Details

Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 24 June 2026

Created: 24 June 2026

Last Updated: 25 June 2026

Hits: 914

When Friends of the Scarsdale Library Board Member Liza Brush was helping co-chair the Scarsdale Library spring gala, she knew one auction item would be especially exciting for her family: the opportunity to serve as Junior Mayor for the Day. Thanks to the enthusiasm and support of Deputy Mayor Dara Gruenberg, both of Liza’s children, Nathan and Katie Brush, were invited to participate in this memorable experience.

The day was thoughtfully organized by the Mayor’s Office, Village Manager Alexandra Marshall, and Assistant Village Manager Ruby Tower. Nathan, age eight, and Katie five, began their adventure at Village Hall, where they met Mayor Justin Arest and officially assumed their roles as Junior Mayors.

Their first duties included leading the Pledge of Allegiance and issuing two executive orders: moving bedtime to 9:00 p.m. and declaring chocolate the official ice cream flavor of Scarsdale. The young mayors were presented with official certificates and commemorative pins before touring Village Hall and meeting staff members from various departments who help keep Scarsdale running smoothly.

The next stop was the Scarsdale Police Department, where Detective Moleski provided a behind-the-scenes tour. Nathan and Katie visited the booking room, explored the jail cells, learned about police operations, and had the opportunity to see a police vehicle up close with its lights and sirens activated.

The day continued at the Scarsdale Fire Department, where Chief Mytych welcomed the Junior Mayors for an exciting tour. Firefighters brought out Ladder 28 and extended it an impressive 100 feet into the air. Nathan and Katie had the chance to sit inside a fire truck and watch a firefighter slide down the station pole. Adding to the excitement, just minutes after the tour ended, the family saw Ladder 28 respond to an emergency call.

Nathan and Katie had a truly unforgettable day learning about local government, public safety, and the dedicated professionals who serve the Scarsdale community every day. The Brush family extends its sincere thanks to everyone who helped make the experience possible, and to Friends of the Scarsdale Library for offering such a unique and memorable gala auction item.

Details

Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 10 June 2026

Created: 10 June 2026

Last Updated: 10 June 2026

Hits: 2282

Broken windows at 27 Woods LaneAn unoccupied home on Woods Lane in Edgewood has become a target for teen parties and vandalism. On Saturday night June 7, neighbors report that a “large group of teens had a party inside of 27 Woods and were dispersed by the police.” The home now has broken windows and damage to the breezeway.

Why is the house empty? As background, the owner applied to the Village to tear the home down and subdivide the lot, in order to build two homes on the site. Neighbors waged a successful campaign to preserve the home and it was deemed to be historic by the Committee for Historic Preservation and the Scarsdale Board of Trustees.

Rather than rent it or sell it, the owner has left the home empty, possibly in an attempt to neglect it until it is structurally unsound and demolition is the only option.

A damaged breezeway

At the June 9 meeting of the Village Board, a few residents addressed the board and urged the Village to require the owner to repair and maintain the home, which is required under Village code.

Linda Killian of 1 Forest Lane said, “What is happening to this property is very distressing. There is no exterior maintenance and no lighting. The plants are overgrown and the breezeway door flaps open. The neglect has made this home an invitation to crime. I shared my concerns with the building department. Saturday night’s incident highlights the risk of crime. The property was vandalized and littered with beer cans. The breezeway was destroyed. Windows are broken. As of 6 pm tonight the lawn was mowed but there are beer cans and the driveway is covered with broken glass. I am here to highlight the urgency. What’s next? Arson? Squatters? I know you have enforcement powers to make the owners repair the damage and maintain the home."

"We started by protecting an historic property but now it is a safety issue. More serious crimes can be in the offing. Move with decisiveness and do it expeditiously.”

Maura Lee who lives next door to the house said, “There is no attention to the house. We fought for this house not to be demolished and it is disturbing that they are waiting for it to fall in. There are actions that can be taken, and penalties. It is very disturbing to see what is going on right now.” She later said, “This is a historic home with no one attending to it – it is completely neglected. Don’t let it go so far that we can’t remedy it.”

Jordan Copeland sent the following letter to the Village:

Dear Mayor Arest, Members of the Village Board, Village Manager Marshall, and parties mentioned within,

I am writing with urgent concern about the security and condition of 27 Woods Lane.

Last night, a very large group of young people entered and occupied the vacant house before being dispersed by the police. Today there is trash and broken glass on the property and on Woods Lane, as well as visible damage to the house’s windows. Based on neighbor observations, this may not have been the first such unlawful entry.

As you know, in 2023 the Committee for Historic Preservation and the Board of Trustees each found that 27 Woods Lane met the preservation criteria and denied a Certificate of Appropriateness for demolition. In 2025, the New York State Supreme Court upheld that decision. The house has now remained unoccupied for three years.

The current situation requires prompt attention. Scarsdale has seen what can happen when a protected property is allowed to deteriorate; after the CHP denied demolition of the Marx estate at 15 Gatehouse Road in 2007, that house was allowed to deteriorate until demolition became the only practical option in 2012. The damaged windows (and degraded roof) at 27 Woods Lane make action especially important.

27 Woods Lane

This is both a public safety issue and a historic preservation issue. An unsecured vacant house invites repeated unauthorized entry and creates risks of injury, fire, vandalism, and neighborhood disturbance. It also exposes the structure to deterioration from water intrusion, vermin, and neglect.

The Village Code provides clear authority to act. Chapter 134 requires buildings to be maintained in compliance with the New York State Property Maintenance Code, which places responsibility on the owner to keep structures and exterior property clean, safe, secure, and sanitary. Scarsdale Code § 132-65 specifically addresses unsafe buildings and recognizes that vacant or abandoned properties that are not properly secured can become an “attractive nuisance” and a source of congregation, which has already occurred here. That provision contemplates requiring such buildings to be secured and repaired to a safe condition.

I respectfully ask that the Village direct the Building Department to inspect 27 Woods Lane immediately and, if warranted, issue an order requiring the owner to:

-Secure all doors, windows, and other entry points;

-Repair any damage that allows unauthorized access or exposes the house to further deterioration;

-Remove trash, broken glass, debris, and other hazards from the property and adjoining public areas; and

-Maintain the property going forward in a safe, secure, and sanitary condition.

If the owner fails to comply within the time required, I ask that the Village pursue the enforcement remedies available under the Code, including corrective action at the owner’s expense.

Thank you for all that you do to keep residents safe and protect our historic neighborhoods.

Sincerely,
Jordan Copeland
45 Woods Lane

Replying to the speakers at the meeting, the Village Attorney said, “With respect to the recent incident, It is an ongoing police investigation. The building department has issued violations. There is a mandate to maintain properties designated as historic. The Village will reach out to the owners to remedy the damage.We do value the historic nature of our community and the aesthetic.”

(Note: there is no police report available for the June 7 incident. It was redacted from the blotter.)

Details

Written by: Wendy MacMillan

Published: 01 June 2026

Created: 01 June 2026

Last Updated: 01 June 2026

Hits: 750

On Friday, May 29th, community members were invited to join Jeannie Crowley, Director of Technology and Innovation, and William Yang, K-12 Coordinator of Digital Literacy and Learning, for a discussion about the District’s approach to Artificial Intelligence (AI). High school administrators and teachers who have been actively involved in the District’s multi-faceted AI initiatives also participated in the fruitful discussion.

The session explored the development and implementation of AI policy, the District’s technology guardrails, and how teaching and learning at Scarsdale High School are evolving to meet the opportunities and challenges presented by AI. Participants had the opportunity to learn more about current practices, ask questions, and engage in an important community conversation about the future of education in an age of rapidly advancing technology.

The “Parent Coffee” came as interest, and concern, about AI continues to grow among students, educators, and families. The discussion drew a full house of parents, educators, and community members eager to learn more about how AI is shaping teaching and learning. Crowley and Yang emphasized that while AI presents exciting opportunities, the district is taking a careful, research-based approach to adoption.

Five Technology Guardrails Guide District Decision-Making

At the center of the district’s AI strategy are five technology guardrails designed to ensure responsible and thoughtful use of emerging technologies:

-Privacy Policy
-Safety and Well-Being
-Intentionality
-Collaborative Inquiry
-Digital Competencies

These guardrails encourage students, staff, and families to think critically about questions such as:

-How does AI work?
-How reliable and accurate is AI-generated information?
-What are the implications of AI for individuals, communities, and society?

These principles are informing district-wide conversations and professional learning opportunities as the District develops a thoughtful and balanced approach to AI.

Learning Together Through Inquiry

The district is supporting AI exploration through a variety of collaborative learning structures, including:

-STI Inquiry Groups
-Technology Teachers, Librarians, and Coordinators
-Administrative Council Learning Time
-Family Forum Sessions
-CFII Inquiry Proposals
-Building-Based Study Groups

These initiatives provide opportunities for educators and community members to examine emerging research, share experiences, and develop thoughtful practices around AI use.

A Measured Approach to AI Adoption

One of the strongest themes from the discussion was the district’s commitment to moving deliberately. Crowley and Yang shared that lessons learned from previous waves of educational technology have informed their current approach. Rather than rushing to implement AI tools, the district is monitoring ongoing research and evaluating evidence about AI’s impact on student learning before expanding adoption. “We have learned from past waves of EdTech trends and are being very measured in our approach,” Crowley explained. “We are waiting to see more research about the impact of AI on learning before moving too quickly.”

Changes in Writing Instruction

AI has already influenced classroom practices, particularly in writing instruction at Scarsdale High School. Teachers have adjusted some assignments to create more opportunities for students to produce authentic, in-class work. This shift has also enabled educators to provide more frequent and targeted feedback on specific writing skills. Educators noted that these changes have helped preserve opportunities for students to develop independent thinking and writing abilities while adapting to the realities of AI-assisted tools.

Developing Clear Guidelines

The district currently has AI guardrails in place for employees and is developing additional guidance that will provide more explicit examples of appropriate and inappropriate AI use. These forthcoming guidelines will likely include a “green, yellow, and red light” framework, helping staff determine when AI can be used freely, when caution is warranted, and when use is inappropriate. This work parallels ongoing efforts at Scarsdale High School to establish student-facing AI guidelines that can be adapted to the needs of individual classrooms.

Recognizing that AI use may vary across disciplines and instructional approaches, Crowley shared that teachers need the flexibility to explore and evaluate the technology within their own professional contexts. “There is variation between classrooms on how AI is used, and this is expected,” Crowley noted. “Faculty need space and agency to work with this new tool and determine how and when it can support learning.”

Guidance for Parents

Parents attending the forum asked what conversations they should be having with their children about AI today. District leaders offered several recommendations:

Acknowledge Different Expectations for Adults and Students
Parents are encouraged to explain that AI use in the workplace may differ from expectations for students. Research suggests that experts often benefit more from AI tools because they already possess deep knowledge in their fields, while students are still developing foundational skills and expertise.

Discuss Potential Risks

Families should talk openly about AI-related risks, including deepfake images and manipulated content. Parents are encouraged to create an environment where children feel comfortable seeking help if they encounter harmful or distressing online experiences.

Monitor Vulnerable Students

Special attention should be given to students who may be vulnerable to self-harm, eating disorders, or other mental health concerns. AI chatbots are often designed to be supportive and affirming, which can unintentionally reinforce harmful thoughts or behaviors for some users. Open communication and appropriate monitoring can help ensure student safety.

Looking Ahead

As AI continues to evolve, district leaders emphasized that the conversation is far from over. Ongoing research, community dialogue, and thoughtful experimentation will continue to shape local policies and practices. The district remains committed to balancing innovation with caution, ensuring that any use of AI supports student learning, protects privacy, and aligns with the community’s educational values.

Details

Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 20 May 2026

Created: 20 May 2026

Last Updated: 20 May 2026

Hits: 1334

What do your friends and neighbors think about the political climate in Scarsdale?

A series of events that some characterized as antisemitic occurred in April, ultimately causing the school board president to step aside from his leadership role. Tensions were high on May 11 at the first meeting of the Scarsdale Board of Education following the events, when students, parents and community members stepped up to share their feelings.
If you want to know what was said – we won’t rehash it – you can read it all here.

But if you’re wondering why this occurred, here are some thoughts on the underlying reasons for the disagreements. Perhaps some lessons can be learned from the experience to avoid future conflict.

We caught up with a few friends around town to gather their thoughts in the wake of this uncharacteristically discordant period in our usually peaceful Village.

Here is what we learned:

We asked a school administrator why he thought people here seemed so angry and he surmised that global conflicts, injustice, and lack of civility from the outside world are spilling into our local conversations. It’s disturbing to witness a war abroad, polarization, the breakdown of our political and justice system, and loss of free speech to name a few – and TO feel powerless to right the wrongs. So when something occurs in an arena where residents have some control, they speak up, injecting local discourse with the same rancor they see in the national news. Rather than radiating our spirit of civil discourse outward, we’re absorbing the world’s venom into our conversations in town.

Another observer offered this view on community conflict: She cautioned our leaders not to listen to the loudest voices in the room. She suggested that only a few extremists on either side of the debate were making it appear that the entire community was up in arms. This was amplified by television reporters coming to town and seeking out only the most irate residents who made it seem as if the fabric of Scarsdale were coming apart at the seams. Angry words and memes spread quickly on social media. In her observations, for the most part, she sees her neighbors and friends as consensus builders who seek a middle ground and do not believe that our community is so divided. Her advice? Seek out the quietest voices in the room and find out what they are thinking.

We heard a few comments from people who thought that the parents were the problem. Referring to the rancor among the adults, one woman asked, “What kind of message are you sending to your kids?” If the parents had not gotten involved in these school events, would the kids have been quietly disciplined – and spared Scarsdale from an appearance on the nightly news?

A former PTA President suggested that the “buck stops” at following school rules. The culpable students broke the rules that govern political and apolitical conduct alike. She said, “The kids know what they are allowed and not allowed to do.” She saw it as an open and shut case and was surprised that there is controversy surrounding blatant violation of the long-running rules at student performances. In response to recent events the district has released their Guidelines for Student Expression at School-Sponsored Activities.

Hopefully, codifying these rules will prevent further misconduct and familiarize everyone with these longstanding policies. Some conduct however, like tearing down signs and placing them in urinals, is beyond codification. For that, there is no explicit rule. Who would think to do something like that! So this one is on parents to do their best to teach common sense and good values at home.

A recent SHS graduate reflected on the importance of respect and suggested that conflicts often become more divisive when people focus on trying to impose their political views on others rather than listening and finding common ground. She said, “Many people are not especially concerned with the political opinions of teenagers but are far more interested in seeing students treat one another with maturity, understanding, and respect.”

To that end a few suggested that the schools build lessons on civil discourse into the curriculum, so that students can learn how to effectively state their views while listening to other opinions. In other words, we need to learn how to agree to disagree with civility.

A wise woman I met in the board room shared her takeaway from the events. She said, “Although the full duration of the public comment at the Board of Education meeting on Monday May 11th was clearly diverse in the perspectives discussed, what stood out to me as a listener was that everyone really wanted the same thing: to be safe, to feel respected, and to be able to express their beliefs and views in a way that is uplifting to them while (ideally) not demeaning or threatening to others.”

So what can we take away from this period of strife? To the girl and mother in their keffiyahs and the boy in the kippah I have a few words of advice. Respect one another for your cultures, respect one another for your beliefs and even respect one another for the dress you wear to represent your identities.

If we follow the rules, engage in civil discourse and respect diverse people and viewpoints, maybe we can find common ground. Let’s be embraced for our differences, not targeted because of them.