Scarsdale School Superintendent Dr. Michael McGill to Step Down in 2014
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An unconfirmed rumor that disgruntled residents had requested the resignation of Scarsdale School Superintendent Dr. McGill elicited a groundswell of support for the superintendent and the schools at the 6/11 meeting of the Scarsdale Board of Education. In addition to their concern for McGill, proponents of the schools feared the possible effects of an untimely attack on the superintendent who has served the district with distinction for 15 years. With the second school budget vote just days away, the attack on the superintendent appeared timed to undermine public confidence in the schools.
As a result, the Board of Education room was filled to capacity with former members of the Board, scores of administrators and teachers, the current and former leadership of the PTA and around 100 residents who turned out to back Dr. McGill. Attendees spilled out into the hallway where the overflow crowd watched the proceedings on an extra television monitor that was installed outside the meeting room. When McGill entered the room he was greeted with a thunderous applause and a lengthy standing ovation from the audience and the Board as well.
When McGill spoke, he preempted his detractors by opening the meeting with a statement. He offered his reaction to "the organized 
effort to displace (him) from his position" which he said was "a quid pro quo for a yes vote on the budget next week."
He responded to critics who said that he "forced school board members to do (his) will" saying "that insults the school board members who have served over so many years." To charges that he is "arrogant" and "short-tempered," he replied, "I am not going to defend my record but do want to discuss my contract."
He then explained that he had accepted a one-year extension on his current contract through June 2014 to help with the collective bargaining of the teacher's contract and to prevent the Board from the need to undertake the search for a new superintendent at the same time they were negotiating the contract.
However, he said, "Early last week I decided to leave when my contract expires. I have worked as a superintendent since I was 28 and the work should be interesting and fun... I have had a great run... This is not how I wanted to announce my decision. I am afraid that it will embolden my opponents. I hope to shift the focus of discussion to where it should be."
He continued, "Some people think the budget defeat was a mandate for fundamental change ... however, Scarsdale is not given to radical change. The first budget was an overreach. [The defeat] does not mean that programs and services should be changed. If we listen we will learn what the public really does want. We are now in danger of verging into a very dangerous dynamic that would undermine what is best. I don't believe that is what Scarsdale residents want."
With that, the budget hearing was opened and many took the microphone to support the school budget and encourage a "Yes" vote on June 18. Among the supporters were advocates for the first budget including the PT Council, the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale, the Scarsdale Middle School PTA and the Coalition for Scarsdale Schools. In addition, several people who voted "No" the first time out stated their support for the second proposed budget. Those who had changed their views included Susan Grosz, Jim Labick, Marian Green and Bob Berg who was among the leaders of the campaign to defeat the budget in May.
Former PTA leaders Melanie Spivak, Debbie Rappaport and Leslie Berkovitz encouraged parents to "get educated" on state mandates and said that $800,000 of the school budget was spent on state testing. Spivak told the group to "vote yes on the budget and use that no vote in Albany."
What brought tears to many in the room were the tributes to Dr. McGill made by representatives from a wide array of community groups. Former Board members, some of whom had not attended a Board meeting in years, all showed up to demonstrate their support. Trudy Moses spoke for the teacher's union, Scott Houseknecht for the principals and individuals stood to offer him their gratitude and praise.
Moses expressed the sentiments of the faculty saying, "The Scarsdale Teachers' Association wants the community to know that we have the utmost respect for Dr. McGill. He has shaped Scarsdale for the past 15 years and the Scarsdale education for tomorrow. That he would be under malicious attack is outrageous to us. We do not understand the mission of this group. We are dismayed by the bullying tone that has taken over the community. Every day we teach your children to reject bullying. We want you to know that Dr. McGill and his team have our support, respect and deep appreciation."
Scott Houseknecht, Principal of the Edgewood School, spoke for the district's principals and said, "We want to voice our strong support for Mike McGill. He has brought us international recognition. He has been bold in his leadership and brought vision in innovative ways. He has a high standard of professional integrity, is an exemplar of professionalism, and a reflective educator. We are unwavering in our support."
Art Rublin quoted from a speech that Dr. McGill delivered when he was chosen to be the NYS Superintendent of the Year in 2006 . Speaking of the role of educators McGill said, "We here are the custodians of civilization: leaders of an institution that ekes out what wisdom it can gather, builds upon it, passes it from one generation to the next. We are safekeepers of the democracy, guardians of the future."
Former Board of Education President Terri Simon said, "During my time on the Board we had occasion to do a thorough review of Dr. McGill's performance and year after year we ran out of superlatives." She added, "I do hope that a piece of his legacy is that you can disagree without being disrespectful. That we can converse civilly ... I am dismayed at the disrespectful tone."
Another former Board President, Jeff Blatt, offered the highest praise for Dr. McGill. "Mike McGill is a nationally renown educator, a visionary, and a man of great personal integrity. He has served this district with distinction and honor for 15 years. Thank you on behalf of my family for all you have done."
Barbara Guss Kemp, another past president of the Board of Ed, said that after her term ended, "I vowed I would never come to another Board meeting. I am here to show support for Dr. McGill. You are a gift to this district." Quoting Joni Mitchell, she said, "You don't know what you got till it's gone. Dr. McGill will leave an imprint on this district that will never be the same."
Rachel Moseley, an employee and member of the district's technology team said,
"I have the highest respect for our teachers and administrators and especially for Mike McGill. He is a visionary and a pragmatist who has dedicated the past 15 years of his life to the schools."
Florie Wachtenheim, who served as Board President from 2006-7 and also won the Scarsdale Bowl, said, "We are lucky to have a man of his vision and integrity to run the school system. Mike was recognized as the premier curriculum leader in the country. He offered strong leadership to the district. Your legacy is to help us do something that is beyond ourselves for the greater good. I cherish you and respect you."
McGill joked that he felt like he was at his own funeral but then answered the praise. He said, "I have high respect for the parents and the students of this community. It is not always easy in this job. This is a political position. You can't take the criticisms personally. The last 15 years have been a growth experience and an opportunity to become a better educator and a better person because of all of you! Thank you for your kind comments – of which I probably deserve about 20%."
It was a moving meeting for all in the room. What portended to be a contentious night evolved into an evening to honor McGill and his accomplishments and service to Scarsdale. Whoever planned to call for his resignation slipped out of the room unnoticed in the sea of love for the long-time school district leader.
State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli to Speak In Scarsdale on Thursday
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New York State Comptroller, Thomas Di Napoli, will speak at 11:45 Thursday morning at the luncheon following the League of Women Voters of Westchester Annual Convention at the Scarsdale Woman's Club, 37 Drake Road, Scarsdale, NY. There will be a Q&A from the floor after his presentation.
Comptroller DiNapoli has been in office since 2007, has reorganized the Office of the Comptroller, and has pushed for increased transparency and financial accountability, through exercising his office's responsibility for auditing the operations of all state and local government agencies, reviewing New York state and city budgets, approving state contracts and administering the state's payroll and central accounting system.
The Comptroller is also the sole trustee of the State pension fund, safeguarding the interests of over one million members, retirees and beneficiaries.
The League invites all community members to attend. There will also be a presentation from Diana Kasdan, Counsel to the Democracy Project of the Brennan Center for Justice at approximately 1pm.
Luncheon tickets are $40 and may be purchased at the door of the Scarsdale Woman's Club.
Chaperone Goes Berserk on Bat Mitzvah Bus
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An out-of-control bus chaperone went berserk on a bus full of 12 and 13 year-old boys on Saturday night May 19 while they were en route from a Bat Mitzvah in Manhattan to Edgemont High School. According to witnesses, the chaperone, who is the brother of the Bat Mitzvah hosts, got angry when a boy on the bus threw a "projectile object" – probably an M&M or a gum ball toward the front of the bus. The chaperone then unleashed a spate of expletives at the pre-teenage boys and threatened them with "death." According to a parent who met the bus at the school, the man appeared to be drunk and displayed the M&M that had been tossed. The parent reported that the "boys were visibly upset by the abusive and frightening experience."
One of the boys on the bus captured the chaperones shocking rant on his phone and you can click here to listen to it yourself. (audio file only)
Here is a transcript of what he said:
"Who did it? Do it again, you fuck, and you're fucked! The driver will kill you! He will kill you! One more time, you will die, you will bleed, out of your fucking nose! That's right I'm spitting in your fucking eye! Ever do that again and you will die, got it? DEATH! You fuck! You spoiled fuck! Spoiled fuck! Do it again, and you're dead. Did you learn your fucking lesson...ever again...fucking spoiled brat! That's right don't ever do it again and I know it was you, you cocky little shit. Death! It was an accident? You purposely threw it at our heads. Do you want these kids to die? You're first out this fucking door! Welcome to my WORLD! You fuck! How do you feel now? Like the piece of spoiled shit that you are...little piece of shit. Learn something boys? Fucking spoiled brats...all of you. Fucking throwing hard things at people who are driving the bus and saving your life?"
The following morning the parents of the Bat Mitzvah girl sent an email out to the parents of the boys on the bus. They claimed that the "counselor" needed to address "a serious safety issue that occurred when a projectile object was thrown at the front of the bus. ... given the late hour and the slick roads, ... the safety of the children could be compromised."
However, they failed to apologize for the man's inappropriate behavior saying only, "we are very sorry if any of your children were upset by what happened."
Parents were not appeased by the email and called the man's conduct "out of control and out of line." Another said that "given that he was still intoxicated and given his behavior/anger, (he) should never have been alone on the bus with a group of children."
Click here to listen to his rant.
Former Mayor Miriam Flisser to Run for County Board of Legislators
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Former Scarsdale Mayor Miriam Levitt Flisser will run for Westchester County Legislature in November. At the Westchester Republican Party convention on May 30, Flisser received the nomination to run for the 5th district seat that includes Scarsdale, most of White Plains and a part of Harrison.
She was nominated by Scarsdale Republican Party Chairman Steve Fuchs and seconded by White Plains Republican Chair Brian Maloney.
A resident of Scarsdale for 38 years, Flisser was a Village Trustee for four years and served as Fire Commissioner and Police Commissioner. A pediatrician with a practice in Bronxville, she is married to Harvey Flisser, who was a teacher at the Middle School for 25 years. Their 3 adult children are all graduates of the Scarsdale school system.
In her nomination acceptance speech, she said:
I am honored to accept your nomination as the Republican Nominee for the 5th District; Scarsdale, White Plains and West Harrison, in the Westchester County Legislature.
As a pediatrician, and Chief of Staff at Lawrence Hospital, I have served thousands of families across our County. I understand their needs and their frustrations with our government agencies. As Scarsdale's Mayor, Police Commissioner, and Fire Commissioner I have deep executive and legislative experience – most importantly in developing and sticking to a budget that at once serves our citizens' needs, and also shows fiscal restraint and responsibility. I look forward to bringing all of these experiences to focus on key issues:
- Supporting the drive to keep our taxes down.
- Encouraging development and job growth
- Fighting to maintain local control over zoning decisions.
I am also looking forward to this campaign on a more personal level. I came this this country as a young child from war-torn Europe. The Country, this State, and this great County gave me the opportunity to succeed, professionally, and personally. Winning this seat and serving will allow me to express my gratitude, through public service, to the voters and citizens of our great County, where I have lived, worked, and raised my family, for 38 years.
Democrat Bill Ryan has held the seat for eight terms and was also the Chairman of the Westchester County Board of 
Legislators. He made a failed bid this year to get the Democratic nomination for County Executive to run against Republican nominee Rob Astorino. The party chose New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson and Ryan announced he would not seek another term on the Board of Legislators.
Flisser will run against the Democratic nominee for the 5th district, White Plains City Councilman Ben Boykin. The salary for the position is $49,000 per year.
Mark Bezos Presented with Open Door Award at Gourmet Galaxy
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The Gourmet Galaxy at Westchester Country Club on May 1 was perhaps the largest galaxy in recent memory. In fact, there were so many guests that additional dining tables had to be set up in another room to accommodate everyone. This year's honoree, Mark Bezos, drew a crowd including family, well wishers and fellow volunteer firefighters. Bezos' brother Jeff of Amazon fame was also on hand to toast Mark who is now a Senior VP at the Robin Hood Foundation. After cocktails, an impressive silent auction and live auction Steven Goldman, President of Scarsdale & Edgemont Family Counseling welcomed the crowd, saying "You make the world a better place to live ... You guys rock!"
He introduced Bezos and presented him with the Open Door Award. He greeted the Scarsdale Volunteer Fire Company 2 that Mark captains and said, "if there's a fire here we are all in good shape ... but if there's a fire elsewhere, we're in trouble."
Mark credited his wife Lisa with her tenacity in bringing him to live in Scarsdale and for getting him involved 
with the firefighters. He told the group that after he sold his ad agency he was contemplating his next step and considered staying home for a year. Then an opportunity arose at the Robin Hood Foundation. Trying to decide whether or not to take the position he asked Lisa what she thought and she said, "Mark, I married you for better or for worse, but not for lunch!"
In his remarks he thanked the wide network of community volunteers including coaches, members of the Junior League, SVAC members, PTA members, and told them that they "receive the reward of making a difference, large or small." He lauded SFCS for their peer leadership program in the schools, for their parenting groups and work with community seniors.
He closed by saying, "thank you for inspiring me to do more."
Commenting on the evening, SFCS Board Member Angela Manson said, ""The Gourmet Galaxy was a huge success and we sold a record 350 tickets to a capacity crowd. Mark Bezos embodies the spirit of "The Open Door Award" with his acts of helping people in need, both as Captain of Scarsdale Volunteer Fire Company 2 and as SVP at The Robin Hood Foundation. Mark's captivating speech about the importance of volunteerism was extremely well received by audience members from school and village service organizations, Scarsdale volunteer fire companies, Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and the Junior League of Central Westchester. I'm thrilled he accepted my invitation to become the SFCS honoree!"
Take a look at our photo gallery of galaxy guests:
