Details

Published: 02 March 2011

Created: 02 March 2011

Last Updated: 02 March 2011

Hits: 5225

To the Editor: Like a lot of people, my family and I moved to Scarsdale, not because it has good schools, but because it has GREAT schools. Just as important, it has lots of other families that value the schools the same way. It has a creative School Board that has focused on working with students to foster critical thinking and problem-solving instead of rote learning, as evidenced in the Singapore Math program and Capstone projects for 5th graders. And Scarsdale residents have passed the school budget with over 70% voting "yes" in the last two budget votes. This is not just an indication of how much we value the schools, but also an endorsement of all the work done by the Board of Education and Superintendent McGill.

While many school districts are facing difficult times, and the Board needs to weigh the needs of the Elementary schools in relation to the needs of the entire district, the current proposal being considered by the Board to raise class sizes at the elementary school level seems too drastic a measure. Larger classes for children in their formative years could have long-term implications for them as students and increased costs to the district. I would argue that the class sizes are in fact already too large, and Superintendent McGill would agree with me. He stated, back when the current class sizes were being proposed, that students in smaller classes are active learners, view themselves, their peers and their teacher more positively, and problems can be identified more quickly.

Even temporarily raising the class size limit is unacceptable. Today's "temporary" becomes tomorrow's "standard" on which more increases would be based. The Board needs to come to a consensus on creative solutions to budget problems without compromising on the values we hold as residents of Scarsdale. Leave elementary school class sizes alone.  To learn more about the effort to maintain classes sizes, click here.

Regards,
Neil Pierson
Bradley Road
Scarsdale

Details

Published: 09 March 2011

Created: 09 March 2011

Last Updated: 09 March 2011

Hits: 4311

Here is a note from Edgewood Parent Neil Pierson regarding the March 7th Board of Education meeting where class size caps were discussed: At the Monday night meeting there was some concern by some Board members that there was confusion about the Board proposal as it related to class size at the elementary school level. This is not the case; we understand that relaxing the class size caps currently in place is one option available to the Board in response to late enrollments. No one on the Board should be confused about the priorities of the Scarsdale residents in attendance: 22 students in K-3rd grade and 24 for 4th/5th grade is already too large.

What concerns many people and especially me about the budget is that what has been de facto policy for many years is now considered discretionary. More than this, we as taxpayers are being asked to vote on a budget that does not set out what steps will be taken, and in what order, to ameliorate large classes due to late summer additions to the student body. We are being asked to leave this to the discretion of the board, after the vote has been taken.

It would be in all taxpayers best interests to have these steps codified and unambiguous before a vote is taken on a budget, or be part of the budget proposal that is submitted.

The hard work by the Board to find ways to reduce expenses while minimizing their effect on the district was clearly evident in the budget that was proposed. As difficult as times are, and in support of people who don't want to be taxed out of town, I would urge the Board to consider every possible avenue of reasonable cost savings without impacting the ability of the educators to accomplish their primary objective. Despite budget concerns, I believe that keeping the current class size caps is of primary importance and should not be compromised.

Regards,

Neil Pierson
Bradley Road

Details

Published: 17 February 2011

Created: 17 February 2011

Last Updated: 17 February 2011

Hits: 7284

Here is a note from Lena Crandall, President of the Friends of Scarsdale Parks: The south entrance to the Red Maple Swamp, 5.4 acres of open space in Greenacres, is in the process of restoration. Mark Colbran, a Boy Scout in Troop 60, Scarsdale, has initiated the rejuvenation as part of his Eagle Scout Service Project. The goal is to remove invasive plants such as English ivy, multifloral rose and Norway maple trees from the freshwater wetlands, and replant with native trees and plants in the spring.

Last November, Colbran coordinated 33 volunteers, including donated manpower from Ridgecrest Landscaping; they cleared fallen leaves, tore up English ivy, which had migrated from surrounding backyards, and cut down Norway maple saplings. Concurrently, the Village refurbished the storm water drainage system at the South entrance to eliminate the forces of erosion on the main trail. With permission from the Village, in particular Suzanne Busby, Superintendent of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, and Eric Gerringer, Deputy Superintendant of Public Works, and the go-ahead from adjacent property owners, Bartlett Tree Company recently volunteered manpower to cut down seven Norway maples. The Swamp trail will benefit from their woodchips and their logs, which will define the path. The removal of the Norway maples is important because their shallow root systems, dense shade, and release of toxins into the soil inhibit other plant growth.

This exciting Eagle Scout project has had the support of the Greenacres Neighborhood Association, The Friends of the Scarsdale Parks, the Conservation Advisory Council and village staff. Colbran greatly appreciates the efforts of many volunteers, Ridgecrest Landscaping and Bartlett Tree Experts for helping to prepare the site in anticipation of spring planting. Landscape designer Eti Katoni will lend her expertise in the selection of appropriate wetland flowers, shrubs and trees; the native species will provide food and shelter to the many birds and small animals that inhabit and visit this preserve. A new split rail fence, signage and waste receptacles, funded by the Village of Scarsdale, will also be installed by Colbran to complete the restoration.