001And without further ado, welcome to our board of education our regular meeting. Today is October 6th already. Please stand and join us in the pledge. >> I pledge allegiance 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. >> Oops. Oops. The mission 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. Next, we have on our agenda announcements from the board. Okay, >> I'll just start. We had a um um our annual retreat about an hour ago at 5:00. We got together um we set some goals for ourselves and this
002is uh we've been doing this a number of years. Um every year we meet, we discuss uh this year we really focused on building on some of the goals that we had last year. Um setting some goals and objectives for the 2526 academic year. Some of the new ones that we added I think that we're looking into our portrait of a graduate that's coming down from state ed that we think is um really important to focus on. um as well as volunteerism. I was at the Westchester School Board Association um monthly meeting last month and lots of districts were there from Scarsdale up to SORS and a lot of the board members were just talking about the challenges they're facing in terms of getting parents in elementary school through high school to just volunteer and
003to to show up. Um some districts had called um them Venmo parents that would rather send the money and not show up and and do the work. and their districts are struggling with this because as any PTA knows, you need the people at the fairs, you need people at the concession stands. Um, so we talked a little bit about how we can support our PTAs here and we have an amazing PTA council and amazing units at each of the buildings, but what else can we do to recognize the hard work that's being done? Um, so that did come up and that's one of our goals uh in addition to many others um that we're going to focus on this school year. >> Thank you. Anything else? Athletic has been so sure. Boys soccer varsity just
004beat Scarsdale >> 32. >> Anything? >> No. >> I just wanted Is this on? >> Yeah. Can you hear me? >> Yeah. >> Okay. I just wanted to say thank you to the PTA again. We had a PTA council meeting and it was our first one and it was packed with new faces and old faces. So, it was great to see so many parents who want to be involved and who want to take part in their children's education and have a role in the schools and be a part of building our community. So, just want to say thank you to that. >> Thank you. Thank you. Y >> uh last evening, Cheryl and I were at Temple Israel Center for the Service Help for the hostages held in Gaza. We would join or we joined
005Westchester County Executive Jenkins, Congressman Latimer and Lawler, Mayor Roach, State Senator Ma Meyer, Assembly Majority Leader Steuart Cousin, and many, many other elected officials. Um, of course, hopefully peace is at hand u for all parties involved in the Middle East and that the hostages will be released and returned to their loved ones expeditiously. Thank you. >> Any other? >> I just have one more. Um the Westchester School Board of Excuse me, Westchester Putnham School Board Association held a um meeting for student board members of which our two board members attended uh last month. Uh and many districts from around the county were just so impressed with both of you and what you shared and your experience in your role. Um and both of our students attended our retreat for the last half hour just to
006see how that went. So just thank you on behalf of the school board and the district for representing us. >> I'll mention a few things. So, um I I also want to add it was really great at PTA council to see what a wonderful turnout there was and you know as a response to you know what Kane heard about other areas of the county that we really have a lot of community involvement here which is wonderful. Um, and I also was going to mention the student board member uh uh orientation at Westpot and New York State School Boards Association did one uh as well and has a lot of great resources for uh student board members. Um the National School Board um association had a webinar on federal policy and advocacy and consequences of the
007government shutdown. Um and I'll just mention a couple of those highlights. Um so 1 1500 of the 1700 US Department of Education employees are on furlow. Um investigations of civil rights complaints uh and violations are suspended. Title one and IDA uh funding will continue to flow but no new gr uh federal grants will be awarded. Um school meals seem to be safe according to the US Department of uh agriculture for at least uh two months with respect uh to funding. Um and some Head Start programs may be disrupted. Um I also uh with the New York State School Boards Association was able to attend uh the Cube Conference in Los Angeles which is the Council of Urban Boards of Education. There were some keynote speeches that were really very inspiring. Um Colin Kaepernick um who
008was uh you know better known for football is now in the AI space with respect to education and he's been doing a lot of um really interesting work with literacy and urban boards of education. Brian Stevenson um who is uh responsible for the equal uh justice initiative also talked about um transforming public education and leading with courage. Um I got to go on a site visit uh with the Compton School District um in the Los Angeles area and they are doing some amazing work with um STEM and they had drones flying in their cafeteria. um they're doing a lot of work with esports. So, I look forward to bringing that back uh to our curriculum and instruction uh committee. Um and I was able to attend workshops on um you know, equity um STEM, community
009engagement, uh trust and connection, recruitment of retention of staff, and always AI. >> Thank you, >> Dr. Ra. Uh Charlotte, you brought it up about the federal funding or potential like lack of federal funding going forward for title one and I think three. You don't have to speak to it tonight, but can we address some of I think our concerns about potential loss of funds for our district, especially in terms of food. I know we get funded through the state through food and free lunch. >> Yeah, absolutely. And and um I think we I think >> is that better, John? I think that um I think that you know the office of civil rights you remember the term essential. >> Yeah. We don't say that anymore, >> right? >> I think the office of civil
010rights is is extraordinarily essential. And I think it should be removed from any type of an impact in terms of you know what we're seeing right here. you know, to have a a situation where um you know, these services, supports, investigations um and accountability is absent um in in the United States, I think is is a is a huge detriment to to all. Um, and you know, when we're talking about the title funding and potential, you know, ramifications of reductions in title funding, we're keeping our eye on, you know, of course, White Plains and we're advocating um to make sure that the the funding that you're receiving back because again, it's your money, >> right, >> that's coming back to you. Some of it um and some of it's going to other states. Uh but
011but to make sure that that's that's coming back, we're advocating for that. um a as we move forward, if we do see uh that they're going to potentially be negative impact to White Plains from from from the federal funding standpoint, we'll make sure that we communicate that. But we're already talking with Congressman Latimer as as as well as u our state officials to do what they can um to to continue and they are doing a ton. biggest uh concern right now is related to federal funding is Medicaid. Um and and how that's going to play out in the state of New York. Um of course, you know, all funding is is important funding, but the Medicaid piece is is one that is really critical. Funding for for um food and nutrition um is really important
012to us as well, of course. Um and you know, we believe that every child all throughout the United States of America should have access to food when they come to school. >> Sure. >> Um so, no. And thanks Dr. Cheese because we do we will keep we will keep up on that. >> And there are advocacy efforts now with the New York State School Boards Association because the House um you know bill at the moment for next year's funding uh there are drastic reductions in title funding um and the Senate bill at the moment you know is sort of holding things kind of even. So NISPA is advocating as well. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. Okay. So we'll move >> um move to um to school board recognition week and um really should be school
013board recognition month. Uh we really don't say thank you enough not just to our board of education here but to all folks who serve on boards of education and who do so um because they seek to support all of the children in their communities. Um it is such a critical position. It's a volunteer position. um all of the hours that that board members spend um planning and leading school districts as and supporting community members. Of course, you know, you're doing that um in in in addition to being parents and partners and professionals and all of the other things. So, um for from our our part, thank you very very much. Um, but I think we also have a a couple of folks who are here with us this evening to to speak to you as
014well, right? We have President Carara McCormick Lions and we have Dr. Kimberly Crawford. Um, thank you very much for being here this evening. >> The podium moved. >> Podium did move. I will I did I looked >> Keep looking that way. Thank you, Dr. It's our pleasure to be here. We are here together because we believe in your model of leadership. So, we certainly work together all of our units, but I'm here to represent the ASA proudly. Um, unfortunately, our president leader couldn't be with us, but I am the representative. So, on behalf of our entire unit, we want to just say thank you. I do have a um message that was sent, but we want you to know that from the bottom of our hearts, as Dr. recommended. We appreciate that when we call,
015you are there. When we're not calling, you're advocating for us. When we need you, we know who to call. So, we want to say thank you. But on behalf of the ASA, to the White Plains Administrators that are here, there, and everywhere, our administrators and supervisors association extends a heartfelt appreciation to each of you in honor of this important week, New York State Board Recognition Week. We are deeply grateful for your unwavering support, your steady leadership, and your commitment to excellence, especially in challenging times. We just heard about that. We recognize the tremendous time and dedication required of board members, as was already mentioned, and you serve our schools and our community with excellence and love. Your consistent presence in our schools and at all of our district events is to be celebrated. We celebrate
016our student leaders as well. We want to thank you all for your achievements in supporting our staff, advocating for all of us for public education. This reflects your genuine commitment to the success and well-being of all of us. Thank you for your partnership and for your tireless efforts to nurture and sustain us in a district where every student can learn, every student can grow, and every person can thrive. On behalf of the ASA, we say thank you. It is my pleasure to present to you Miss Cara Lions. >> Thanks, Dr. I want to say >> um I just want to take a moment before I thank you on behalf of the association. The sobering conversation we just had is just a small piece of the work that you do. So thank you. There are so
017many different facets. Um I have a list of all of the things that school board members oversee. Um it's quite the list and so just personally thank you. But on behalf of the White Plains Teachers Association, I want to thank you. Next week is schoolboards recognition week. It should be month as Dr. Ricka said, but you are often quick to say how much you appreciate the work that we do. And so it's really important that you get a sincere, heartfelt thank you. So thank you. And the work that you do happens really quietly often behind the scenes. This is just the tip of the iceberg, right? It's all of the conversations with constituents, showing up at events, meetings, subcommittees, conversations, text messages. People don't see that, but it's hours of your life. It's a it
018is the truest form of volunteer work and service. So, thank you. >> Um, many of you have served for years. Some of you even spanning decades. Anyone want to put their hand up? I mean, we have people from 06 here and um that's just countless hours and years of your life. So, thank you. Um your service truly reflects the mission of the White Plain City School District. In this district, we all work together to create opportunities for all students, no matter what. And so, thank you for that collaboration and for that work. Um have a great week, a great month, and celebrate yourselves. >> Thank you. And before before you before you sit down, >> on behalf of the board, um we thank you. Uh we thank we're thankful for the collaboration and I always
019say that together we're going to do great things and we will continue to do great things. I think I can say for the board that we are humbled. This is work that's for the greater good. We don't get paid for it, but it's something that you do for the greater good. becomes part of your fabric and to see the vision for the future because we're educating our future. So, we are so thankful for our collaboration with you all and we look forward to even bigger and better collaborations as we move our future forward. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mrs. Lions. Thank you, Dr. Crawford. Also, huge huge thanks and appreciation to all of the principles in the White Plains City School District because this is also principal appreciation month. I don't care if it's a
020day or week. Everybody's getting a month. So, thank you, Dr. Crawford, and thank you, of course, to to all of our colleagues in the ASA as well. Hard work, great work, and worth every minute of it. Thank you. Um before I I hand over the uh the portion of the superintendent report to our amazing exeicio student board members um I I would like to welcome we have we have two presentations uh this evening for the board of education. First I'd like to welcome um our our partners from Durham School Services um coming from really far and wide um this evening. And thank you gentlemen uh for for being here. Um and ask Dr. Vicara Tish to introduce everybody and and get us started. Um, I would like to share with the board of education that
021and the community um that we are in a much different place today than we were uh at our last board of education meeting with regards to transportation efficiency um customer service and and making sure literally um that the routes are running um as close to optimal as possible. Are there still areas for improvement? Of course, there always will be. And you'll see in just a moment that when you're moving as many vehicles and and caring for and transporting as many students, there are always going to be areas um for improvement every day because it's just such a big operation. But I cannot say enough in terms of the responsiveness from the Dorm School Services team as well as our team here working together, working collaboratively to address those critical action items that were identified last
022month. whether it be, you know, rerouting um um particular routes for efficiency, changing um student student routes uh to better assist families, um looking at stops, splitting routes, um working uh really collaboratively and closely with the team at Durham to even put corrective action into to assist particular members of the community. It's all it's all happened in the last, I guess, 29 or 30 days. Um, so it's uh it's great to to welcome the team here just to give you the board to say hello to the board and to also give the board a real quick update. Um, and uh, of course we're going to keep uh we're going to keep at it and we're keep working collaboratively as we go through the academic year. Um, and keep working hard to make sure we're continuously
023improving our service. Dr. VT >> deficiency. That's >> I want to make sure I'm at >> You want me to come up and help? I got another arm. >> Good evening everyone and and and as Dr. Rick said, everybody has been working really hard to work through and push through some of the issues that we were faced this year together. um from Durham Bus Services. Um we have their uh leadership team um John Ziggler, uh John Elliott, Britt Lota, and um our newest member of the team um Sean Martin. >> Okay. Um to the board, to Dr. RA, everybody um thank you for this opportunity. Uh start of the school year, it's great for us to get out here and kind of introduce ourselves. We have some real simple slides. Um, but again, just wanted
024to tell you a little bit about who who we are, introduced. I'm John Ziggler. I'm the director of business development for the East. Um, I cover pretty much the eastern half of the United States and working with customers and contracts and RFPs and all that. Uh, Britt Leota right here is our regional manager for the state of New York. So, all Durham state of New York. That's Brett. John Elliot Jr. here is our senior vice president of customer service. He is our customer guy that goes coast to coast. You were talking about Compton earlier. They are a customer of ours as well. >> So, so just to give a little flavor, pretty much coast to coast and everywhere in between. And then Sean um is our newest member. He's our area general manager spec part
025white planes is his. Right. Just a little bit about our company Durham School Services as a whole. So we're in 30 states, two provinces. We're in Canada. Um about 15,000 vehicles throughout North America. Um 840 814 school bus routes in the state of New York. Um we're pretty much all over. Um we're down in Rochester. We're up in Indian River up in the the north country um and kind of everywhere in between Albany um throughout and then we have about 19,000 employees in North America total uh of all those operations throughout the states specifically to White Plains. So at least 100 buses operating daily. Some of those are big buses, some of those are smaller vans. We just consider them buses. 700 students serviced. We don't take every student to school, but we may touch
026every student some point throughout the day, the year, field trips, activities, sporting events, so on. Um, 5,300 miles per day those buses put on every day of the school year. So, you put that in perspective, you know, it it's it's a it kind of opens your eyes a little bit because so often we deal with a parent, as we should, and they're thinking about their child's buses. But you put it all together, there's 5,300 miles a day. Over 100 drivers, 25 monitors, and we have 16 full-time staff members and mechanics just here to service White Planes. Um, so we just wanted to again introduce ourselves, tell you we're really happy to be here. Um, and our goal is to become part of this community. Um, talk about the PTA and everything else. We're not here
027just to be under a contract. We will engage with the community. Um, we'll welcome u the opportunity to check in from time to time when you want us to. Um, but again, thank you for the opportunity to serve you and the students. Thank you for the opportunity to uh be your be your service partner and uh any questions. >> I I just again I I want to I want to echo the the appreciation u from from the White Plane City School District team members um because again you know coming into a new set of scenarios, new buses uh new team members and every year is new routes and and new needs. Um we know that that's always going to be challenging and and coming together like we did um which we will continue to do
028all throughout this academic year and then you know into next. Um I think we'll go we'll continue to go a long way to providing that that high the highest level service that we can to our to our students. Again, thank you. And I I really do need to to draw also attention, not just of course to Sergio and the team here, um but but Brit Sean, I'm you know, I guess at least twice a day, get two check-in emails from Sean, which is awesome. Um and then anytime, you know, we need to to connect with with Brit here on the ground um to troubleshoot or to try to identify ways that we can work through uh challenges um uh he's available to do that. But I think you're absolutely right. You know, when you when
029you look at 5,300 miles a day is in an 11 square mile community is is 10 square miles, sorry. Thanks. Uh is pretty is is, you know, is pretty impressive. Um so, uh we'll keep at it and uh and thanks to to you guys for coming out this evening as well. >> Yep. >> Do we have any statistics as yet on the stop? >> I'm glad you asked. We sure do, but that'll be for the uh the next portion of of the update if that's okay. You want to know? I'll give it to you now. >> So, so we we we do um and you know, we were in this period of time where it was a warning period um and for the community members who who might not be aware, stop arm cameras on
030all of uh all of the Durham school services fleet um in partnership with the city of White Plains and Bus Patrol. And so, Bus Patrol has reported that in um in the the warning period time, um they have approved citations. >> Um which is shocking, right? uh and uh they're in just through September 30th and just in White Plains and and they will be u they have 28 pending to be sent out and 425 have already be sent already been sent out. Now the warning period's over um and so of course you know citations that are received from from here on in are are are going to be associated with the fine. Um what we are going to do is going to keep collecting these data uh throughout the course of the academic year and
031then we thought it would be good to come back at the end of the academic year with bus patrol to share what the landscape looked like from the beginning of the year to the end. The hope of course is that this number uh 6600 plummets. Right. Exactly. Um and and uh you know that that will tell uh we'll see over time but yes so over 600 um individual violations in in the first month. >> One of the interesting data points of course would be repeat offenders would be a very interesting >> it absolutely would. I don't have access to that that depth of of um of information, but yeah, for sure. Uh and I and I wonder if there's even in the law if there is sort of a an escalation. Yeah. Um for for
032the the repeats. Yeah. >> Dr. Can I just add this our bus contract is a large contract budget and I know it's RP for a bus company. Um and you know, we've always contracted bus companies. We don't have our own buses here. Um, for most of us, we always start the school year and there's bumps in the road with it. We heard from a lot of parents last month and I think you seeing you here and putting a face with the names and and knowing you, we we deal with Sergio. We go back and forth with uh him a lot, but it's nice and I appreciate you coming out and you know, you know, with an assurance to us that you're here. You came out to speak to us and we like I said, we
033did hear from the community and there were some concerns and I, like I said, I do appreciate you coming and explaining, you know, what you do, how many miles you put in, how many employees we have on the ground in White Plains. So, so thank you. >> Thank you. >> I have a quick question. So, um, as a driver in White Plains, I recently experienced a one of our school buses sort of over to the side of the street with its yellow flashers on, but it was sitting there for quite a while. And I was a little nervous driving by because I had no idea when it might put its stop arm, you know, stop sign out. Is that common that a bus should be stopped, you know, with its yellow flashers on for a
034fair amount of time? It it it's it's hard to say, not knowing exact situation, but in in our in the bus world, if a driver has >> an issue on the bus, >> a student's ill or something, students are unbehaving, they heard a noise, mechanical, our dispatch is going to say, pull over, you know, in a safe spot, and then we'll help them over the radio, whatever that need is. Um, I I I get your point though. You know, you got to be careful. And I guess that's part of the point, too, is put those yellow lights on to let anybody come and know, hey, I'm I'm I'm beware. I'm here kind of thing. Right. Right. So, >> but it's concerning if you're going to drive by like if I've seen from one end of
035the street to the other and those yellow flashers are still on, is the stop arm going to pop out? shouldn't happen to that point in in the review of citations um all all the citations are reviewed for how and and when it happens and I would imagine that in those instances where perhaps let's say a driver pulled over because of a mechanical issue or something or maybe you know um the stop arm came out later all of that is time so if a car has already passed you know that that citation isn't mailed so you know when you look at you have you have a citations reviewed, you have um citations then approved and not all of them get approved. Um so in those kinds of instanc Yeah, exactly right. It's just like red light
036cameras. I think the most important thing we can do as motorists is be situationally aware. Anytime we do see a bus that's pulled over to the side of the road, try to give it space. Um and also, you know, really maintain speed and watch watch speed and watch watch your surroundings. And uh um but there's so many reasons why I might be pul p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p pulled over, >> right? And and and I can say that that's happened to me, but I just stop and wait and I do catch that driver's eye and either they turn it off or
037they wave me on >> because I I I don't want to get a ticket, right? So but they do either they turn them off, they wave me on something. >> So you know, I guess it's just a matter of catching them. I would say this also for folks at home who are watching, which is really important. Always obey New York State. >> Yes. >> Motorist laws. And that's the most important thing. So if you're in the rightway and there, you know, the the sign isn't out, um, continue to to >> both sides of the street. It's a median, you have to stop. >> If the sign isn't out, >> the sign is >> isn't. >> No. If the stop sign is out, >> you're on the other. >> Yes. Hold on. >> You have to
038stop. But what I'm saying is don't stop in the middle of the highway, >> right? You know, that's the thing. >> That's where most of the citations I haven't heard is because there's, you know, a big divide within, let's say, North Broadway and it's the other side that didn't stop. >> So, both sides have to stop. >> I've seen that in New York City >> and Ann's not on the microphone. So for again, so again, you know, if it's a double if it's a double lane road and the bus is on one side and the stop arm is out and you're going to be traversing on the other side, even though there's a meeting, you you're supposed to stop >> until that stop arm goes in. >> Yeah. >> I I also had a question.
039The bus tracker app, does it work? Is it accurate? Because I know that there's been a lot of um you know, people having trouble using it, and I use it I or I try to use it for my son in the morning, too. and sometimes it doesn't really show where the bus actually is. So, I'm just wondering, is it actually is it working? Is it up and running? Is it can we rely on it? >> The the bus tracker app is up and running. Um I would like to say I could promise you it works perfect 100% of the time. Um but it is a a phone web-based um device, app, whatever you want to call it. Um we have to do our job every day. And I'll give you one example is if your
040child's bus is bus one and that bus has to come out of service today for an oil change. Just you know we call preventive maintenance, then we put a a substitute bus in place of your child's bus one and we put bus two. If we don't do our job right on time immediately and get that data in the system, then the app is still going to be looking for bus one, which is going to be parked at our shop getting an oil change, right? So, um, we we'll get better at that. Again, we should be and we will be 100%. The app works. I do think we have some some frequently asked questions and help. Some of it has to do to make sure you draw the fence, you know, where you're looking for the
041bus. Um, but it is working. It is a good product. Um, we just have to get perfect at it with always having the right bus on the right route, I would say, is probably the biggest. >> Yeah. And I could just add in that we've addressed Yeah. >> Sorry. Sorry. >> Oh, it's okay. Um, I I can say that we have addressed almost all those issues at this point. Um, from the first week till now, we've we've troubleshot um probably 40 or 50 individual parents at this point. Uh, most of them have been one-off issues where we've been able to successfully get them going within minutes of reaching out to us. So, we ask that on the app itself, there is a a um a section where you can put in for support. And if
042you put in for the support for whatever issue you're having, it does generate an email to us immediately and we can jump right on this and we can get it checked. in a lot of cases um working with the the um transportation department we've been able to troubleshoot them like I said within the same day. So we're at a point where we're very confident it's running well at this point. >> I just want to add we did take our eye on your buses. >> So we visited facilities and we were on one of the new buses and I believe they're all new. They're all air conditioned. They're I mean they it has that new car smell. So the buses are beautiful when they're arriving and they're should bring our kids back and forth. So they're
043great. >> Your knees were not against your chest. >> That's true. They're very spacious. >> Great there. >> Thank you. Thank you so much. Thanks everybody. >> In closing, I just want to echo what Dr. Rick has said. We have a great team here. It's it's not just us. It's Sergio and everybody. Um they have great communication and we'll get better each day and uh we look forward to seeing you again soon. >> Thank you. Safe travels. >> Thank you. really appreciate it and and and again, you know, for the board and our community, we'll keep we'll keep working at this. It's an it's an everyday uh enterprise and and uh and we will we look forward to continuing to to bring high quality service to our children and our families. Our next uh presenter
044we have uh we're welcoming Chris Angatada from Noraki Smith who's partner um and of course if members of the finance audit committee uh are are already very well aware but we have uh some good news to share this evening with regard to the district's uh audit. Do you I'm trying to save you. All right. >> Well, did you make >> I did. >> So, okay. So, let me >> Sorry. >> Uh good evening again. Um tonight we have with us uh Chris Angada from NRAI Smith um our external auditors. Chris is the managing partner on our um our audit. You're good. >> You're good. Um and you know again it's a collaborative process. We're working diligently to make sure the business office team led by Marcy Moscowitz, our business administrator, to ensure that, you know,
045the books are closed timely and quickly, not to take any of of Chris's thunder. But, you know, we tried to do the audit before the audit so that we do end up um, you know, having a very smooth process. So, you know, Chris is going to present tonight an overview of um, our year-end financial statements. He did an in-depth review with audit and finance on September 30th. Um, and so I'll pass it over to Chris. >> Thank you, An. And good evening, Board of Education. I'm Christopher Angata, partner in Iraqi Smith. On behalf of my entire firm, I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank the board of education and the district uh for your continuing confidence in retaining my firm as your independent auditors. Uh as Ann mentioned, I am here to present
046an overview of the fiscal 2025 audit. Um first, just to confirm the scope of our services, the district retained uh Naraki Smith to perform an audit of the district's financial statements for the year ended June 20th uh June 30th, 2025 in accordance with professional standards. As part of our audit, we also performed an audit of the extraclassroom activity funds uh that is performed on the cash basis of accounting. Uh as part of our audit, we do contemplate issuing a management letter presenting any findings or recommendations on approving the accounting procedures and internal controls of the district. Just a few comments on the conduct of the audit. Uh like to commend the district on a timely and accurate closing uh uh of its books and records. As Ann mentioned, you know, it's a complete team effort
047here at the district. Uh you know, I want to just take this opportunity to thank an Marcy and the entire business office for the excellent cooperation we received uh throughout the course of the audit. There's a lot that goes into our audit, especially of a district this size. Um, so all of our requests, all of our inquiries, all of our back and forth, uh, was always answered very timely, succinctly, and with complete documentation. So, thank you, uh, to everyone involved in that process. We did meet with the audit committee of the board of education to present the financial statements in uh, great detail. Um, and I just wanted to mention that there was one new accounting uh and reporting standard to be implemented by the district this year which was under uh governmental accounting standards
048board uh statement number 101 for compensated absences and I am happy to report that that the district did successfully implement that standard this year. Um there are three auditors reports that we did issue uh at this point in time. I'm happy to report to the board this evening that we did issue a cleaner on modified opinion in those audits reports, meaning that the financial statements of the district present fairly in all material respects in accordance with our professional standards. Just a few uh highlights on the district's financial statements this year. The general fund annual budget was within the tax cap as promaggated by New York State and operated positively. The general fund fund balance amounts were all within reasonable and legal limits including the New York State statutory 4% limit. there was a positive change
049in the general funds fund balance for the year. Uh there are two sets of financial statements in the district's financial statements. There is the current focus financial statements and the districtwide which is on the full cruel basis of accounting. Uh that statement includes the long-term assets and liabilities. So I just wanted to mention a few highlights with respect to that statement. Uh the capital assets this year of the district netted depreciation totaled about $188 million. bonds payable was about $33.5 million which uh results in a current year principal payment of about $8.4 million. The energy performance contract total about 99,000 uh with a current year principal payment of about 896,000. I will highlight that this is the 2526 will be the last year on the energy performance contract. Uh the total OPED liability that's your
050other post-employment benefits. Uh that liability totaled about 403.9 million. Once again, that is actuarally determined. Uh so the district retains a third party actuary to calculate the future cost of of post-employment benefits. Uh and there was an increase this year of about 7.5 million in that liability with current year payments of about 10.5. It's on a pay as you go basis. So the current the current year obligation to the district was about $10.5 million. >> There's nothing to do about that liability. It just exists. It's on the books. >> Correct. Correct. the district has no mechanism to fund that obligation. Uh and the other two pensions are for the uh employee retirement plan as well as the teachers retirement plan. Uh the employer retirement plan was still in an underfunded position. So the district shared
051uh in in that allocation of that liability which totaled about 7.7 million. Uh whereas the teachers retirement plan was in an actually overfunded position as of as of the measurement period. Um and so the district shared in the asset portion of that which total about 16.6 6 million. As I mentioned at the onset of my presentation, we do contemplate issuing a management letter presenting any findings or recommendations. I am happy to report to the board this evening that we did not site the district for any material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in internal controls. As well as we had no current year recommendations and all prior year recommendations uh that were offered by us as part of our audit, prior year audits were fully implemented by the district. So clean slate going forward into the future
052and I'd be happy to answer any questions the board of education may have this evening. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> I um thank you very much, Mr. Angata. I I I also want to offer a tremendous amount of appreciation to Dr. Vicaro Taich and all of the members in the business office and I I know as Mr. Angatada would uh would would agree um the the audit is a big undertaking. It's a huge process that that we engage in annually. It's one of the most important things that we can do um to ensure our fiduciary responsibility and public trust. Um and uh it it requires a a great deal of planning. Um and it's always great to hear how responsive and receptive our our team members were to making sure we're getting that done.
053So Ann, thank you. Um I know we have a calendar which we follow uh each year and it's very very important and you know as you know um the business office does plan to the day on on when uh items and materials and functions are really to be completed and that's the purpose there is because every day matters and if if we're um you know if we're on schedule we're we're we're happy and if we're not um nobody's happy. So congratulations Ann. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. >> Can I ask one question? Um, as mentioned, um, the audit finance committee did meet and went into the details of the financials and not having any corrective actions really is a huge feather in the cap to Dr. Vicar, Miss Moswoods, and the entire business office.
054So, congratulations to all of you. Um, my question um is how do we compare to other districts? So, you know, we have no corrective actions. We're applauding ourselves for this. But, how does this compare to other districts of our size and other districts that your firm is auditing? Because you audit several, I believe. >> Sure. Yeah. So, our firm audits about 23 ex on an external basis. Uh we also are the internal auditors mostly on Long Island for um you know about 95 school districts. So, we see a lot from an internal control perspective. Um from an external audit perspective um I would say on average about 25% of our clients on an annual basis have recommendations. Um so you know it's we've also been long-standing with with some of those clients. So their internal
055controls their policies and procedures are are have been vetted over a number of years. Uh likewise with white planes. U but I think every year brings new challenges right. So, um, a change in in someone in the payroll might change a, uh, a step in the process. Um, and I know that's something that has been, you know, over the last couple of years kind of, uh, a revolving door, so to speak. But, um, but the district has always come to bat in terms of making sure that those policies, those procedures are followed on a step-by-step basis. So, I would say kind of right at the top in terms of, you know, the uh, the overall in comparison to what we've seen previously. >> Thank you. >> My pleasure. Thank you every Sorry, John. It's of
056course my pleasure to uh to welcome this evening um for any updates, comments, concerns, uh reports our exeicio board of education members, frozen and chairs. >> All right. Hey. Hey guys. Um Good evening everyone. We have officially made it through the first full month of school. As taring it has been for all of us, I'm proud to be able to report the strides our elementary schools have made throughout the month. MAS began their year with the unveiling of new fields as well as as a successful back- tochool picnic. MAS also began their year celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month on September the 15th. Historical figures are showcased on interactive boards in the halls while also being introduced in classrooms through readalouds. MAS's trade of the month for October is being a helpful friend. Teachers are further integrating
057these values into students everyday learning via morning circles and collaborative discussions. This theme is the perfect segment segment into the much anticipated unity day. MAS is in the works of planning a full day of activities and fun. Over at GW, October has been a month full of connection with their speech pathologist paving the way for the recognition of AAC awareness month, augmentative and alternative education. This has been a crucial part in building the understanding of communication device support. They've also been key catalyst in busting myths associated with AAC use. This month, GW's community meetings have revolved around creativity and self-expression, which have opened doors for discussions on Hispanic Heritage Month. Students participated in reads of books such as Elma and How She Got Her Name alongside Where Are You From. These stories culminate around ideas
058of identity and culture. Students were able to recognize their own personal attributes and what makes them unique. Positivity has been a key fundamental part in GW's themes of the month and has been a powerful leeway into unity day where they plan to create chains of unity. At Post Road, students are welcomed back via picnic on September 12th where a grand opening was held for their new Gaga pit. There was an array of activities for everyone to enjoy with the most important one being the selection of food of course. Dad's special adult take your child to school day was a hit and was hosted in collaboration with grandpas United and the youth bureau. There were some guest speakers as well. Open house occurred on the 16th and the 30th with a fair style presentation of all
059areas including PPS and support programs for postro for postroad students. On October the 3rd, the Tigers in training event was a huge hit. Postroad students were able to show their support for White Plains High School students while showing off their Post Road pride. Lastly, this past Saturday, Postro PTA hosted an annual fiesta to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. There was a bunch of crafts, music, dancing, and once again, most importantly, food from all of the Latin American countries. Church school started their year with a grand opening of their new and improved library. Board of Education members Jessica Buck and Dr. IA attended as well as others who supported the Church Street School updates. Two students who have checked out the most books at Church Street did the ribbon cutting. Church Street School hosted a fantastic picnic
060and had students paint rocks of kindness which will be displayed in their garden. Fifth fifth graders were able to publish their first Church Street School Chronicles issue. This was done completely on their own time. Most students utilized lunch. Grandpa's United began their lunch program where fifth graders spent time with grandpas twice a month to play games and get to know one another. Looking ahead, Church School aims to highlight bullying prevention month with themes and lessons of inclusion weekly. This aligns with their book of the month, The Invisible Boy, as well as themes of respect. Students are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with an upcoming assembly to highlight Latin American countries. Students have been exposed to an array of literature to expand their knowledge on Hispanic heritage. Lastly, Church Tree School's vegetables are growing and will be
061sold on Friday the 24th. And finally, at Ridgeway on September the 18th, the school welcomed guardians for dads and special adults day where they were able to spend a morning with their children. On September the 29th, students had arguably the most important day of the year, picture day. On October the 3rd, Ridgeway students joined students from other elementary schools to run on the field at White Plains High School at the Tigers in training event. This past Saturday, the PTA held a car wash to support the fifth grade class. Lastly, the girls on the run team began practicing for their fall season. To continue, East View recently wrapped up a vibrant fall spirit week in a highly successful fall tiger fest packed with a variety of student activities including exploring school safety and responsible decision-making with
062officer Jasmine Albert and K9 Homer through real life simulations where they practice refusal skills, navigating peer pressure, and making safe online choices. Students also engaged in hands-on STEM challenges that encouraged innovation, teamwork, and critical thinking. At Project Adventure, a team building initiative allowed students to develop their communication and collaboration skills through interactive problem solving exercises. In addition, therapy dog Dea and Dr. Quinn offered students a chance to unwind and connect in a calm, welcoming environment. These sessions promoted emotional well-being and were a highlight of the week. Highlands hosted a successful field day filled with community building activities like volleyball, soccer, obstacle courses, and tugofwar. The event fostered school spirit, teamwork, and fun for both students and staff. Looking ahead, preparations are underway for Highland's annual Fred Gresler Walk-athon scheduled for October 31st. This PTA supported
063fundraiser will feature music, costumes, karaoke, and multiple prize opportunities for top fundraisers. Students are encouraged to dress up and participate in this high energy school-spirited event at Roshambo. The faculty met on September 17th to continue professional development work with an IDE consultant focusing on problem based learning strategies. On September 18th, Roshambo combined its openhouse with dads and special adults take your child to school day. Families attended class sessions in both morning and afternoon blocks with a midday lunchon for students, staff, and guests. Community organizations including Westchester Community College and Centro Espano and the youth bureau had provided support for the day. In total, 28 families attended, marking the highest turnout in recent memory. On September 26th, the school held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new community pollinator garden. The garden is funded by a $5,000
064grant from the White Plains Youth Climate Action Fund awarded to teacher Paul Paredes. This garden will serve as a multidisciplinary tool for problem-based student- centered learning. Up ahead, on October 21st, students will tour Pace University to explore post-secary options. And on October 22nd, 10th and 11th grade students will take their PSAT, supporting academic planning and preparation. On September 25th, White Plains High School held its annual student activities fair, giving students the opportunity to explore the many clubs and extracurricular opportunities available at White Plains High School. The event was a huge success with high levels of enthusiasm and participation from students eager to get involved in school life. On October 3rd, White Plains High School hosted a welcome lunch for all transfer students new to the school this year. The lunch offered a welcoming space for
065students to connect with peers, ask questions, and become more familiar with the White Plains High School community. It also helped build relationships between new and current students, supporting a smooth transition into high school life. On a upcoming White Plains High School is preparing for an exciting spirit week, which will take place from October 14th to October 17th, ending with a high energy pep rally and the homecoming football game on the evening of October 17th. Students are encouraged to show their school pride and participate in themed events throughout the week. In addition, on October 16th from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., the Latino Coalition will host a vibrant Hispanic History Month celebration. The celebration will take place in the B1 cafeteria and is open to students, families, and community members. The event will feature live musical performances,
066dancing, games, and arts and crafts. Lastly, on October 31st, the class of 2026 will host a trunk or treat event for local elementary students. From 3:30 to 5:00 p.m., families can enjoy a festive, safe Halloween experience with decorated car trunks, costumes, and candy. The event highlights White Plains High School's commitment to community engagement, and student leadership. In the athletics department, over the summer, the summer academy has had strong participation in both athletic and academic programs. For the athletics, speed and strength training programs flourished, enhanced by new equipment in the tiger's den, providing more training opportunities for students. While in the academics, students took part in hands-on interdisciplinary activities, including testing electrolyte levels in sports drinks, designing physical therapy tools for injury rehab, and conducting chicken wing dissections to understand muscle and tendon injuries. As for
067the school year, middle school modified teams began their competitive seasons. Meanwhile, at the high school, the boys cross country team placed first at the Suffren Invitational and participated in the Woods Trail Run in Vermont. And Riley Bowman, a diver, earned first place at the Valley Central dive meet. On Friday night, East View and Highlands Elementary students attended Tigers in training night to cheer on our high school football team, which won a thrilling game against Ramapo 33-32. Varsity Varsity teams are nearing the end of their regular seasons and are preparing for postseason competition. We wish all of our student athletes the best in the playoffs. That is all for tonight's report. Thank you. >> Thanks to you both. You know, I I I really have to there there's so much of course um to celebrate and
068to be proud of the transfer uh the the opportunity for the the the welcome and the lunch for the transfer students. We're up over back over 2,000 students at White Plains High School. Again, we've had students who are now part of of the White Plains family um from all over the United States of America as well as the world. Um so to be able to come together uh and and celebrate um the newest members of of the White Plains family. Kudos to the to White Plains High School, the faculty, staff and administration and of course our students um for being so so mindful on how important that is. Um I also have to to just give a shout out to the board. You know, Tigers in Training came from the board. Um and you know,
069Dr. I mean, years ago, right, we talked about this and um and then and then it was made possible and and and brought to life by Mr. Cameron, Mr. Chapas, um and all of the members of of White Plains High School. >> The administrators that show up on a Friday night. >> Absolutely. the administrative team who was there on Friday night to cheer to cheer our youngest Tigers on as well as well as our varsity um team and and of course our our you know marching band and and our and our cheerleaders and you know a great great evening um >> expose those kids to the excitement and like the history and the excitement of like a high school football game. I think it just >> and it was a great >> that community pride.
070>> Was a great game. Got a little too close for me but you know we came out with the W. So, so we'll we'll take it right. But, uh, thank you very much ladies for for your reports. >> Um, I also again, you know, so many celebrations, unity day, pep rally, um, that we mentioned PTA council and, um, you know, at PTA council, um, the PTA and I think we can do it. I really I believe we can do it. Um, we're working for 100% participation. Um, and you know, that means right parent teacher association. So all of us I don't know if I had previously uh joined up this year. I I joined again just in case today. Um so so I do of course encourage everybody to to join the PTA and then
071to participate to the level at which you're comfortable and you're able. Um you know we we all have very busy lives but but just being part of um the PTA and network uh is is a great step forward and if we can get that 100% participation that would be so wonderful. Um, Halloween's Halloween, right? Halloween's right around the corner. Uh, and trunk or treat's going to be taking place again at the high school. Everybody loves trunk or treat, so we're looking forward to that. Hopefully have great weather. Could be like last weekend or this past weekend, imagine. Um, >> what's that? >> Treat stuff for us. >> Oh, you already got it. Oh, fantastic. Fantastic. >> No, I we're going to decorate. >> You're going to do it. Nice. Nice. >> Um, walk, bike, roll
072to school day is this Wednesday. Um and so so thanks again for for the PTA for supporting that. It's g uh going to be a nice opportunity for our Tigers. This evening on the agenda item 9E is the re the the revisions to the strategic plan. Thanks again to the strategic planning committee as well as the board of education for supporting that annual effort. Um we also have tenure appointments for teaching assistance on item 7 C. Congrat congratulations in advance um to those colleagues. And the smart safety storage protection resolution um is is item 9D. This board of education has supported a reminder to all um responsible uh um gun owners in the state of New York to make sure that there is appropriate safety and storage um for for um for those weapons in
073in the home and and elsewhere. And thanks to the board for continuing um in that mission to to remind um everybody to keep safe to keep our children safe. Um and I did also just make mention about the the budget. Uh we are going to keep a very close eye uh and and we've already begun advocating, but the the the telegraphing is already happening. Um this the the state is very telegraphing a great deal of concern with regard to the state budget. Um and and also funds or rather I should say deficits that could potentially um be created through reduction in the federal government sending New Yorkers back their money that they send to Washington again. Right? So, it's your money. Um, and we have to continue to advocate uh and and make sure um
074that the focus does it remains where it should be and that's supporting kids um and supporting the future, not just the state of New York, but also the United States of America. So, we'll continue to do that um and keep everybody posted in term in terms of the budget. That concludes my report. Madam President, thank you very much. >> Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. >> Next, we'll move on to public participation. Do we have any public participation tonight? Good night to our students and >> see you on Thursday in class. >> Okay, so we don't have any public participation. We'll move right to our summary um action items. We have summary action items 4 through 8. And may I have a motion, please? >> Second. >> Are there any questions? >> Thank
075you, Madam President. Uh yes, your item item B uh 4B I'd like to draw your attention to the very generous donations. Uh this is this we get annually and and we're grateful for it every year and the kids love it. You you know they they really they absolutely love the students dictionary and animal gaziteer that's donated annually by Mr. Lent on behalf of the Elks. This year they donated 488 dictionaries to all of the third grade students in the White Plains City School District. Thank you so much. White Plains High School class of 1984 >> donated uh two six-foot benches to White Plains High School in honor of two educators, Harry Jefferson and Tom Eaton. Um that's from the class of 1984. Uh ver a variety of school supplies were donated to the schools by
076Ashley Nut. The following grants were donated by the friends of the White Plains public schools. $18,000 grant to help fund the Beyond Broadway Dance program in all five elementary schools for the 2025 2026 academic year. $2,600 grant to help fund the AP History Class trip to Edward Kennedy Institute in Boston uh to take part in today the today's vote program. Also want to thank Jeremy Abramson, the vice president of the premier collection in conjunction with Subaru Loves to Learn who awarded uh East View Middle School $18,000 grant funding um in the 2024 2025 academic year. Um really generous donations. Always grateful. Um thank you very very much to all of our donors. >> Yeah. White Plains res. >> Yes sir. So it's very nice um to have White Plains residents helping White Plains. That's on
077behalf of his company. That's terrific. Yeah. Yeah. And actually, um, Jessica, you and Dr. Ricker, you and I were at the Friends, um, fundrais Yeah. fundraising. And our community is just so fortunate to have so many people that care about this community and that's what makes White Plains special, right? And and the thing that we left at the Friends event was that no one has better friends than we do. So I'm very I'm humbled by this and this is not just this meeting, it is every single meeting. So just to reiterate, you know, our sincere thanks for everything that our community does for us. Um all in favor >> I. >> Next we'll move on to um individual action item A. the acceptance of the external auditor's annual financial statement, extra classroom activity funds, financial
078statement, management letter, and corrective action plan for the year ended June 30th, 2025. Do we have a motion? >> So move second. >> Do we have any questions? We had a >> the presentation. Okay. All in favor? >> I. Next, we have the recommended acceptance of the budget development calendar for the 2026 through 2027 school year as attached. We reviewed that calendar um at the finance committee meeting and it's it's standard >> non-negotiable. >> May I have a motion? >> So, move. >> Do we have any questions, concerns? All in favor? >> I. We have opportunities for public input like we always do sessions. >> Yes. Yes. >> Yeah. I think October Gosh, >> we have community >> community input sessions coming up in just a couple weeks. >> Are they? >> Yes. >> Yeah.
079It's on the calendar. >> Thank you. >> October October 27th. >> Thank you. Yes. >> So, next we have um individual action item C. the recommended approval of the establishment of one custodian position 12 month one FTE effective uh October 1st 2025 and the recommended approval of the abolishment of one senior custodian position 12 month effective October 1st 2025. May I have a motion? >> So move second. >> Do we have any questions? All in favor? I >> I >> Next um we have the recommended um approval of the B Smart uh gun safety resolution and as discussed by Dr. Reer earlier. May I have a motion? >> So moved. Second. >> Questions? All in favor? >> I. >> Thank you Jessica for bringing that. >> Yes. Thank you. >> Thank you for what you're
080up to. I think it's like five. We were talking about that. Yeah. So, thank you always for supporting before I was on the >> board and and spreading throughout um you know districts uh many districts are are taking um this this effort to uh to spread that message. So, thank you. >> Thank you. >> Next, we have the recommended approval of the White Plains uh strategic plan for 2025 through 2026 as discussed earlier by Dr. Ricker. May I have a motion? >> Move. Second, >> do we have any questions? >> Just that the one the one page >> page is >> awesome. Super super informative. I love it. I love it. >> Infographic is amazing. I do like it. >> Yep. >> Very clear. >> That got Dr. Han's seal of approval, including the graphic
081wave at the bottom. I know. >> I think it looks great. >> Mhm. >> All in favor? >> I. Lastly, um we have um we have it um resolved that the board of education hereby approves and authorizes the board president and superintendent of schools to execute a certain stipulation of settlement in connection with an impartial hearing reporting from K66 4217. And a copy of this uh stipulation has been previously reviewed by members of the board of education. May I have a motion? So moved. >> Second. >> Do we have any questions? All in favor? >> I. Next, we're going to move to our board discussion, our board reports. I think I can say for finance, Craig, I think you've summed it up well and we've seen the presentation. Um, HR meeting which we discussed confidential
082employee uh matters was held. Any other uh subcommittee meetings? Um, >> yeah. >> Well, we had the um special education. >> We had our first meeting with our new assistant superintendent, Dr. Tasik, and uh it was uh a get to know you session and um talk about the vision for the program moving forward. Can speak for everyone who was there and say it was exciting. Um really looking forward to working together. I think we're very lucky. All 7,000 students are lucky. Our special ed students are really lucky. >> Hey, >> welcome, welcome, welcome. >> Day 17. >> Yes. So, our policy committee, the policy committee met um and we took a first look at uh a few policies which will be on the agenda in November for their first read having to do with student
083records and confidentiality, data and information privacy, uh student privacy and parent and student rights. So, coming in November, um curriculum and instruction also met. Um we looked at preliminary data on uh the June regions results. Again there will be more forthcoming uh in November. Um we also looked again uh preliminary results um promising results on the NWEA um administration in the fall and elementary state testing uh in ELA and math. So again all preliminary but u more information forthcoming. >> Thank you. Great. anything any other >> I'll also mention just one other thing the health and safety team met um and there is information in the board uh agenda I'll just uh mention a few highlights um over the summer uh there was a change over to the uh high school camera system updated cloud-based
084system um sort of one system zero eyes has expanded um there was commentary on federal law enforcement activity in White Plains and again an emphasis that our school protocols uh that have been in place exist as they were before and no one has access to our students without having legal rights to that access. Um safety plan um we had to put in place um an AED annex. We've already always had those processes in place, but now they had to be added uh to the safety plan. And also, I think importantly, um we added to the visitor use agreements what to do in cases of emergency and that visitors um also have to follow uh the the code of conduct when they're uh on our on our grounds in our our buildings. um some uh challenges
085having to do with the county board of elections using our buildings and safety protocols being in place and East View and Roshambo vestibules uh being worked on. >> Yeah. >> Thank you, Banker. I think for the food um the wellness that that one will come up that you just reminded me of that. Um >> yep. So before we move forward, German John adjournment. John uh Sheepard and John Mishavitz, please wave to us and Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for doing everything you do to make sure that our our meetings are inclusive to our community members that cannot be here in person. Thank you. Yeah. >> Just um also before we end because we were talking about you know celebrating board of education recognition month as well as principal appreciation month. It is also important
086to note that this past Saturday was President Eller's birthday. It's also President Eller's birthday month, right? The whole month is >> Happy birthday. >> Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Everyone should adopt that policy. Let's have a first reading on that for all of us here. >> May I have a motion for adjournment? >> All in favor? Uh, thanks everyone. Have a great evening. >> Let's go celebrate.