Special Meeting: At 5:00 p.m., Mr. Dugan convened a Special Meeting with a group of SHS students. Topics discussed included the device and smartphone ban, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Community Lunch program.

Public Budget Forum: At 6:00 p.m., Mr. Dugan convened a Public Forum for community input on 2026-2027 budget priorities. All Board members were present. Dr. Patrick and his Administrative Cabinet were also present. Mr. Dugan noted that hearing the goals and priorities of the community is a key part of the budget process each year, and on behalf of the Board, he expressed appreciation to all those participating in the process. He added that over the coming months, there will be many opportunities to join in this important work and provide feedback, including Board meetings, another forum in March, and via email (boardofed@scarsdaleschools.org).

Dr. Patrick welcomed community input into the development of the budget proposal for the 2026-27 school year, and he provided a brief background of the budget process. Mr. Lennon presented the summary of the 2025-26 key components and overview of the current budget and important considerations, and the 2026-27 budget discussion timeline. The slides from the presentation can be viewed here. The video of the Public Forum can be viewed here.

Members of the public were invited to speak about the priorities for the upcoming school year budget. Six people spoke in person. Two people spoke remotely. 

Review Information/Questions: Dr. Patrick thanked all those who shared their questions, provided clarification, and addressed the following remarks:

• In response to the concerns expressed regarding science labs at the Middle School, Dr. Patrick confirmed that there are SMS rooms dedicated to science labs that are designed for hands-on projects and lab activities. 

• The SMS Field Project is included in the scope of work to add a synthetic field to SMS, and the joint field study shows collaboration with the Village for tax-paying projects. 

• In response to the request for data, Dr. Patrick referenced the Education Report - Special Education Continuum of Services from last December and noted that the next Education Report, scheduled for December 15, 2025, will include the updated information and data requested.

• Dr. Patrick thanked the PTC Budget Study Chairs for all of their ongoing work, and he noted that the Long-Range Financial Plan will be presented later in the meeting.

Business Meeting: Mr. Dugan called the Business Meeting to order at 6:48 p.m., noting that all Board members were present, including the two student Board members (Jim Dugan, President; Colleen Brown, Vice President; Leah Dembitzer; Suzie Hahn; Robert Klein; Laura Liu; Amber Yusuf; Lucy Eisenberg; and Anish Mehta), and Dr. Patrick and members of his Administrative Cabinet.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Dugan provided a brief recap of the Special Meeting with the High School student representatives and, on behalf of the Board, expressed appreciation to the SHS students, faculty advisors, and administrators for their time and valued feedback. 

Mr. Dugan also reported that just before the Business Meeting, the Board held a public Budget Forum on the 2026-27 budget priorities, and later in the meeting, a Capital Projects Bond update will be presented. He further noted that the Board will continue its discussion around the revised scope of work and budget based on community feedback from the District-wide survey and the two listening sessions provided by the District.  

In closing, Mr. Dugan provided information on the upcoming Board Community Coffees and encouraged community members to attend.

Dr. Patrick added his welcome and reiterated Mr. Dugan’s words of thanks to the high school students, noting, “As is always the case, our students spoke clearly, honestly, and intelligently about their school experiences, and we appreciate the time they give to share their perspectives with us.”

Dr. Patrick also reported on the successful Superintendent’s Conference Day held on November 4th, where the entire K-12 faculty gathered for teacher-led workshops celebrating their collective expertise that fuels Learning, Living, and Leading in our schools. Additionally, the day began with members of the Historical Society and Director, Lesley Topping, presenting a sneak preview of the new documentary film From the First Schoolhouse: A Scarsdale Story. Dr. Patrick stated, “It was inspiring to learn how hard-won this incredible public school system is and how important it has been to the life of Scarsdale.” The film will premiere in partnership with the Scarsdale Public Library on Wednesday, December 3rd, at 7:00 p.m. in the Scarsdale High School Auditorium.

In closing, Dr. Patrick pointed out that School-Related Professionals Recognition Day is recognized tomorrow, November 18th, and Education Support Professionals Day is recognized on Wednesday, November 19th, and he extended heartfelt gratitude to all who have dedicated their care, effort, time, and energy to supporting the teaching and learning environment that makes Scarsdale Schools such a special place for our students. He also provided additional important dates to note: 

• Thanksgiving Recess: Schools will have an early dismissal on Wednesday, November 26. They will be closed on Thursday, November 27, and Friday, November 28.

• Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences - Grades K-5:

  • Friday, 12/5 & Friday, 12/12 - 1/2 Day (early release)

  • Tuesday, 12/9 - After-School Conferences (3:15 - 5:15)

        

Board members presented the following reports:

• Ms. Dembitzer, Ms. Yusuf, and Ms. Liu presented the highlights from their school visits to Fox Meadow, Quaker Ridge, the Middle School, and High School, which included updates on the spaces being considered for renovations in the Capital Projects Bond proposal.

• Ms. Dembitzer also provided updates on recent events that she attended, including the Multicultural Thanksgiving Potluck Luncheon on November 7th and the PTC Program: Children as Digital Targets on November 12th.

• Ms. Yusuf reported that on Wednesday, November 12th, she attended the High School Signing Day for Student Athletes, facilitated by Athletic Director Cindy Parrott. She remarked on the joy of witnessing the athletes accepting their recognition as they prepare to begin their college sports careers.  

Student Board members gave the following reports:

• Anish Mehta reported that he and Lucy Eisenberg attended a SHS Government House Meeting on November 13th and discussed a range of topics, including community lunch, the device ban, and the Capital Projects Bond proposal. Mr. Mehta also reported that the SHS Student Government Community Dinner was a major success and raised over $6,000 for My Sisters’ Place.

• Lucy Eisenberg reported that the second edition of the Ex Officio Student Scoop in the Maroon is in progress and will contain additional information about the Capital Projects Bond proposal to promote further education and student awareness on the project.  

Cabinet Updates: Dr. Patrick introduced Cabinet Members to provide the following updates. 

• Athletics: Cindy Parrott, Athletics Director, presented the Fall 2025 Sports Highlights. She congratulated all of the athletes and noted that winter sports have begun. 

• Business: Mr. Lennon explained that the Internal Auditor’s Report by Nawrocki Smith is pending due to several open questions with UMR, the District's third-party claims administrator. It is anticipated that the report will be finalized in time for the December Board meeting.

• Special Education and Student Services: Mr. Rauschenbach reported on the following:

  • The new SMS Brew Crew Coffee Cart, focused on important pre-vocational, social pragmatic, and math skills, is available to SMS staff, and he commended Mr. Crug’s class for a successful start.  

  • On Wednesday, November 12th, over 60 Scarsdale families took part in the Transition/Recreation Fair 2025 hosted by the Scarsdale and Pelham School Districts in conjunction with Tuckahoe, Eastchester, Chappaqua, White Plains, and Edgemont Schools for students with OPWDD. The fair provided information on services, resources, and connections for the providers and the families interested in recreational or transitional services. 
    

• Safety, Security, and Emergency Management (SSEM)

  • Mr. Rauschenbach reported that the installation of door-ajar sensors has begun at five schools in the District and should be completed within the next month. He noted that the installation at the two remaining schools will be incorporated into the Capital Projects Bond proposal. 

Hearing From Those Present: Community members were invited to address the Board. One person spoke in person. No one spoke virtually. 

Written Communications: Ms. Brown presented the emails that the Board received from members of the community since the last report, as listed in the Board meeting agenda, all of which received a response from the Board and/or District administration.

Consent Agenda: The Board approved the items on the Consent Agenda, including the Personnel Report.