A Bond Analysis

By: Jennifer Fischer

Talk of the bond has consumed all of us at Greenacres, but what about Scarsdale residents OUTSIDE OF GREENACRES? I’ve put together some information that will hopefully answer some top line questions:

• TAX NEUTRAL: This bond is timed to coincide with the last debt service bond that is rolling off the Scarsdale books. This means that the $68 million worth of improvements will be paid out over 18 years at a very low (3%) interest rate. It is a common and fiscally responsible way for school districts to spend money WITHOUT RAISING TAXES. I’ll say that again. This bond is designed to allow Scarsdale to make significant improvements to our schools WITHOUT RAISING OUR TAXES.
• DISTRICT WIDE NEEDS: If this bond is voted down, $35 million worth of improvements/repairs that are deemed necessary will then come our of our school budget. These include bringing ALL 5 elementary, middle and high schools up to ADA and air quality standards. Specifics include boilers, roofs, burners, ventilation systems, and electrical panels that are far older than their expected life expectancy need to be replaced before the need to replace occurs on an emergency - and far more expensive - basis.
• WHO PAYS?: These facilities improvements then go into our school budget, which will…RAISE TAXES. And if there is voter resistance to raising taxes? The budget then needs to be balanced and we will see cuts in other areas. You know how this works. Maybe it’s cutting reading specialists from elementary schools. Maybe it’s reductions in the music or arts program. Maybe foreign languages…

THIS IS WHY IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO UTILIZE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR A TAX-NEUTRAL BOND
I’d also like to address the Greenacres portion of the bond. Many of you have asked over the past months and even year how I felt about new school or renovation. I admittedly was conflicted as I saw pros and cons to both. Saving the Greenacres field and beautiful 100 year old school was important, yet a new school seemed appealing as well. So I made it my business to get informed, attending or watching nearly every meeting and presentation, asking questions and raising concerns. I can say, with confidence, that I support the plan for a renovation of Greenacres. It marries the architecture and solid construction of a historic building with 21st century learning spaces.

The Scarsdale Board of Education has presented a solid plan with safety and education as a top priority for our students. It should go without saying that I would have to feel 100% comfortable sending my child to school DURING construction that any and all issues have been addressed with regards to safety and undisturbed learning.

If you have another two minutes, please check out this short bond information video:

https://vimeo.com/253366059

Scarsdale has consistently been rated as one of the top school districts in the country. Let’s do it again. I urge everyone to SUPPORT THIS BOND AND VOTE YES on February 8th. Please also encourage your spouse, friends and neighbors to vote!!!