School Board Names New President, Welcomes New Faculty and Celebrates Tenure Milestones for 22 Educators

Superintendent Drew Patrick and Ass't Superintendent Meghan TroyAt a special Board of Education succession meeting followed by its only regular meeting in May, the Scarsdale school community gathered to appoint new board leadership, welcome incoming faculty and administrators and celebrate the achievements of educators across the district, culminating in the conferral of tenure on 22 faculty members and administrators.

To start the succession meeting, interim Board President Colleen Brown, made a nomination for Suzie Hahn to serve as President of the Board of Education through the July 15, 2026 organizational meeting. In her remarks supporting the nomination, Brown referenced the importance of stability, continuity and unity during the final months of the school year and noted the need to maintain focus on ongoing district priorities, including the recently developed budget and bond proposal designed to support student learning, growth and well-being.

“After thoughtful reflection, I believe this moment calls for an approach grounded in stability, unity and what is best for our students and our community,” Brown stated. She went on to praise Hahn for her prior service as board president, and her experience, institutional knowledge and collaborative leadership style. “She understands the responsibilities of the role, appreciates the sensitivity of this moment and has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to our students, staff and community.”

Following a unanimous vote, Hahn was officially elected president of the Board of Education effective May 11, 2026 through the board’s organizational meeting in July.

After taking her oath, Hahn shared: “Recent events have left all of us navigating a very challenging and emotional period. We are confronting serious issues that require not only thoughtful leadership, but also compassion, reflection, and a shared commitment to moving forward together. At the same time, and this happens in one week from tomorrow, the community will be voting on an annual budget and bond referendum, the outcomes of which will have a long-standing impact on the educational needs and well-being of every student in our district.

Over the next two months, my goal will be to help ensure that this Board continues to operate thoughtfully, transparently, and steadily during this transition period. I believe strongly in the importance of maintaining continuity while also preserving the opportunity for the full Board to engage in a deliberate and comprehensive leadership process and election for the 2026-2027 school year in July.

Most importantly, I want our community to know that this Board remains fully committed to the work ahead. While there are difficult conversations and moments in front of us, we will approach them with seriousness, integrity, and care for our students, this district, and every member of our community.

Thank you again for your trust and confidence. I look forward to continuing this work together.”

The evening also featured the introduction of several newly appointed faculty members and administrators who will join the district for the upcoming school year.
Among those welcomed was Katharine Beck, who will serve as the next Director of Counseling at Scarsdale High School. Beck holds degrees from Teachers College, Columbia University, Seton Hall University and Union College and currently serves as Director of College and Postsecondary Counseling at a New York City high school. Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, Dr. Meghan Troy praised her leadership in the counseling field, as well as her empathy and strong advocacy for students.

Scarsdale alumna Maggie Donovan was introduced as a new English teacher at Scarsdale High School. Donovan, who earned degrees from Teachers College, Columbia University and Boston College, currently teaches in the Bronx. Troy noted her familiarity with the district and her passion for immersive learning experiences.

Sophia Esteves was welcomed as a new special education teacher at Scarsdale Middle School. A graduate of Manhattanville University and Binghamton University, Esteves has already spent five years working within the Scarsdale schools as both a lead replacement teacher and teacher aide.

The district also introduced Brian Galderisi as a new art teacher at Scarsdale High School. Galderisi, an accomplished artist and educator with degrees from Yale University School of Art, Hunter College and Montserrat College of Art, currently teaches in Dobbs Ferry. Troy described him as a strong role model who values inclusive learning environments.

Brad Magnusson, already a familiar presence at Scarsdale Middle School, was appointed as a probationary special education teacher. Magnusson recently earned his doctorate in educational leadership and was recognized for quickly earning the respect of colleagues, families and students through his dedication to learning and growth.

Jason Weinstein was introduced as a new elementary instrumental band teacher. Currently teaching in New Jersey, Weinstein was praised for bringing a joyful and contagious energy to music education.

District leaders also announced that Scarsdale Middle School science teacher and department chair Dr. Christy Brown will become the school’s next assistant principal.
Although unable to attend the meeting, Brown is expected to be formally welcomed at the board’s June meeting.

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Tenure Ceremony

Following the introductions, the Board transitioned into its annual tenure recognition ceremony, but first took an opportunity to highlight School Principals Day, Teacher Appreciation Week and National School Nurse Week and took a moment to recognize teachers, nurses, principals, assistant principals and the many staff members who support students throughout the district each day.

“While Scarsdale is a community that holds high expectations, it is also one that deeply appreciates and respects the work of our educators,” Dr. Drew Patrick said. Special thanks were also extended to the PTAs throughout the district for their efforts in recognizing faculty and staff during Teacher Appreciation Week.
Educators were commended for fostering collaborative, future-oriented school cultures that emphasize student well-being, belonging and resilience while supporting the development of the “whole child.”

The centerpiece of the evening was the conferral of tenure to 22 educators and administrators, including 18 teachers and four building and district leaders. Dr. Troy described tenure as a major professional milestone earned only after a rigorous probationary process involving classroom observations, mentoring, evaluations, portfolio reviews and annual administrative panels.

Troy went on to describe the tenure process as “thoughtful, intentional and collaborative,” noting that it reflects Scarsdale’s commitment to professional growth and instructional excellence. “All of you have added something unique and special to our district,” Troy said.

Throughout the joyous ceremony, principals and district leaders introduced each tenure candidate individually, sharing stories about their leadership, creativity, compassion and impact on students.

At Edgewood School, Assistant Principal Lauren Drapek was recognized for providing “caring and consistent leadership” through multiple administrative transitions, while special education teachers Elise Koski and Allison Lerner were praised for their expertise, positivity and dedication to students.Twin Sisters Lisa and Lauren Pomerantz at the Tenure Ceremony

Greenacres Elementary School honored special education teacher Kristen Mateja for creating joyful and inclusive learning experiences while fostering school spirit and community engagement.

At Heathcote School, educators Jennifer Duncan, Mary Lattin and Terrie Bentley were celebrated for their creativity, adaptability and ability to inspire students through science, inclusive classroom communities and the arts.

Scarsdale Middle School Principal Chris Coughlin introduced what he called the “stellar six,” recognizing educators Kyle Davidson, Frankie Hughes, Jessica Janicola, Anne Marie Scalisi, Stephanie Schettini and Rebecca Streeter for creating meaningful connections with students and cultivating engaging learning environments.

At Scarsdale High School, Principal Ken Bonamo honored five faculty members for their leadership and dedication. Chemistry teacher Kevin Anton was recognized for creating a classroom culture of curiosity and inclusion, while computer science teacher Jigar Jadav was praised for inspiring innovation through coursework, mentorship and leadership of the school’s AI Club.

Learning Resource Center teacher Tim Leddy was acknowledged for his collaborative support of students across subjects, while social worker Lauren Pomerantz was commended for her advocacy for student mental health and wellness. Dean Amanda Rios-Thomas was recognized for her compassion and student-centered leadership.

District administrators were also honored. Math Coordinator Carrie Orgera was praised for advancing equitable and student-centered mathematics instruction districtwide. Director of Learning, Innovation and Technology Jeannie Crowley was recognized for her thoughtful leadership in educational technology, while Assistant

Also receiving tenure were Superintendent for Business Andrew Lennon who was commended for overseeing major district initiatives, including the district’s $101.7 million capital bond project.

Meghan Troy herself was recognized for her leadership and commitment to excellence, student well-being and justice throughout her tenure as Assistant Superintendent.

As part of the ceremony, each tenure recipient received a commemorative candle bearing the message: “May you be proud of the work you do, the person you are, and the difference you make.”

Board President Suzie Hahn closed the evening by thanking educators for their dedication and service to students and schools. “Teachers are true heroes with the remarkable ability to inspire, nurture growth and guide students toward success with knowledge, compassion and unwavering dedication,” Hahn said.

Following a unanimous vote by the Board of Education, tenure was officially conferred upon all 22 candidates to applause from colleagues, family members and community members gathered for the celebration.

The meeting concluded with congratulations to the newly tenured faculty and administrators, recognition of the district’s newest hires and acknowledgment of the lasting impact educators continue to make throughout the Scarsdale school community.