001Good evening again and welcome to our regular board of education meeting. It's Monday, May 11th. Please stand and join us in the pledge. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. The mission of the White Plains Public Schools is to educate and inspire all students while nurturing their dreams so they learn continually, think critically, pursue their aspirations, and contribute to a diverse and dynamic world. Okay, next we're going to move on to some very quick announcements um by the board. I can say that this weekend, as all Mother's Day weekends, was the Lux Games, but I'm going to leave. I think we all were there at some point or the other, but
002please take over, Charlie. >> Yeah, the uh Lux Games are wonderful. For those who don't know, it's the nation's largest or second largest high school invitational track meet that occurs on Mother's Day every year. This was the 58th annual Louds Track Meet. So, if you ever have a chance to stop in, you'll see future Olympians. You'll see some amazing athletes. And then uh and then Cheryl and I, we did uh bike to school uh at at Ridgeway and and I almost fell. >> Walk for me. >> I walked Cheryl walked and I biked and I almost fell and my chain got caught and I sliced my thumb open and I showed the kids why it's really important that police officers are your friend because they they bandaged my thumb. So, it was a total teachable
003moment. >> Um, I just wanted to give a shout out to Mr. Martinez to say thank you for such an outstanding job showcasing White Plains High School for the White Plains City Council and including the new mayor during the learning and action day at the high school on April 20th. It was awesome. I'm just going to read some stuff. I'm just going to read a little bit about what he was talking about because I think it's great for everybody to know these great things about our high school. White Plains High School was highlighted as a special place and a great school, not only for its diversity, but because of its community, support systems, and the wide variety of opportunities offered to all of our students. Mr. Martinez emphasized that White Plains High School is a
004high-erforming, large, and diverse high school, delivering strong results across a a broad and diverse student population in a high complexity environment. He shared that the high school's house-based model integrates academic, social, emotional, and operational supports to ensure every student is known, supported, and guided. This delivers strong student results that makes our high school competitive with our peer districts while providing broad access to academic, technical, creative, artistic pathways that drive strong outcomes across student groups, supporting all students, not just some. The learning and action day showed the strength of White Plains High School is not just in its outcomes, but in its commitment to serving every student while providing meaningful opportunities for all. So, I just wanted to thank Mr. Martinez for highlighting that and showcasing our school. So proud. I'll go I'll go next. Um,
005so learning in action was at the top of my list also and there was a also a very informative uh student panel and uh staff panel as well talking about what makes White Plains High School so excellent. So thank you. Um I always thank Westchester Putnham School Boards Association. they did a webinar on food services and uh wellness and it's always makes us proud that we are ahead of the curve. So um our food services are really doing extremely well in White Plains. Uh the food is is is fabulous. The students >> we had some students actually send us a little video of of how much they were enjoying the lunch. So, it's not the, you know, not the lunch we had when when we were kids at school. Um, Westchester Putinham School Boards Association
006also did an education law um seminar on parent rights and negotiation trends. A fellow board member from Byram Hill, Scott Levy, um has written a book, Why School Boards Matter, and in conjunction with Long Island University, he did um a webinar on that. Um, we got to see The Librarians, uh, the movie at the White Plains Library. Uh, Charlie and I were both there. That was done in conjunction with the League of Women Voters and Charlie was featured um as a speaker post uh, post film and I got to chime in as well. Um, the New York State School Boards Association did a webinar on AI policy and the National School Boards Association uh did a webinar on teaching shortages. And finally, I just want to mention um and I'll be sharing a lot more
007information on this. I had the opportunity to attend the National School Boards Association uh annual conference in San Antonio as part of the New York State delegation. We went on a site visit um to three high schools on the same campus, all featuring different CTE programs, one of which um is pharmacy technician, which is a program we're talking about bringing into the high school. And I have to say it was so interesting because I got the opportunity to talk to some of the students and some of the alumni and they were saying how like they work their way through college by being pharmacy techs and it gives them a heads up you know for those kids who actually want to go on uh to become pharmacists. And then some some uh of the workshops I
008went to implications of the federal tax credit voucher program which may end up being unfortunately relevant in New York State. Um using policy to promote board values uh utilizing data to to assess if students are actually learning. And it was really interesting because it was facilitated by uh AJ Crabhill and we had read his book um for our board retreat. Um another thing on empathy uh CTE and trends uh for the future. So a lot of uh different workshops and I will be bringing back lots of information. So thank you. >> Good evening everybody. I'd like to ask you to join me in a moment of silent reflection in memory of Elise J. Martin, who taught fifth grade at Marin Avenue School for 27 years until she retired in 2012. >> Thank you. >> It's
009you, >> super. >> I'm back. Superintendent report. And uh the the fir first of all this is a a a really great evening and thank you so much family and friends colleagues professors uh for for being with us this evening and for supporting our our colleagues who are on this evening's agenda for consideration of the approval of tenure. Thank you for being here with us. Um we also have a number of other uh special uh awards and recognitions that that we're going to be presenting tonight. So it makes it especially special because so many people are here and we can all en join in the joy that I hope this evening will bring. Um so it really is a great pleasure um to to first and foremost introduce and welcome Dr. Tammy Costco who is
010the assistant superintendent for human resources acting uh but very very much deeply in the role and has um worked very closely with us over the last several months as we prepared um this this evening. I also want to recognize and thank Dr. Debbie Hand uh who worked very very closely with our our colleagues um as they finalized their portfolios uh which you had a chance this evening to to see outside. a lot of hard work in there and really I think um kind of a it tells a story uh of the last several years of their professional journey here in the White Plane City School District and thank you so much for putting your heart and soul into that uh effort and I think um this evening it was great to be able to showcase
011that tonight. Uh here's what's really important and if I forgot to say this I was going to get in big trouble. We want to take a group picture of every So that's good news, right? That means that the board is is probably going to vote your way. Um but but but we want to make sure that we take a group picture this evening and Jordan is Jordan Solus. There's Jordan. Stand up Jordan real quick so everybody see you. Thank you so much. Jordan is going to organize that um at at at the end of tonight's meeting. So please don't leave uh before before we get a chance to take a picture. We want to memorialize this this evening for everybody as well. Before you know it, it's going to be 30 years in education. Right.
012I see your head shaking. Right. Yeah. Yeah. Right. >> Okay. So, with that, uh, Dr. Cosgrove, podium, you and I >> turn off your mic. >> What an exciting evening. >> This may sound strange, but I'm speaking to you tonight with mixed emotions. First, I'm a little sad. Yes, I said sad. I'm sad because I did not have the opportunity to hire you, to work with you, or to observe you in action. I didn't get to see your excitement when you landed a teaching job in this amazing district. I am sad that I am only now meeting you for the first time. On the other hand, I'm also very happy. I am so very happy for you. I am delighted for your families and colleagues who have shared your probationary journey with you. Tenure marks
013a significant milestone in your career. It represents dedication, commitment, and hard work. I am happy for your success in the classroom and in our schools. I am overjoyed to be able to be among the first to recognize your accomplishments and congratulate you on this early career achievement. Even though I didn't have the chance to meet you sooner, I did have the opportunity to ask you for some advice for the staff that were hiring for the upcoming school year. Now, I'd like to share some of your own advice with you because the words are wise and they will serve you as well as our new hires. Tip number one, you don't have to connect with every student in the same way, but you can create a space where every student feels heard and valued. When that's
014in place, students are much more willing to take risks, make choices, and actually engage in the work. Tip number two, give yourself permission to grow into the role by building relationships, asking questions, and trusting that your impact will deepen with time and experience. Tip number three, embrace all the learning and contribute to the learning community because we all have something to offer whether it's your first year teaching or your 15th. And tip number four, White Plains City School District is a place where you can grow personally and professionally alongside like-minded individuals whose goal whose goal it is to support the students and families in this community. Take part in staff development classes. Take an interest in the lives of your colleagues and students. And take each day as a lesson to be grateful for. You
015are so fortunate to be here and we are so fortunate to be here. My wish for you is to always bring light and joy into your classes and the lives of our students. I also wish for you to continue your own learning journey and to find the beauty in growing and changing as the demands of our profession require. Tonight you can be White Plains proud of your accomplishment. Thank you, Dr. Kosgrove. I am going to I have a couple of things that I'd like to say, but first um what I'd like to do is again thank uh Jordan and thank the White Plains Communications Department. um as well as everybody who participated in putting this year's tenure celebration video together and and enjoy as uh we recognize our colleagues. Heat. Heat. I can't. Hey Heat.
016Hey hey hey. Heat. Heat. Hey, Heat. Hey, heat. Hey, heat. Heat. Hey, hey, hey. Heat. Hey, Heat. Heat. Heat. Hey, hey, hey. Isn't that great? Don't worry if you were filming and you missed it or something. Don't it'll be available. It'll be on YouTube, right? We can share on YouTube. Um we're also going to share with everybody in the school district, uh which will be fantastic so that everybody all of our colleagues all throughout the White Plain City School District have a chance to to celebrate our colleagues. This I mean I should have done this before. I'm sorry. My name is Joe Ricka. I I am a social studies teacher. I serve in the role of superintendent of schools here in the White Plains City School District. and it is a great honor um to
017to be here this evening and and to welcome and congratulate our colleagues as they're recognized for tenure. Um I thought probably the the best thing to do would be to read to you some of the some of the words that were written about about our colleagues. So from the moment one enters the the classroom there's a palpable sense of warmth and acceptance. They Yeah, they build strong collaborative relationships. An absolute pleasure to work with you. I've learned a lot. How grateful I am to have a teacher like you in my life. Always there to support. Compassionate, patient, kind, gentle, heart full of love, positive influence, believing in our kids. Your class is something I look forward to every day. Imagine you walked into your place of employment and said, "Boss, I look forward to being
018here every day." I'm also grateful for how thoughtful you are. Patience. Keep hearing patience a lot. Patience. You always have time for your students. You never give up on You never give up on us. You're also my favorite teacher. Well, it took a lot of courage for that one, I think. Uh, mutual respect, patience, care, flexible, kind heart, interest in listening, dedication, passion, patience, and heart in the classroom. When I grow up, I wish to be someone just like her, dedicated and consistently attentive. I feel more confident and comfortable because of you. I just want you to know that you're appreciated there. Every year I say this at the beginning of the school year and and typically I say it at this time of the year as well. There there is no no offense but
019there is no more important job in the world than being an excellent teacher. That doesn't mean you needed to go to college to get the degree to do it. We all serve in the role of teacher if we're fortunate enough in in one way or another. But for those who chose to make teaching their life's profession, it is the most important job. Nobody else can do what they do if these folks don't do what they do every day. Thank you. And and so when you hear when you hear how loving and patient and compassionate they are, when you hear that they don't give up on their students, when you hear that they bring joy into the lives of their students, not only does it warm your heart, but it gives you hope. It gives you
020hope because it is so important for our students to love learning. It is so important for our students to think critically. It is so important for our students to ask why, to have a discerning eye, to understand that everything coming in front of them, particularly on screens, is not necessarily accurate. And these folks are in the classroom every day or they're in support service roles every day and they're working directly with our children. And tonight, we're honoring them with the recommendation for tenure. And tenure is important. Tenure is important. It's an important protection because at times and again as a social studies teacher I can tell you this. At times there is disagreement on curriculum. There is disagreement on what should be read or what shouldn't be read. There is disagreement on what we should
021talk about or not talk about. But we know how important it is that our public school teachers are following the the learning standards and are engaging in critical conversations age appropriately in our classrooms. So tenure matters and I know that up until the moment that you are you receive tenure that's there can be some anxiety there. But I I I have to tell you, you folks never needed to worry at all. You never needed to worry at all. And and now I think in hopefully in retrospect, looking back, you say, "Wow, this whole educational community was around me from day one. We believed in you from day one." You heard Rosemary Eller, president of the board of education, welcome you into the school district. You heard her say, "You're now part of the White Plains
022City School District family." You heard her say, "You chose us and we chose you." How do I know? Because I was there. And so tonight is an opportunity to celebrate what we knew you were going to do all along. Grow in our profession, in our shared profession, in this sacred work of being a public school teacher. Truly, truly enjoy the moment. But mostly remember that this is really the beginning in so many ways. Because after today and all the days after that, we have the privilege and the honor to teach other people's children and to ensure that democracy continues with an engaged with an engaged and welleducated populace. That's all because of you because you chose this profession and I thank you for doing it. So now I'm going to ask you to stand. And
023for those of you who are at the front of the list, it's going to be a little bit more uncomfortable than those of you at the bottom, but I'd like you to stand up when I say your name so that we can give you all at one time a giant round of applause. I'll I'll read them fast so that you don't have to stand up too long by yourself. Carmen Lopez, elementary education, Church Street. Isabelle Morero, Elementary Education, Church Street. Jocasta Bettton Court Church Street Britt Orurelana district wide Christina Depala district wide Antonio Vixion sorry district wide Michelle Gutierrez George Washington Melissa Vez George Washington Christina Olivera George Washington Isabelle Everett George Washington Jeda Tahiri George Washington, Eric Gation, Mamarin Avenue, Alisa Publaci, Mamarinic Avenue, Samantha Escobar, Post Road, Robin Stigas, Post Road, Thomas Muralo,
024Post Road, Lindseay Mclen, Ridgeway, Paul Paradis, Rochambo, Vanessa Gonzalez, Ro Shambo, Judith Bravo, East View. Tony Anne Reggano, East View. Jessica Wisman, Highlands. Samantha Russo, Highlands. Coach Morgan, wrestler, uh, physical education, Highlands. Katrina Cullen, Highlands. Orville Crawford, White Plains High School. Janelle Andrew, White Plains High School. Jennifer Aub, White Plains High School. Sonia Pena, White Plains High School. Rosario Sagani, White Plains High School. Christopher Wong, White Plains High School. Erica Richardson, White Plains High School. Harry Romero, White Plains High School. Helpa Dwarte Arazzo, the high school. Camila Orondo, the high school. Alisa Pollenovic, White Plains High School. Kristen Bellenzone, White Plains High School. And Sarah Gonzalez, White Plains High School. Congratulations, everybody. Big round of applause. So, in a few minutes. The board of education will be voting on the agenda. So, there's a little
025bit more. You get to relax a little bit more time. The board of education will be voting and then they they will take the vote on on our recommendation for your tenure. I have a feeling it's going to go well. So, don't don't stress. Um, but I do I do want to take a couple of moments also um for for some additional congratulations uh right now. First of all, it was teacher appreciation week um last week. So congratulations and thank you to all of the teachers. Like to also thank our PTAs uh for doing so so many wonderful uh recognition events for teacher appreciation. It was also school nurses day. Uh yep. And wouldn't you know it, it was it was exactly the same day that Trusty Norris cut his finger. So, the the Ridgeway
026nurse came right right to his right to his aid. Um, it it was also food service heroes day on May 1st. Big thanks to Chef Maggie and everybody in food service. And of course, Mother's Day. Um, so happy Mother's Day to all of our moms. The next is Mr. Verulo here. Mr. Vero, would you mind coming coming up here for a second? Do you know Roco Roco Verulo? He didn't know I was going to do this. So, a a few years ago, the White Plains High School got reinvolved um in the Westchester County or I should say the the African-American Men of Westchester's annual business Olympics. Um it's like you remember DECA it's a it's a big big competition and Mr. Verulo um took on the mantle uh to be the facilitator the guide um
027and uh in that first year I think it was about three years ago Mrs. Ellerite or so three years ago maybe u Mr. said, "We're going to win first place." >> Man, they did a great job. And they did not win first place. They did win second place, right? They Yeah, it was fantastic. First first time out, second place this year. Gold >> are they both? >> Now, he doesn't do it by himself. Is Michelle Eiffel Russo here? >> All right, Mr. Jur. >> No, he's not. >> No. Okay. All right. So, so also two faculty members who who who who of course are big help, but I do want to I do want to also recognize our students who did a fantastic job. Now, if you're if they're here, >> sorry, you want to
028you want me to read you? All right. Would you, if you're here, would you would you please come up so that we can all give you a big round of applause and recognations. Congratulations. >> Congratulations. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> So, we have certificates, but we also have swag bags. I think there are free homework passes in those bags. No, just kidding. Dr. >> Mr. or or one of our students, would you mind telling us a little bit about real quick or your experience? Ready? Come on. >> So, the business Olympics competition was about finding for this year was about finding a solution to affordable housing here in Westchester and White Plains. Uh we started by looking at the guide for it and then we did research and we came up with the solution to build
029on plots of land here and develop them into like communal areas that are affordable using new technologies and so forth. Uh hello guys, my name is Zarius Coulson uh alongside with Leila Hali. Uh we were co-leaders of the team this year. Um and just you know having this experience of uh developing housing and coming up with ideas and brainstorming uh for the good of White Plains and Westchester County was something that's you know it's just a great experience overall. So just helping out is what our main goal was. So yeah. >> Yeah. I just want to say having the privilege to not only lead but also work with such an amazing team like all the team really put our best foot forward on this one and having the chance to be part of such an
030amazing opportunity that most students probably wouldn't be able to access was so amazing for us especially since we come from such amazing district. Go White Plains. So also with me on that day um three years ago was was President Eller um and I got out ahead a little of my skis and let President Eller know that we won. But you go you could tell us. >> Yeah. So I I think our students are being very modest because your presentation was the most creative and cohesive and wellthought presentation. You all did an excellent job. However, however, I I sat in excitement to hear that that you won. And there was someone there at the business skills Olympics who you know, you'll know who he is when I come to the dinner. Hint hint, last name Eller,
031first name Eric. And he I said to him when he left the house I said you know let me know what's going on. Didn't hear peep until faithfully our white plain school head tiger could let me know. So I let him know that the next year next year when we win again you will let me know >> as soon as you know. But congratulations. You did an awesome job and please bask in this celebration. from what I hear, very creative. And I think I'm gonna be there that night and I hope I get to say a few words on your behalf. Well done. Well done. >> Great job. Thank you. >> Great job. Thanks again, Mr. Fulo. Yeah. >> By the way, it's lovely to have children in the audience. It really is. It's lovely
032to hear that. Yeah. >> Awesome. All right. So, three of our colleagues also have been rec recognized by Senator Shelley Mayer, who's also the chair of the education the Senate Education Committee. And um I'm not sure I I don't I'm not sure if they're here. I'm hope I'm hoping everybody's here. Um, Melanie Bradish, Amy Essterhon, and Kimberly Fleming, are you here? Come on down. Also, didn't know I was going to do this. Congratulations, Amy. and and this is this is such a a great opportunity to recognize and to celebrate our amazing faculty members here in the White Plains City School District. Um, Senator Mayor is a huge supporter of education, public education, and and more specifically in the White Plains City School District, and we're grateful u for this recognition this evening. I don't know
033if you'd like to say a couple of words. >> Um, sure. No, I I appreciate being here and uh congratulations to all of you receiving tenure tonight and um I'm just really grateful of the opportunities for leadership and service in the district. So, thank you so much. >> Congratulations. >> Thanks, Amy. It was also um decision day and so our our seniors were were making their choices for the colleges, universities um that they were or that they would be selecting. Um the board of education will receive a full update. Uh Miss Hall and and the team at the high school uh has compiled a list of all of the the colleges, universities that our Tigers have been accepted to. Um, it is an impressive an impressive listing of schools, but I think mo most important
034is it shows that our our students have the opportunity to truly explore the types of schools that are going to speak to them. And so there are a variety of schools from all over the nation, all different types of colleges and universities. Um and and I think um just another year to be extraordinarily proud of our students as they get ready to cross the stage in June, which is going to be here before we know it. Um and and we celebrate. Yes, I know the two the two at the end of the table are thinking about it too. Um as we celebrate as they move off and again, right, commencement, it's like this evening celebration of tenure. It's the beginning. Um more and more and more opportunity for growth and success. Um and so we're
035so proud and I'll be sharing that with the board of education. We also have National Junior Honor Society and the Honor Society inductions coming up. Great great opportunities to recognize the academic prowess of our of our students. Um we've had we we just recently had the East View Tiger Day uh on on Friday. A great day and and you mentioned walk, bike, and roll to school. Um and thanks thanks again for everybody to for supporting uh for supporting that effort and of course to the PTA for for we do that twice a year. We do in the fall and in the spring. Um and it was great this year. Didn't didn't pour on us uh this this month. So real really happy about that. LaS was was tremendous. Over 3,400 student athletes 3,400 student athletes
036from all around the country and I think two country two and outside two two outside nations as well. Um and you do you see you see students setting records national records when there was there was one in the steeplechase that was set number one in the in the country. um really great opportunity for the city of White Plains, for the White Plains City School District, and um for our students to to to expand their their athletic horizons as well. Um the board knows computer-based testing uh took place. We had a glitch glitchy day first day, but we're good to go. Um and and of course one week from tomorrow, May 19th, um the everywhere, not just White Plains, the the Board of Education and Budget election. Um White Plains and I'll talk just for a
037second about this. Um and we have the hearing on the agenda this evening. So if anybody has any questions, be happy to speak with you uh about um our proposed budget. It's 1.6%. 1.6% 6% supports the entire educational program. The entire organization uh was is within the tax cap. No reduction in program, no reduction in opportunities for our students. And you know, this is a it's an unfortunate time. You're seeing all around, not just state of New York, not just the tri-state area, but all around the country. Um more and more and more difficulty in terms of supporting the instructional program. We're really proud of of the proposed budget. Um and again staying within the tax cap and making sure uh that our programming not only remains what our children receive now but gets better.
038Um and so new courses and new opportunities, new faculty and staff positions um not not cutting or or rolling back. And so um thank you to the board of education. Thank you to the finance and the audit committee. Thank you to Dr. uh anarotish and the business office of course the master and to everybody in the White Plains City School District organization because it truly is it's it's it's a a team effort all the way across the board. We know that what we need to do is provide for a sustainable excellent educational experience. That's hard work to try to do that, right? Because you have to make sure that you're right sizing the organization. You have to make sure that you're you're you're changing and redeploying where resources are. Not necessarily just growing um but
039being responsible and conservative and how those dollars are being used. And so thank you to the board of education. You have a tremendous track record of this. U so next Tuesday 12 to 9 the polls are open. Please please please everybody participate in this process. It is very very important. And um Memorial Day parade's going to be coming up as well. And so the board of education always participates in that. And uh and we'll make sure um that we get you all that information. And I don't think madam president there's any need at least not from my end for an executive session this evening. But I do know and they asked me to wait till the end um that that we do have an update from our our student exeicio board members as well. I
040waited to the end. Good evening all. As the year is coming to a close, our elementary schools are continuing tremendous work to end off the year on a strong note. Ridgeway has been buzzing with activity from the stage to the soccer field. Under the direction of our music teacher, Miss Homez, our second graders held a beautiful performance for their families while our fifth graders began their beyond Broadway residency on May 4th. working hard to learn choreography for their June performance. Literacy is also a major focus as we launched a schoolwide reading of The Wild Robot by Peter Brown with a spirited pep rally and student skits. Community spirit has been at an all-time high with our April 24th event where grandparents and special guests joined us on the blacktop for games, reading, and art. On
041May 8th, our PTA hosted a successful plant sale and an annual global carnival celebrating our diverse cultures through food and games. Finally, our boys and girls soccer teams in partnership with backyard sports have already played three games and are showing tremendous growth in sportsmanship. Over at Church Street School, Church Street had a very productive month centered on environmental stewardship and inclusion. We celebrated Earth Day with schoolwide projects where students reused materials to create birdhouses, underwater underwater scenes, and robots. Our second graders also perform performed Earth themed songs at a special concert for parents. In honor of autism acceptance month, we highlighted our commitment to inclusion by having students who use augmented devices participate in schoolwide announcements using pre-recorded skits or scripts, sorry. um creativity and culture were on full display during our fourth and fifth
042grade talent show and our multicultural celebration which featured global food, music, and special appearances by the White Plains High School Mariachi. We also expressed our gratitude during teacher appreciation week with our first graders performing special songs for the staff. Looking ahead, we're excited for math week and second and third grade spelling bees, our kindergarten roundup, and the third grade recorder recital. At MAS, April was dedicated to the theme of being responsible citizens. Classes spent time in morning meetings exploring responsibility, which helped create optimal environment for the New York State ELA and mathematics assessments. We also celebrated autism awareness and Women's History Month by recognizing our individual superpowers and participating in activities designed to promote empathy and inclusion. On the athletic front, soccer season is officially underway with 35 students participating in games at Highlands Middle
043School. We're incredibly proud of the teamwork our Tigers have built alongside other White Plains elementary schools thanks to backyard sports. Our PTA recently hosted a wonderful staff appreciation week. And we are now looking forward to our family and staff fun night and the annual health fair as we cherish the memories made during this final stretch of the school year. To continue, the Highlands community recently celebrated the successful launch of the inaugural Mindful Pathways program. On May 1st, the school welcomed guest artist Ra Munir for an immersive live workshop organized by Mr. Muai. This event marked the first guest speaker for the course, fulfilling a key vision of the program's first year. During the session, Mr. Moner demonstrated his creative process through black and white painting, moving from technical demonstration to a guided collaborative activity. Students
044were highly engaged, showing enthusiasm as they transitioned into independent art activities. Beyond the technical skills of painting, the workshop provided a vital platform for students to explore the connections between creative expression, mental health, and personal growth. Further, Highlands was invited to return to the New York Leo Day of Service on June 8th at the New York State Judicial Institute. This prestigious opportunity allows between 35 to 40 students to experience a day in law school. staff worked collaboratively to identify students who would most benefit from this authentic look into the legal field. The program continues to provide students with valuable exposure to future college and career pathways early in their academic careers. The spring season at Roshambo has been defined by a robust schedule of academic innovation and community partnerships. Throughout April and May, the school
045hosted multiple visits from IDE consultants focusing on problem based learning, an executive function as part of an on ongoing professional development. A significant milestone was the establishment of a formal relationship with the United Nations, including a Zoom meeting on April 27th and a full school trip to the UN on May 6th. This partnership allows students to apply their PVL work to the UN s 17 sustainable developmental goals. A trip made possible by the generous funding of the friends of White Plains public schools. Community engagement remains a pillar of the Roshambo experience. The school hosted monthly lunch visits from Girls Inc. and Grandpas United, the latter of which supported the words matter movement by leading discussions on the history and impact of racially charged language. On May 6th, the school celebrated teacher and staff appreciation day
046through the same movement. Every staff member received a personalized booklet of appreciation notes written by students. These efforts and character education were balanced with academic recognition as seen for the quarter 3 achievement assembly on April 28th. Roshambo students also actively participated in districtwide and county events. On April 21st, students and teachers attended the My Brothers Keeper Summit at the County Center in collaboration with White Plains High School. This was followed by a visit to the White Plains High School trade, vocational, and civil service fair on April 22nd, ensuring that Roshanbo students are consistently exposed to a wide range of future opportunities. The month concluded with a team building trip to the puzzle parlor on May 7th. Again, supported by the friends of White Plains Public Schools. White Plains High School continues to set a high
047bar for student achievement and community impact. The school earned the prestigious Emerald School Impact Award from the United Nations Association of the USA after 137 students logged a collective 11,031 hours of community service. This remarkable feat representing an estimated $78 million in community impact placed White Plains High School among a select group of student of schools nationwide surpassing the 2,000 hour service threshold. On the academic front, the school celebrated a first place win in the business Olympics as well as individual successes from Francis Folkway who won gold in Stein's fair act and Haley Brick placing second at the Tri County Science and Tech Fair. The campus also allowed for career exploration and community connection. White Plains High School hosted a trade, vocation, and civil service fair where representatives from the military, law enforcement, healthcare, and
048trade unions spoke with students about hands-on professional paths. Additionally, the school welcomed local leaders for learning and action day, providing city and school officials with a comprehensive tour of classrooms and student presentations. Cultural appreciation was also highlighted through a Theater unlimited cabaret honoring the music of White Plains High School graduate and Pulitzer Prize winner Jonathan Larson who is famously known as the creator of the musical Rent. Social and transitional milestones were also celebrated this month. White Plains High School hosted a highly successful Take Your Child to Work Day, creating lasting memories for the little tigers who visited the building. Additionally, the class of 2026, as mentioned previously, celebrated senior destination day on May 1st. The day began with a breakfast and success workshops focused on the transition to life after high school and concluded with
049a lunch on the lawn outside of this very auditorium. Students spent the afternoon playing games and signing shirts, marking a bittersweet and reflective transition toward their graduation. The high school spring regular season is beginning to wind down in the athletics department with coaches and student athletes working intensely to finalize their standings and prepare for postseason competition. The dedication of the athletes has been matched by the facilities and operations teams whose hard work has kept the fields in peak condition despite the unpredictable spring weather. A major milestone for the department this season was the successful activation of local live at the softball and baseball fields, allowing the broader community to tune in and support our team from anywhere. The department is preparing for several signature year-end celebrations to honor the hard work of students. On Wednesday,
050June 3rd, the spring scholar athlete breakfast will be held in the morning, followed by the senior athletic awards that evening to recognize individual and team achievements. On Thursday, June 4th, the focus shifts to future endeavors with college signing day in the Jefferson gym. This event will provide a formal platform to recognize those student athletes who have committed to continuing their athletic and academic journeys at the collegiate level. At the middle school level, the season remains in full swing and the department remains committed to fostering an environment where sportsmanship, discipline, and school spirit are at the forefront of of the athletic experience, ensuring that every student athlete has the tools they need to succeed both on and off the field. That is all for this month's report. Thank you. >> Thank you so much. That was
051a great monthly update. Always so many great things happening uh in the schools and and on the agenda this evening uh madam president again the public uh budget hearing u for the proposed 2026 2027 budget. Um all of the budget materials can be found on the all about the budget page on the district's website line by line full transparency everything related to the expenditures revenues in the school district. There'll also be uh coming out following this evening's meeting a mailing that goes to to all of our community members again also providing all of the information plus QR code uh to be able to um identify your voting district or your voting polling place um simply by putting your address in and uh Yep. and uh you'll be all set. >> Great. we move into our
052public hearing. So, so, so next, um, we'll move into our public hearing on our proposed budget. Um, are there any questions, concerns? As Dr. Ricka indicated, you you know, everything is in the booklet. Additional information coming out uh after this meeting. Um, there's you can always call or email Dr. Ricka, Dr. Vicaro Tish. um any any anyone anytime anytime >> um for any question you may have. We think this is a really responsible budget um for growth uh for focus on students and staff and everything that we need to do to get our students ready for the future that they want to have. So are there any questions? >> Okay, >> thank you. And again, you you can ask questions anytime. Um so if you want to wait till tomorrow, it's fine. feel free to
053give us a ring. But thank you so much. >> Thank you. Thank you. That closes our public hearing. Next, we're going to move um to public participation. The board will entertain comments from the public on any issue with a time limit of three minutes per person and a maximum time limit of 25 minutes. Although we don't typically respond the board um in public comments, please know that we hear you um and we do uh know that our cabinet is available to you to answer any question. Please maintain the privacy of any student um if in your comments. Is there any public participation? Okay, there's no public participation. So, we're going to go into our summary item actions, right? Yes. Summary item actions. Next, we have summary action items four through seven. May I have a
054motion? >> So, moved. >> Second. >> This is where it's happening too, right? >> This is this is where this is where we vote on um we confirm, >> right? This is where the board is >> confirmed the record. But I but first um I'd like to just this is really >> so special and important donations. Item B um a $50,000 donation from the Raphael Pantanelli scholarship from Oakland Trading Corporation. Thank you so much. $8,000 donation for the Margaret L. Curts Memorial Scholarship from Robert Curts. $1,900 grant from the White Plains High School Music Department Booster Association for the White Plains High School Band and Orchestra Trip to Maine. $1,000 donation for the Brown Family Memorial Scholarship from Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Brown. $1,000 donation from the James A. Burrigo scholarship from Peter Bargo. $1,000
055donation from the Richard Leapson Journalism Scholarship from Victoria Hawkman Shelby. $700 donation from the Fed uh for the Frederick J. Modsley Grit Scholarship from Diane Modsley. $500 donation for the Barbara Oggerro Memorial Scholarship from Jason Bio. $500 donation for the Mary Jane Bio love of nursing scholarship from Jacob Gellis. $300 donation for the White Plains Council of Neighborhood Association scholarship from Tom Ospek of the White Plains Council of Neighborhood Associations. A $200 donation was made for Church Street School from Michael Goldman at the uh White Plains Beautifification Foundation for outdoor gardening projects. $35 donation for the Lois Eps scholarship from Peter Corey. The following donations were made for the Ed Fertic class of 1957 scholarship. A $500 donation from Henry Hamburger, a $250 donation from Linda Walters, a $200 donation from Edward Sunoon. I'm sorry,
056son. A $200 donation from Judith Ogorman. A $100 donation from Keith Bronn Bronnet. A $100 donation from Carl E. Zebe Zebe. A 5 A $50 donation from Jacqueline C. Proano. The following donations are made for the Dr. Dan Arno Memorial Scholarship. $500 donation from Benjamin Arnon. A $200 donation from Mr. and Mrs. Steven Crowe. A $200 donation from Jer Jeremy Arnon. The following donations were made for the Sarah Miller Arno Memorial Scholarship, a $200 donation from Mr. and Mrs. Steven Crowe, a $200 donation from Benjamin Arnon, a $200 donation from Jeremy Arnon. A field hockey stick in pads was donated to the high school from Alan uh Krauss. A cello was donated to East View Middle School. Uh I'm sorry, the East View music department from Norine Godzen. The Friends of the White Plains Public
057Schools approved two new grants. a $3,000 grant for programming uh during a visit to the White Plains Public Library by all sixth grade students at East View. A $2,500 donation for a trip and tour of the United Nations by 50 students from Ro Shambo. The White Plains High School PTA grants committee has approved the following grants. A $3,000 grant for the senior class trip to Six Flags, New England. Super fun. A $1,000 grant for the academic symposium with Roberto Casada. Wells Fargo donated large bags filled with individually wrapped snacks to each school building for teacher appreciation week to show their appreciation for all the dedication and hard work of our faculty and staff members. Thank you so much to our generous donors. Truly amazing. I think that that listing is the most we've ever hading
058in terms of donations and that is what makes White Plains a special place that it is our community and the and the support that we get for our students. So very thankful for that. And now without further ado, we had a motion, we had a second. Any questions? >> No. >> All those in favor? I congratulations. Oh, >> wait. There's more. >> Yeah, we're almost done. But I would be remiss if I didn't um congratulate everyone receiving tenure tonight um on behalf of the board. We are so happy that you have chosen this school to bestow your gift of teaching upon our students. Um and because of you some child, some student will say my favorite teacher is and it'll be your name. Thank you. Madam President, I also would like to I know I
059know that she's here this evening. I'd like to officially welcome and this is this is fitting at this this this uh meeting as well. I'd like to officially welcome Miss Lori Graham um to the White Plains City School District as our new uh director of special education secondary education. It's really great. Thank you so much for being with us, Miss Grant. Welcome. >> Next we go to our individual um action items. Action item A. Um the recommended action is the WP SBA vote on the proposed budget and board of directors nominating slate for 2026 through 2027. May I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any questions? >> All in favor? I >> I >> thank you. Congratulations. We're close. Almost done. >> Next, we have um individual action item B. And um
060that is the recommended approval of football camp at the White Plains High School. May I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. Thank you. >> Are there any questions? All in favor? >> I. Next we have item C. The recommended action is the request for Highlands Middle School new extra classroom clubs. May I have a motion? >> So moved. Second. >> Any questions? All in favor? >> I. New. >> I just want some of the baking. >> That's right. >> Yes. new extra classroom clubs, basketball, baking, and the spring musical to be chartered by the board of education as a White Plain School District affiliated student organization. That is awesome. >> Baking Club. >> Yep. Next, we will move on to um board discussion. Um first is our first are our committee reports. Um,
061as a board we meet for human re Oh, no. As a board we meet uh each month for human resources and these are confidential items that are only discussed in executive session. Finance um finance and audit. I think we meet all the time I think every day. >> Every day it's a discussion. Um but you've seen the fruits of those meetings in our budget. Again, 1.6% increase. I don't think it gets better than that. And again, thank you to Dr. Vicaro Ty, her staff, to all of the cabinet, our superintendent. Um, this is a year-long process. Um, it seems to start right after the election for the following year. >> Yeah, it's about right. >> Yeah. Next, um, the district um um the district-wide health and safety team meeting. Did you go? I I'll report
062on that just very briefly since the recording was shared with the board, but um some of the highlights um so the changes for the district-wide safety plan as required by the state um are mostly uh legal having to do with, you know, sort of language, not really changing the way we do anything. Again, we've been ahead of the curve when it comes to health and to safety. Uh, and sometimes it's just a way of formalizing it in the safety plan that the state uh requires. Uh, what else? We're going to need a board policy. I'm very excited. Um, regarding maximum temperature and what we do if systems fail and once that policy is adopted, that will also be put into the state uh for the state uh requiring it for the safety plan. Um Jeremy
063Harrison uh who is our Alteras uh liaison mentioned that he does White Plains Police Department training um you know all the ye all the time every year he uh goes to their in-house training and he trains them on our emergency protocols. So it's a really good um you know excellent partnership. um East View fire alarm went off and the stair chair got used um and and everything went according to plan and we have stair chairs in all the buildings where they're needed. Um you know in case there's no elevator access. Uh nurse Maggie reported on AEDs um and every school has AEDs. Um, and actually the state education department now wants us to have portable AEDs to bring to sports events and class trips, right, in case they're not available in the destination. Um, let's
064see, uh, benadryil epiens in all cafeterias in all uh, throughout our buildings. And, uh, that's pretty much it. We're going to have online menus in real time, >> right? with all the nutritional values and everything. >> Right. Right. All the information that parents and families and guardians will be able to access. >> Thank you. Thank you. Any other reports out >> and curriculum is meeting? >> Yeah, curriculum is going to meet later in the in the month. >> Any other >> uh for special ed, we are Dr. Tessic and her team have been working on the close out and followup for the action plan uh with our consultants PCG. Um so hopefully you'll be hearing about that soon. Um and Dr. Tessic has also made huge inroads in addressing the state um follow-ups that the
065the the district needs to improve upon and areas for development, right? Um she's made huge strides in that since she's been here. So we're very excited to to share that we've made a lot of progress thanks to Dr. Jessic's leadership. Thank you. Do you have anything? >> No, I don't. >> Okay. Okay. And the last one, item C. Um you our agenda has been the budget >> um really and and and and our auditing and um our corrective actions um for audit for the next coming year. So that is that. So, next we come to the last item on our agenda. And I'm sorry to say that our meeting will be over at this point. May I have a motion to adjourn the meeting? >> Wait, wait, wait. Can I say one more thing? I
066forgot. I wanted to give a shout out to u Miss Katie Ammons for putting together the White Plains lacrosse fundraiser and community night at the high school. She is a mom whose sons play lacrosse and she had a vision for raising funds and getting the community involved. So she the the the lacrosse team for the JV varsity boys and girls and the youth lacrosse within White Plains were all participating in games on Friday night. >> Parents and families came. We had raffles. We had a silent auction. We had food. Um and they raised a good amount of money for lacrosse. We also were able to showcase our White Plains High School athletics facilities. And I just wanted to give her a shout out because one parent had this vision. It's never been done before for
067lacrosse or you know this particular sport as far as as I know as long as I've been here. Um so I just wanted to make sure that I give her a special shout out for having this vision and and making it come to fruition and and making this big contribution to lacrosse and our community. >> Thank you. Great. >> Sorry. Thank you for that, Jessica. And and last but not least, John Shepard. Thank you. Please give us a wave. John was solo today, but you couldn't tell this was flawless. Thank you, John. Now, may I have a motion to adjourn our meeting? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I. Thank you, everyone. Thank you. Thank you. Congratulations. >> Congratulations. Heat. Heat.