Voters Deserve Transparent and Data-Driven Information

(The following letter was written by Rachana Singh)

To the Editor:

In the lead-up to a public vote with significant financial implications for our community, the quality and integrity of information provided to residents is essential.

I am writing in my personal capacity as a Scarsdale resident, parent, and community member. I also serve as a PTC Budget Study Committee Co-Chair, which has given me familiarity with the district’s budget and bond presentations; however, this letter reflects my individual views.

I am concerned about the recent “Vote Yes” flyer circulated by the Scarsdale Middle School PTA and the Scarsdale Parent-Teacher Council. The flyer presents a series of specific predictions about the consequences of a “No” vote — including increased class sizes, further staff reductions, elimination of modified sports and enrichment programs, amongst other claims.
While the district has published enrollment projections in a demographer’s report, there has not been a detailed public scenario-based analysis or modeling that quantifies these specific outcomes using staffing ratios, program funding levels, or alternative budget scenarios.

In the absence of such transparent modeling, these strongly framed “probable consequences” risk being perceived more as advocacy than balanced information — particularly when distributed by trusted parent organizations ahead of a public referendum.

PTAs and the PTC play valuable roles in our community, and with that influence comes a responsibility to ground communications in clear, verifiable district sources. Including direct links to the relevant budget documents, bond scope, enrollment forecasts, demographer’s report, and supporting analyses would better empower residents to draw their own conclusions.
This need for clarity is especially important this year, as Scarsdale taxpayers face multiple major financial decisions including a village bond and a village budget that exceeds the tax cap. All voters, including those without children in the schools, deserve clear data on the school budget, the proposed school bond, cumulative tax impacts, long-term debt, and overall sustainability.

This letter is not intended to support or oppose the budget or bond. It is simply a call to ensure that residents have access to complete and well-supported information before casting their ballots on May 19th.

I strongly encourage all Scarsdale residents to review the district’s official school budget and bond materials including the tax impact calculator directly on the Scarsdale School District website. Examine the assumptions, projections, and project details, and conduct your own due diligence on these important decisions.

Sincerely,
Rachana Singh