Leadership vacuum helped sink Proposition 3

Dear Editor,

Proposition 3 in the Katonah-Lewisboro school budget vote failed by just 22 votes.

That narrow margin reflected a broader failure of leadership by both school and town officials.

The proposal would have funded renovations to the vacant Lewisboro Elementary School in preparation for the state-mandated 2028 universal pre-K program. Yet BOE leadership failed to clearly and aggressively explain why the investment was necessary or build sustained public support for the initiative. Too much responsibility for communicating its value was left to district administration, creating a communication vacuum that opponents quickly filled.

Most notably, Lewisboro Town Board member Richard Sklarin led a divisive campaign rooted in fear-based fiscal rhetoric rather than honest discussion about the district’s long-term obligations and educational priorities. Rather than acknowledging that universal pre-K is a state mandate requiring local preparation, he amplified distrust and misinformation around an investment intended to benefit future generations of families in our community. His approach encouraged outrage instead of understanding at precisely the moment residents needed clarity and thoughtful leadership. Lewisboro should remember that Sklarin helped derail a necessary investment in our community’s future, and should respond accordingly in the next election cycle.

At the same time, incumbent trustees failed to engage the public with the urgency this proposal demanded. Where were the “Talk Prop 3 with Me” coffees and community conversations? Why did supportive signage appear only on voting day? Where were the consistent social media efforts correcting misinformation and answering residents’ concerns?

With a margin this small, stronger outreach and more visible leadership could very well have changed the outcome.

Elected officials have a responsibility to inform the public and lead difficult conversations. On Proposition 3, leadership at both the town and school level fell short, and our children and community will bear the consequences.

-Jennifer Cayea, South Salem