Greenburgh Central School District

Greenburgh Central School District (GCSD) is a school district headquartered in Hartsdale, New York.

History

Overview

Greenburgh Central School District (GCSD) is a public school district located in Hartsdale, New York, just 27 minutes north of New York City. It serves a vibrant and diverse community within a 6.2 square mile area and includes five schools: Early Childhood Program, Lee F. Jackson Elementary, Highview Elementary, Richard J. Bailey Elementary, and Woodlands Middle/High School. With approximately 1,645 students, the district is known for its dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment and offering programs that set it apart in the region​.

History

GCSD, originally known as Greenburgh Central 7, has a rich history of commitment to educational excellence and inclusivity. In the 1970s, the district played a pioneering role in promoting racial integration through busing, which was seen as a progressive approach at the time. The rebranding from Greenburgh Central 7 to Greenburgh Central School District reflects its unified commitment to the community and educational advancement for all students. This legacy of inclusivity continues to be a hallmark of the district today​.

In 2014 Ronald O. Ross was the superintendent. Gary Stern of The Journal News wrote that Ross "has a history of stepping on toes while improving students' performance." That year was put on paid leave, after district staff filed a lawsuit in federal court in regards to conduct they alleged Ross had done. Four months after the paid leave decision, the board terminated him.

In 2018, Greenburgh Central School District introduced an ambitious $166 million building plan that aimed to redefine the district’s future by consolidating its schools on the 185-acre Woodlands campus. Central to Superintendent Tahira DuPree Chase’s vision, the proposal included constructing a new grades 3-8 school with a state-of-the-art 550-seat auditorium, and expanding Lee F. Jackson Elementary with 20 new classrooms. The plan would have also closed Highview and R.J. Bailey schools, both of which required extensive repairs.

Chase’s vision extended beyond structural improvements; she aimed to create spaces that would better support the district’s growing STEAM initiatives, its International Baccalaureate program, and world language offerings, including Mandarin from kindergarten onwards. Emphasizing the need for modern facilities to match the district’s academic ambitions, Chase passionately advocated that outdated buildings hindered student potential and that new, 21st-century spaces would unlock greater achievements for Greenburgh’s 1,834 students.

However, the proposal faced financial challenges. Borrowing up to $130 million would have significantly increased local property taxes, adding around $800 annually to the tax bill for a home valued at $400,000. This potential impact led to concerns among residents, especially seniors, about affordability and property values. Community feedback revealed mixed support, with some expressing excitement for the transformational vision, while others, including Town Supervisor Paul Feiner, cautioned that the financial burden might be too great for taxpayers. Ultimately, despite the grand vision and promise of enhanced educational facilities, the proposal did not move forward, leaving the district to explore alternative approaches to achieving its goals.

In 2024, GCSD launched a major initiative in partnership with RWE, a leading renewable energy company, to enhance sustainability and energy efficiency across the district. This $20.5 million Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) will develop and implement renewable energy solutions and energy efficiency improvements in eight district facilities. The project includes the installation of a 600 kW AC carport Solar PV system with 775 kW AC capacity Battery Energy Storage, district-wide LED lighting, upgraded natural gas services, modernized boilers and water heaters, and improved air quality measures. Notably, the project is designed to be cost-neutral, funded through the energy savings generated over the project’s term without the need for state aid.

The district will receive $900,000 in rebates from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) for the solar PV system, along with an additional $2.5 million in Investment Tax Credits. This initiative will not only enhance energy resiliency and reduce carbon emissions but also improve the overall comfort and operations of district facilities, benefiting students, staff, and the community.

Schools

1. Early Childhood Program The Early Childhood Program offers a full-day pre-kindergarten education, which is a rare and highly valued offering within the community for a public school system. The program focuses on early childhood development through a play-based curriculum that emphasizes social, emotional, and academic skills, setting a strong foundation for future academic success. The full-day structure allows for a more comprehensive educational experience, giving young learners a head start in their educational journey​.
2. Lee F. Jackson Elementary School Serving students from pre-kindergarten through first grade, Lee F. Jackson Elementary emphasizes foundational academic skills, social and emotional development, and creating a nurturing environment where students can thrive. The school is committed to ensuring students are well-prepared for their educational path ahead.
3. Highview Elementary School Highview Elementary serves students in grades 2 through 3, offering a robust curriculum that combines academic rigor with enrichment programs in arts, physical education, and technology. The school is dedicated to fostering creativity, critical thinking, and strong community engagement among its students.
4. Richard J. Bailey Elementary School Richard J. Bailey Elementary School caters to grades 4 through 6, emphasizing leadership development and academic excellence. The school provides diverse learning opportunities, including advanced coursework and supportive services, in a culture that values respect, inclusivity, and personal growth.
5. Woodlands Middle School Serving grades 7 and 8, Woodlands Middle School offers a student-centered approach that focuses on the developmental needs of early adolescents. The school provides a comprehensive curriculum with strong academic programs, arts, music, and technology, ensuring students are well-prepared for high school.
6. Woodlands High School Woodlands High School serves grades 9 through 12 and is distinguished by its diverse academic offerings, including the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. With a strong student-teacher ratio of approximately 10:1, the school provides personalized attention and a supportive environment that prepares students for college and careers. The high school is recognized for its commitment to empowering students to achieve academic success, develop civic responsibility, and become lifelong learners.

Community Engagement and Culture

GCSD places a strong emphasis on community involvement and creating a positive culture within its schools. The district's strategic goals are centered around academic excellence, inclusivity, and collaboration between educators, parents, and community members. GCSD is committed to maintaining transparent communication with its stakeholders and actively seeks community input to shape its programs and initiatives. This collaborative approach ensures that the district's efforts align with the needs and values of the community it serves.

Academic Programs and Achievements

Greenburgh Central School District stands out for its innovative academic offerings, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) program available from kindergarten through 12th grade, and a unique Mandarin language program also spanning K-12. These programs are complemented by a full-day preschool, which is especially notable as it provides early learning opportunities not commonly available in public school systems in the area. The district has a 94% graduation rate, underscoring its commitment to academic excellence and student success. The highly qualified staff, with 89% holding master’s degrees and 9% holding doctorates, further reflects GCSD's dedication to providing top-tier education.

Positive Recognition and Future Outlook

GCSD has received positive recognition for its commitment to educational excellence and community engagement. The district’s efforts in sustainability, academic innovation, and inclusivity have positioned it as a forward-thinking and resilient school system. With ongoing investments in infrastructure, curriculum enhancements, and community partnerships, Greenburgh Central School District is poised for continued growth and success, providing a high-quality education that meets the needs of its diverse student body.

Board of Education and Leadership

The Board of Education at GCSD plays a pivotal role in setting the district’s strategic direction, focusing on continuous improvement and responding to the evolving needs of the student population. The Board’s proactive approach ensures that the district remains aligned with its mission of fostering academic excellence, community involvement, and respect for individual differences.

Schools

• Woodlands Middle/High School (grades 7–12)
• Richard J. Bailey Elementary School (grades 4–6)
• Highview Elementary School (grades 2 and 3)
• Lee F. Jackson Elementary School (kindergarten and grade 1)
• Early Childhood Program (Pre-K)

External links

• Greenburgh Central School District