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Administrators meet for early summer educational leadership workshop

Group of administrators in conference room listening to Dr. Ricca

White Plains City School District administrators participated in an educational leadership workshop on Thursday during their annual retreat. The workshop started with a strategic planning session, followed by a recap and evaluation of the 2024-2025 school year and planning for 2025-2026 by discussing goals and objectives. 

Dr. Ricca introducing himself to administrators

This year, district leadership met at the beginning of the summer instead of holding their typical retreat at the end of August. With the support of the administrative union, this decision was made so that they can use their time in August to focus on preparing for the beginning of the school year on September 4.

“This gave us the opportunity to hit it at a time where last year is fresh in our minds and we’re all focusing on next year,” said Superintendent Dr. Joseph Ricca, who led the workshop. “It’s a good point to be able to both reflect and plan.”

The overarching priority of the professional development was to come together as an administrative team and recommit to a high level of service for White Plains children, their colleagues and the community.  

Some areas of discussion included how they can provide better service to students and families, how to effectively communicate and how to address shortfalls. They also reviewed the Dignity for All Students Act and Title IX regulations.

Dr. Ricca standing in front of administrators at retreat meeting.

Administrators explored areas for potential growth and areas that need improvements to better align with the strategic plan. To close the session, Dr. Ricca asked them to think about their goals and objectives from the lens of the strategic plan. 

“That will help inform the conversation that takes place in August when the district level strategic planning committee comes together to review the plan and to see if and when any changes are necessary for 2025-2026,” said Dr. Ricca.

Administrators were also tasked with formulating recommendations for improving the Portrait of a Graduate. Dr. Ricca encouraged them to think of ways the district can serve students better by thinking of all the components that they want to instill in them at all ages, even as early as kindergarten.