IRS Issue Resolved: Total Cost $176,549
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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The Scarsdale Schools District’s troubles with the I.R.S. appear to have come to a conclusion. A series of errors dating back to late 2020 resulted in the bureau imposing a $1.3mm lien on the district, which ultimately lead to the early resignation of Scarsdale Superintendent Thomas Hagerman in May 2022.
At the November 14, 2022 meeting of the Board of Education, Interim Superintendent Drew Patrick reviewed how this accounting issue had been concluded. The good news is that the district was refunded an extra $7,628 as the IRS reimbursed the earned interest on the funds they held. However, there were steep costs to addressing the matter. The fees for lawyers, the tax counsel, an investigator, the audit of the payroll tax withholding process, loss of interest on funds paid in addition to a savings on Dr. Hagerman’s salary totaled $184,178. So with the $7,628 credit, the incident ended up costing taxpayers $176,549.80.
To address the issue, the Board approved a corrective action plan for internal controls of the payroll processing procedure. You can see the plan here:
Here is the memo from the district explaining the resolution of the tax issue:
IRS Matter
A series of errors related to the payroll withholding function during the first, third, and fourth quarters of 2020, coupled with irregular communication practices from the IRS during this time period, resulted in the accumulation of a significant dollar amount of penalties and interest levied against the District. This culminated in a lien against district property. The details related to each issue are summarized below. Later in this memo is a financial accounting of the costs associated with this matter in sum and substance.
The accounting of costs is organized into three domains. First, the penalties and abatements amounted to a net $843,558.00 in costs to the District, which is the same amount the District sent to the IRS on 4/6/2022. The second component is rebates and recoveries from the IRS, which totalled $851,186.56. Together, the rebates and recoveries exceeded the penalties and abatements by $7,628.56. In other words, the district recovered more than it expended due to the reimbursement of earned interest on the amount paid and held by the IRS. The third component consists of related costs and recoveries associated with this matter. This included District counsel (general, labor), tax counsel, an investigator, an audit of our payroll tax withholding process, the calculation of estimated lost interest on money paid, and savings associated with salary breakage between the outgoing and incoming superintendent. This resulted in an estimated net cost of $184,178.36. In sum, the total net cost of resolving the IRS Matter was $176,549.80.
Varsity Girls Tennis Team Sweeps State Final at Billie Jean King Tennis Center
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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(Updated 9 pm 11-4)
They did it again!
The Scarsdale Girls Varsity team won the state finals and are the NYS Division 1 champions for the second year in a row. Wow.
After winning the semifinal match vs. Bethlehem earlier in the day on Friday November 4, the team had to wait at the Billie Jean Tennis Center in Queens to play the finals at 4:30 pm. As expected, the team from Port Washington, who played the other semifinal match against Clarence, were the victors. So Scarsdale played Port Washington in the final.
The team played three singles matches and four doubles and needed to win four of the seven courts to win.
By 5:30 pm they had the title clinched, winning second and third singles and first and fourth doubles.
In second singles, Giana Marks defeated Ellie Ross 6-3, 6-2 and in third singles Katie Kendall won 6-2, 6-2 over Evie Loewy.
The first doubles team of Maya Cukierman and Emma Ha won 6-1, 6-2 defeating Katie Kors and Grace Ain.
In fourth doubles, the team of Natasha Pereira and Emily Hyman, who had struggled in the semifinal scored a great win, 6-3, 6-1 over Yasmeen Munoz and Isabelle Dibner.
Though the team knew they had already won, their teammates played on nonetheless. The action then turned to the three remaining matches.
The second doubles team of Kay Cotrell and Campbell Alin won their first set 6-2, lost the second 4-6 but ultimately triumphed in the third set, 6-3.
Things got even more tense when Yelena Sahakyan, playing third doubles, stepped on a tennis ball and had to call a medic. After a timeout, her ankle was wrapped and along with her partner Maya Vora, they won, 7-5, 6-4.
Then all eyes turned to the first singles court where Scarsdale’s Natalie Hu was playing her final varsity match as a senior vs. Dasha Perfiliev. Perfiliev actually lost her semifinal match but was a tough opponent for Hu. Natalie took the first set 6-4, lost the second 2-6 and then came back from 4-5 in the third set to win 7-5, with all eyes on her court.
In the end, the team scored a 7-0 victory in the final, a joyous moment for the players, parents and coaches.
Take a look at Hu and her teammates below.
Natalie Hu - on the ground after winning her last singles match in the NYS final.
Semifinal match
The Scarsdale Girls Tennis Team won their semifinal match against Bethlehem, 6-1 at Billie Jean Tennis Center at the USTA Tennis Center in Queens on Friday November, 4, 2022. This is the second year in a row the team has proceeded to the state finals.
Though the matches were scheduled to start at 11 am on Friday November 4, officials put the girls on 
Giana Marksthe courts early, and by the time I arrived, the three singles matches were already over, with first singles player Natalie Hu not giving up a single game, taking her match 6-0, 6-0. In second singles, Giana Marks also had a fast victory, playing another leftie, and winning 6-0, 6-1. Marks said she had to watch out for her opponents slices and spins, but credited her own serves and net game for the win.
Freshman Katie Kendall also didn’t drop a game, coming off the court early at 6-0, 6-0. A newcomer to the team, she only took up tennis at the age of ten, but now plays USTA matches, 14 and under, and the Scarsdale team was happy she joined them.
As a team sport, the Raiders needed to win 4 of the 7 courts to proceed to the finals, so with victories on three courts, the match would be decided by the outcome of the four doubles matches, three of which were in progress.
First off the court was the first doubles team, senior Maya Cukierman and freshman Emma Ha. Though the score was 6-3, 6-0, Cukierman said it was a very long match. Cukierman hit wonderful deep cross court shots and Ha has great hands at the net.
Katie Kendall with Coach Jennifer RoaneIn second doubles Kay Cottrell and Campbell Alin had a tougher match but prevailed against opponents who repeatedly used the I formation. Both girls have power at the net and Alin’s strong serve helped take them through the second set tie breaker. Commenting on the match, Cottrell said, “we worked well as a pair, kept up our energy and had good communication. They won 6-4, 7-6 (2).
In third doubles, Juniors Yelena Sahakyan and Maya Vora also had an exciting match, winning 6-2, 6-3. Commenting on the season, Vora said, “this is our third year playing together.” They talked about staying calm, focused, watching the ball and taking the match point by point. They said, “with each round it’s getting tougher and tougher.” Vora’s mom Sejal, remembered playing first singles for the Port Washington team when she was in high school, and gave the girls some advice for the next round.
The fourth doubles team of Natasha Pereira and Emily Hyman were in their third set when we left, but at that point the match had already been decided.
At 4:30 pm today, Scarsdale will take on the winner of the other semifinal match between Port 
Yelena Sahakyan, Sejal Vora and Maya VoraWashington and Clarence to determine who will win the state final.
Commenting on the success of the team, Coach Jennifer Roane said they have been working on their footwork, second serves and aggression at the net. Also at the tennis center was SHS Athletic Director Ray Pappalardi who was proud to report that the girls tennis team, boys soccer team, girls field hockey team and boys volleyball teams are all still in the mix this fall. He said the players are supportive of each other, have a sense of belonging and are good sports.
Go Raiders.
Campbell Alin and Kay Cottrell
Coach Jennifer Roane, Yuko Hu and Athletic Director Ray Pappalardi
Campbell and Meredith Alin
Raider Pride Week and Pep Rally Showcase Scarsdale Spirit
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Deans, teachers and students show their Raider Pride at the 2nd Outdoor Pep Rally on Friday, October 7th.
The sun shined down on the entire high school who gathered on Butler Field for a spirit filled morning of fun. The Student Government along with the Girls and Boys Soccer and Volleyball teams, the Football, Field Hockey, Swim, Girls Tennis, Cheerleading, and Cross Country teams demonstrated their energy and enthusiasm. Each team took the stage and competed before a panel of teacher-judges for best performance. There was singing, dancing and even a mock wedding before a packed turf of all four grades.
The teachers also showed their Raider Pride by dressing in maroon and white football jerseys and competing in tricycle and life preserver toss relays. (Insert group pic of teachers)
Maroon and White distributed free “DERS” sweatbands to the students.
Raider Pride continued this week with free after school fruit and snacks for the students on Tuesday and Gatorade on Thursday. The Field Hockey team had its annual pink game vs. Fox Lane on Wednesday and Raider Pride week will culminated with the Football’s homecoming black out game on the turf on October 14th at 6 pm. Rally towels were provided to the fans courtesy of Maroon and White.
Halloween Homes
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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Ghosts, goblins, graves, pumpkins, cobwebs and skeletons are just a few of the decorations we saw on our walks around town to see homes decked out for Halloween. We couldn't help snapping photos - and also received a few from friends of the site. Here is our Halloween photo gallery. Please add yours to the display by emailing them to [email protected].
Happy Halloween
Help Yourself While Helping Others: Where to Volunteer Near Scarsdale
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- Written by Wendy MacMillan
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The generosity and motivation of Scarsdale residents to help and give back to the larger community is something that should be applauded. From individual passion projects to group endeavors organized by schools, businesses and places of worship, our community really lives up to the Scarsdale School District’s motto of Non Sibi “not for oneself alone.” While most of us readily share our time just to try to make a difference, it turns out that when we volunteer we aren’t just helping others, we are also helping ourselves! According to the Mayo Clinic, volunteering can improve your physical and mental health, provide a sense of purpose, and can nurture relationships. So if you are ready to help yourself while helping others, we’ve compiled a list of volunteer opportunities to get you started.
Lifting Up Westchester
Lifting Up Westchester is a non-profit organization that, “supports our neighbors in crisis by restoring the foundation necessary for them to rebuild their lives.”
Lifting Up Westchester has a variety of year-round volunteer experiences for people of all ages. Opportunities include but are not limited to event volunteers, volunteer drivers, volunteers needed to make DIY projects such as creating “move-in boxes” for people transitioning from a shelter to an apartment.
United For The Troops
“UnitedForTheTroops.org was created by friends & family of our troops serving the U.S. overseas. Our sole purpose is to make life while deployed a little better for our brave men & women serving in the US military by collecting food, toiletries and goods that the military does not provide them…”
Year round, United For The Troop collects all sorts of snacks, toiletries, and other goods to send to our troops overseas. Consider hosting a drive or collecting needed items with friends. For a list of acceptable items and drop-off locations, click here.
Hope Community Services
“Hope is a community service organization in New Rochelle, New York, providing emergency food services, housing, children’s supportive programming and a full array of social services to all in our community who may need it, with dignity and respect.”
Hope needs volunteers to help serve food in their soup kitchen, pack grocery bags, deliver and hand out perishable foods. Volunteers must be at least 12 years of age. For more information and to sign up click here.
Mott Haven Fridge
Mott Haven Fridge and Grassroots Groceries helps to, “bring fresh produce into the heart of underserved communities.”
Every Saturday morning, Mott Haven Fridge counts on numerous volunteers to help sort and box fresh fruit and vegetables as well as drive the produce to the local, underserved neighborhoods.” Children (with an adult) are encouraged to participate.
The Sharing Shelf
“The Sharing Shelf was founded to address clothing insecurity and meet the basic material needs of low-income children and teens in Westchester County.”
The Sharing Shelf relies on the generosity of the community to donate clothing, volunteers sort and pack clothing in their warehouse, organize collection drives in the community, support backpack packing, and run Teen Boutique, For more information click here.
Feeding Westchester
“Through the passionate support of volunteers we provide food for our neighbors.”
Volunteers are needed to pack food, raise funds, and help from home. For more information or to sign up for shift click here:
Hearts and Homes For Refugees
“Hearts & Homes for Refugees is a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization that works with the U.S. Department of State-designated agencies to welcome refugees. We inspire, educate and equip others to resettle, assist and advocate for refugees.”
Hearts and Homes counts on volunteers in a variety of ways. For more information click here.
SPCA Westchester
“We are indebted to the hundreds of individuals and family members who volunteer at our Rescue Center and Veterinary Clinic. Whether you are interested in dog walking and enrichment, cat care, grooming, greeting visitors, center beautification, administrative work or opening your home to a foster animal, we can always use your help! If you have a special talent we can work together to find creative ways to use your skills.”
The SPCA’s Rising Volunteer program has volunteer opportunities for those ages 10 to 17. For more information or to see the volunteer orientation schedule please click here.
There are so many other wonderful ways Scarsdalians can get involved, starting our local PTAs and village services. But for even more volunteer opportunities or to find the perfect position to match your time and skills https://www.volunteernewyork.org/ is a valuable resource.
Wendy MacMillan is a former teacher and now a proud mom of two, school aged children. With a background in psychology, education, and mindfulness, Wendy has long been passionate about wellness and helping others.
