Sebastian Bach, Cesar Franck, Felix Mendelssohn, Charles Ives and Alexandre Guilmant.
According to Dr. King, while the concert is indeed free, if you plan to attend, please pre-register your attendance by clicking on the attached Eventbrite link or writing to Hitchcock on its website at http://www.hitchpresby.org. King said, “We expect a full house and want to know you are coming.”
A reception will follow the concert.
Vote for the Democratic Judicial Candidates: Voting Begins October 25th
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(The following letter was submitted by the Scarsdale Democratic Town Committee)
To The Editor:
It may just be a mid-year election, but for Westchester County, it is a crucial election with much of our County leadership on the ballot. Early voting for the General Election starts October 25th. The Scarsdale Democratic Town Committee wants voters to rally around the Democratic ticket and vote for our candidates on Row A.
In addition to the County Executive and legislative races this election (including those for County Executive, County Clerk, and County Legislator), there are several judgeships (all but one contested) to vote on: four State Supreme Court judges, one County Surrogate Court judge, one County Court judge, and one County Family Court judge. There is also Proposition 1 to amend the New York State constitution. This letter provides voters with more information about the judicial candidates and the proposition.
All of the Democratic judicial candidates are pro-choice and have broad experience and sound judicial temperament. The Supreme Court is New York’s trial court handling both civil and criminal matters. The County Court handles criminal matters and certain civil matters. The Surrogate Court handles the probate of wills, guardianships, and other actions relating to decedents. The Family Court decides cases involving children and families.
Supreme Court Candidates
Verris B. Shako
Judge Shako is a Yonkers City Judge in addition to serving as an Acting County Court Judge and an Accessible Magistrate. Prior to her election to the bench, Judge Shako practiced as a trial attorney for 15 years, litigating criminal felony and misdemeanor cases and practicing family law in the three Westchester Family Courts and the two Integrated Domestic Violence Courts.
Diane M. Clerkin
Ms. Clerkin has over 30 years of experience as an attorney specializing in Supreme Court matters, including 23 years in public service with the New York State Unified Court System. She currently serves as the Chief Court Attorney for the 9th Judicial District of the Supreme Court where she supervises court attorneys in the Supreme Court Law Department. In addition, Ms. Clerkin has served as a Court Attorney-Referee where she has presided over her own inventory of Supreme Court matters.
John P. Collins, Jr.
Judge Collins currently serves as a White Plains City Court Judge and, at times, as an Acting Westchester County Court Judge. Previously, he worked as a federal prosecutor for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York for 17 years before initially entering the Unified Court System as a Court Attorney-Referee in the 9th Judicial District.
Desmond C. Lyons
Judge Lyons is the Village Justice for the Village of Irvington and also serves as Acting Judge for the Village of Mamaroneck, Acting Justice for the Town of Greenburgh and the City of White Plains, and Accessible Magistrate in Westchester County. Judge Lyons has been an attorney in private practice for 30 years and is a full-time litigator and outside general counsel to non-profits and other entities.
Westchester County Surrogate Court Candidate
Brandon R. Sall
Judge Brandon Sall currently serves as Westchester surrogate judge, a position he has held since 2015, and is running for re-election for a second, ten-year term. Previously, he served as Managing Partner of Sall, Geist, Schwartz & Jellinek and General Counsel to Westchester County Public Administrator. He also served as Vice President of the Surrogates Association of New York State.
Westchester County Court Candidate
Erin M. McGoey
Judge McGoey serves as Greenburgh Town Justice as well as the Deputy Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Environmental Facilities. Judge McGoey began her career serving as Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Yonkers and later served as Assistant Westchester County Attorney and Deputy General Counsel for the Metro Transit Authority (MTA).
Westchester County Family Court Candidate
Emily R. Rubin
Ms. Rubin has 27 years of extensive experience in matrimonial and family law litigation. She has handled, among other matters, divorce actions from intake to settlement or trial, proceedings for support, child custody, post-judgment enforcement, and relocation proceedings.
Proposition 1
Proposition 1 concerns the Mount Van Hoevenberg Olympic Center, which is a winter recreation and training facility that began as a bobsled run used in the 1932 Olympics and was upgraded to include a Nordic ski trail system used in the 1980 Lake Placid winter games. This Olympic Center was built on state forest preserve land (known as “forever wild” forest land) in violation of the Article 14 Section 1 of the New York Constitution.
This Proposition would remedy this constitutional violation after the fact, by designating 1,039 acres of this “forever wild” forest land for the existing Olympic Center and allowing 323 acres of that land for limited development of certain ski trails and biathlon courses. In exchange, 2,500 acres of other, undeveloped forest land in Adirondack Park would be incorporated into the “forever wild” forest preserve to compensate for the 1,039 acres that had been taken from it for the Olympic Center.
The Scarsdale Democratic Town Committee urges voters to vote “Yes” on Proposition 1 and to support all of the Democratic judicial candidates.
Your vote matters! Let us make sure Democratic voices are heard.
Respectfully submitted,
Alissa Baum and Myra Saul
Delegates to the Democratic Judicial Convention for the 9th Judicial District
