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Written by Melissa Hellman

Published: 07 May 2015

Created: 07 May 2015

Last Updated: 07 May 2015

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The Board of Education discussed a recommended change to the district gift policy at the May 5 meeting that would eliminate the $10,000 annual maximum restriction on PTA gifts for a trial period of two years. Board member William Natbony provided background stating that this issue has been under consideration since October 2014 and has been researched and discussed by the BOE subcommittee on gifts.

The subcommittee held a public meeting on November 18 to discuss the elimination of the spending limit (Policy 1800-E). One outcome of this meeting was the discovery that there were no uniform guidelines used by each school with regard to PTA gifts. The PT Council asked for responsibility to build these guidelines and was tasked to work with the PTAs and principals at each school to develop a set of gifting procedures with a focus on eliminating disparity between schools and sharing of best practices among schools. It was decided that the spending limit issue would be revisited once these guidelines were in place. On March 26, 2015 PTA Presidents, principals, the superintendent and assistant superintendent of business met to review PT Council's draft PTA gifting guidelines and provide feedback. The PT Council Board approved a uniform gifting procedure at its April 23 meeting. The result of the PT Council's work appears in its entirety at the end of this article.

Also, at the November 18 subcommittee meeting, the Heathcote PTA as well as the principals submitted statements asking that the spending limit be raised by $5000 but not eliminated. The Heathcote PTA wrote a letter to the Board dated November 17 detailing concerns.

"At Heathcote, we currently are spending nearly all the funds we raise each year. Our bank balance will support two years of programming if no additional funds are brought in. We are not aware of the financial status of other PTAs, but assume that each group has a different reserve fund. We are concerned that, by eliminating the gift cap, the district will unintentionally create or acerbate inequities among the schools due to difference in PTA balance sheets."

The position of the principals was presented to the subcommittee via a communication to Dr. Hagerman from Middle School Principal Michael McDermott.

"The Principals are supportive of increasing the annual gift from $10,000 to $15,000, but we are not supportive of seeing the annual gift increase beyond that amount. We believe that this would place the schools in a competitive mode and establish a situation that would foster inequity."

It is not certain if the Heathcote PTA or the principals have changed their position on the gift cap in light of the now clear gifting guidelines provided by the PT Council. Neither group offered comments at the May 5 meeting.

While there was wide appreciation, praise and support for the gifting procedures developed by the PT Council, the Board has to decide on the issue of whether the $10,000 spending cap for PTA gifts should remain in place. During the discussion, Board member Suzanne Seiden expressed hesitation about eliminating the cap and said she would prefer to see a trial period with a significantly increased cap rather than none. She is concerned about disparity and fund-raising competition between schools. Board member Lewis Leone stated that he was fine with eliminating the cap but would like the PTAs to formally report their yearly spending to the Board in order to keep a close eye on parity. Currently, all elementary PTAs are spending similarly, with the bulk of the total investment, ranging from $65,000 to $85,000, focused in programming. Board member Lee Maude requested that in addition to reporting yearly spending, PTAs should also report to the Board on the amount of money in the their accounts in order to get a sense of the complete financial picture for each school's PTA.

Detailed materials on this issue were provided as part of the agenda packet for the May 5 meeting available on the Scarsdale Schools website. The vote is planned for the May 18, 2015 meeting. Community members should express support, comments or concerns to the Board of Education prior to the vote.
Scarsdale Council of PTAs (PT Council) Gift(s) to District or School Procedure
The PT Council Executive Committee and PTA Presidents shall:
• Follow the terms of any existing and related Board of Education policies when considering a gift to the District or a particular school.
• Recognize, promote and maintain the concept that gifting is neither a PTA priority nor an annual requirement.
• Understand that gifting should only be considered according to the wants, needs, culture and opportunity of each school, which vary across schools and within a school year to year.
• Remember that, as stated in the NYSPTA Resource Guide, "Constant and unnecessary fundraising establishes PTA as a "fundraising" organization, and members easily lose sight of their goals. The purpose of PTA is not to buy equipment and donate it to a school district. The primary function of PTA is child advocacy."
• Understand that all tangible items purchased for immediate and primary use of the school/district are gifts. These items become the property of the school/district and the school/district shall claim full responsibility of ownership and maintenance.
• Realize that items purchased for immediate and primary use by the PTA are not gifts.
• Be aware that programs/activities are not gifts.
• Support the District or school with "core plus" gifts that do not supplant the Board of Education's responsibility to provide adequate funding for the District's programs and services it offers.
PROCESS
The PT Council Executive Committee and PTA Presidents shall:
1. Consider gifts with the full participation of the school principal. Gift suggestions can originate with faculty, administration or parents.
2. Understand that all gifts must be discussed and approved by the PTA Executive Committee and school principal.
3. Ensure that once a gift is approved by the PTA Executive Committee and school principal, the gift should be approved by the PTA Board.
4. Write a letter to the principal, once a gift has been fully discussed and approved by the membership, officially requesting that the gift be approved by the Board of Education. The principal will forward the request to the Superintendent, who will in turn forward it to the Board of Education for approval at an upcoming Board meeting.
5. Know that facilities considerations must be discussed with and approved by the District Facilities Director.
6. Know that technology considerations must be discussed with and approved by the District Technology Director.
7. Share and discuss gift ideas/plans (over $1,000 in value) at the annual October and April PT Council Executive Committee meetings. While it is the Board of Education's responsibility to enforce parity, the PTC Executive Committee and PTA Presidents must keep it in mind and monitor it.

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Published: 12 May 2015

Created: 12 May 2015

Last Updated: 14 May 2015

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Spring is here! Time to get outside and tour some wonderful Open Houses! Here are seven to see in Scarsdale, Hartsdale, Greenburgh, and Yonkers.

30 Stonewall Lane, Mamaroneck PO, Scarsdale
Public Open House: Sunday, May 17, 2015 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Invest in space, light and location. Seamless integration between utility and luxury, this almost new Colonial has it all. From a pool with cabana and recently repaved tennis court, separate cabana outside with water, 11 foot ceilings, radiant heat under all stone surfaced floors, chefs kitchen with commercial grade Blue Star oven, Miele Espresso/coffee built-in, gas powered BBQ with beverage center, custom dog wash imported from Canada, remote controlled double-faced gas fireplace, wine cellar with automatic operated thermostat, pool room with wet bar, gym and fitness or yoga room, generator for indefinite usage during power outage. 16-zone sprinklers with dripper for planters. Heated garage with capability of a second story lift. Alarm and thermostat controls accessible via digital screens with outside camera surveillance. Use of Scarsdale and Mamaroneck recreation and beach rights. Only house on street with natural gas they brought in. Learn more here.

List Price: $3,780,000

39 Meadow Road, Scarsdale, NY
Public Open House: Sunday, May 17, 2015 1:00pm – 3:00pmEnjoy a visit to this spacious and inviting Ackerman built home, ideally located a block from Elementary School, on a magnificent nearly half acre of level land on a quiet street. In a coveted neighborhood in Scarsdale, this home boasts a perfect layout for everyday living and gracious entertaining. The oversized foyer leads to 4 main rooms: an expansive living room with fireplace, a gourmet kitchen with premium appliances opening to a patio, an elegant dining room and a welcoming family room featuring a multitude of built-in bookshelves, surround sound and sound-proofing plus sliders to a serene screened porch. Up a few steps from the foyer you will find a Master Bedroom, Master Bathroom, 2 large bedrooms and a full bath. The third level includes 2 additional bedrooms and a hall bath. Lower level includes the 2 car garage, a dream hang out room for teenagers with windows and access to the yard plus an enormous unfinished basement for unlimited storage. Don't miss this Quaker Ridge gem. Learn More Here.

List Price: $1,650,000

79 Carman Road, Scarsdale, NY
Public Open House: Sunday, May 17, 2015 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Location, Location, Location. This south facing, sun-drenched Colonial is on a private corner of a peaceful street in the heart of Edgewood. Conveniently located one block from commuter bus, two to Davis Park and close to schools. Tranquility in Scarsdale. Imagine yourself enjoying the sunshine in your Four Seasons sunroom or playing in your private, flat yard. This house oozes charm, warmth and relaxation. It's all been done for you: beautiful hardwood floors, large bright and airy rooms, great flow, new CAC, new gas furnace, hot water heating, dine-in kitchen, high efficiency appliances, walk-in closet, walk-out basement, and tremendous storage. Pristine and move in ready. This Edgewood gem is a must see. Learn More Here.

List Price: $824,000

5 Drisler Avenue, White Plains PO, Greenburgh
Public Open House: Sunday, May 17, 2015 1:00pm – 3:00pmCharming Carriage/Colonial house with slate roof has all 4 bedrooms upstairs. Kitchen was updated in 2000 and includes gas cooking. A formal dining room has access to the 24ft by 12ft screened-in back porch. The living room with 2 large bay windows that capture the morning sun has a beautiful stone fireplace with slate hearth. The 20ft x 9.5ft family room was added in 1984 and has the entrance into the 2-car garage. A laundry room and a full bathroom with tumbled marble finishes complete the 1st floor. An open staircase leads to the bedrooms on the 2nd floor. The master bedroom is 14ft x 13.5ft and has 2 double-door closets. The bathroom was updated in 2001 and has a Jacuzzi tub. The house has central air. A new in-ground 550-gal oil tank was installed in 2010 with all appropriate paperwork. The property line on the north side of the house is defined by the green Verizon post at the street. This house is worth the visit. Learn More Here.

List Price: $499,000

39 Fieldstone Drive #G-3, Hartsdale, NY
Public Open House: Sunday, May 17, 2015 1:00pm – 3:00pmTerrific space in this three-bedroom apartment with its full-size washer and dryer. Newer kitchen has countertop seating area and lots of cabinets and a window overlooking the backyard. Both hall bath and master bath have been renovated and show beautifully. Large 19 foot x 13 foot living room faces front courtyard and is very sunny, with wood floors, and is Cablevision or FIOS ready for hook-up. Master bedroom closet is California-system organized and easily accessible with sliding doors. Second bedroom at 12 foot x 13 foot is sizeable and has 2 closets. Third bedroom has great closet space. Both east and west exposures in this apartment so it is quite sunny throughout the day. Outside, there is room in the wooded backyard for your table, chairs, and barbeque for summertime fun. Plus, enjoy the pool and playground, with guest passes available. Assigned parking currently available. Garages are waitlisted. Close to shops, parks, school and buses. Learn More Here.

List Price: $262,000

49 Old Army Road, Scarsdale PO, Yonkers
Public Open House: Sunday, May 17, 2015 1:00pm – 3:00pmEnjoy the convenience of this elegant and spacious 2001 Clapboard Colonial. Beautifully situated up high in the Beech Hill section of Yonkers, this stylish home has lovely views and privacy. Wonderful flow emanating from the 2-story entry hall, you have perfect access to the first floor rooms. The open floor plan allows easy living and is very inviting for entertaining. The large living room and dining room are enhanced by high ceilings. The modern eat-in kitchen features a center island with granite counter top and breakfast bar, plus a breakfast area with doors to the patio that overlooks the lush property. Adjoining the kitchen is the family room with cathedral ceiling and fireplace. An added feature is the first floor office or den. The 2nd floor features a master bedroom with en-suite bath and 3 more bedrooms plus a hall bath. There is also a very spacious loft area overlooking the 1st floor. The house has been gently lived in and is close to the Scarsdale train and Village. Learn More Here.

List Price: $1,200,000

60 Cornell Avenue, Yonkers, NY
Public Open House: Sunday, May 17, 2015 1:00pm – 3:00pmVery private two-family home being used by members of one family. Parking is available in parking lot on Cornell Ave for $100/month per car. Residents of this house can apply for membership in the Park Hill neighborhood's Racquet Club with its tennis, pool, clubhouse, bowling lanes, and annual events. First floor unit has an eat-in kitchen with a door that opens to outdoor area for table/chairs and then steps up to the larger deck with the great garden with tomatoes/herbs. Second floor unit has an eat-in kitchen with a door, opening to a raised deck with room for table/chairs and overlooking the garden area. The larger seating area at the rear of this house has room for even more table/chairs and the BBQ. The second floor unit is a duplex with one bedroom and bath on the lower level and one bedroom and bath on the upper level. Access to W/D in basement from both units. Low maintenance exterior includes pavers and decking and siding. Simply a great house. Learn More Here.

List Price: $459,000

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Written by Lori Gertzog

Published: 30 April 2015

Created: 30 April 2015

Last Updated: 30 April 2015

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6 Torrence Place, Scarsdale
List Price: $2,499,000
Public Open House: Saturday, May 2, 2015 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Meticulously updated Colonial situated on 0.62 acres in a tranquil cul-de-sac just blocks from elementary school, high school and public library. Custom kitchen with Thermador oven, range and warming drawer, Sub-Zero refrigerator and Miele dishwasher. French doors lead to slate patio and large, level, fenced backyard area with hot tub and outdoor shower and woods beyond. Master bedroom suite with vaulted ceiling and dramatic windows overlooking the backyard with Waterworks bathroom and custom-built cherry cabinetry in the oversized walk-in-closet. Four more large bedrooms on second floor (one currently used as an upstairs den). Large, bright, walk-out finished playroom/family room in lower level. Every modern convenience added in 2004 renovation (down to the plumbing and wiring) including 5-zone hydro-air heat and 5-zone central air while retaining all the gorgeous architectural features original to the house. Slate roof new over 2004 addition (fully restored elsewhere). The best of both worlds.

To learn more about this house, click here

9 Wildwood Road, Scarsdale
List Price: $1,595,000
Public Open House: Sunday, May 3, 2015 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Stately Tudor on an expansive park-like .60 acre lot. Lovely entry, gracious living room with vaulted ceiling and wonderful stone fireplace, doors leading out to screened porch, spacious dining room, sunny kitchen, powder room, family room (possible 6th bedroom) with full bath and two additional rooms with full hall bath. On second level is the master bedroom with master bath, powder room and two more large bedrooms with Jack & Jill bathroom. Lower level has large den with fireplace and a second finished rec room (additional 593 square feet not included in total square footage). Features include: gleaming hardwood floors, two stone fireplaces, central air, heated driveway, invisible fence, and room for expansion. Not to be missed.

To learn more about this house, click here.