Scarsdale Board of Education Holds Organizational Meeting
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Drew Patrick convened the annual Organizational Meeting at which newly elected Board member Colleen Brown was sworn in for her second term and Laura Liu for her first term. Newly elected ex officio student Board members Lucy Eisenberg and Anish Mehta were also sworn in. Following nominations, Board Officers were elected for the 2025-26 school year. Jim Dugan was elected Board President, and Colleen Brown was elected Board Vice President. Dr. Patrick noted that since Suzie Hahn was unable to attend the meeting in person, she will be sworn in for her second term on the Board by the end of July.
The Board acted on several annual requirements for the new school year, including the re-adoption of all Board of Education policies; the appointment of District Officers, District Consultants and a resolution for the appointment of the Audit Committee; the certification of payroll registers; designation of Board Officers to appoint impartial hearing officers; designation of depositories and the official school district newspaper; authorization of the bonding of employees; and authorization of several reimbursement rates, and bid procedures.
Public Hearing on the Code of Conduct: Board of Education President Dugan called to order a Public Hearing on the Code of Conduct. As required by State regulation, the Code of Conduct must be reviewed and re-adopted by the Board of Education annually. Eric Rauschenbach, assistant superintendent for special education and student services, reviewed the Code of Conduct, the annual review process, and the recommended changes to the Code for the 2025-26 school year. Dugan opened the floor to both the public and virtual audiences, but no one came forward.
Cabinet Updates: Dr. Patrick introduced Cabinet Members to provide the following updates.
• Human Resources: Meghan Troy welcomed and introduced new faculty appointments on the Personnel Report, including the appointment of Nick Ferraro to the position of Director of Facilities III.
• Technology: Jeannie Crowley presented an update on the role of the Data Protection Officer and reported on unauthorized disclosures, noting that there were zero breaches this year. She also provided details on an accidental release of data reported this year and the remediation plan used.
• Safety, Security, and Emergency Management: Rauschenbach presented an update on the work and prioritization of installing door ajar sensors in the District. He also provided information on field work and work at the Fox Meadow playground, which are contingent on State aid.
• Curriculum and Instruction: In Dr. Edgar McIntosh’s absence, Dr. Patrick noted that the contract with McGraw-Hill for Reveal Math will be presented to the Board for review, discussion, and action later in the meeting.
• Business/Facilities: Andrew B. Lennon provided the following updates:
– The purchase of three large EV buses was included in the 2025-26 budget, utilizing EPA and NYSERDA funding to reduce the cost. Recent concerns regarding the reliability of Federal tax credits have resulted in the decision for the District to purchase two of the buses to keep within the budget. Lennon noted that if the credits become available, the third bus will be purchased, and further information will be presented at a future meeting.
– Lennon provided the background information and justification for a change order with Tribeca Air to remove, clean, and reconnect ductwork in the High School Auditorium.