WPCSD thanks Board of Education for School Board Recognition Week

The White Plains City School District community is showing its appreciation toward its Board of Education members during School Board Recognition Week – celebrating the dedication and stewardship of the trustees, who serve as the servant leaders and representatives of the entire White Plains community.

The trustees currently serving on the Board of Education are Rosemarie Eller (President), Cayne Letizia (Vice President), Charlie Norris, Sheryl Brady, Craig Mondschein, Jessica Buck, and Valerie Daniele.

The all-volunteer board members work to ensure that every city resident has visible and approachable representation in the overall efficient operation and continued success of the school district and its commitment to excellence and equity in education.

“The board is the lead in the decision-making processes regarding the future of the school district – especially in White Plains,” said Superintendent Dr. Joseph Ricca, who, along with his administrative team, manages the district’s day-to-day operations.

The Board of Education, meanwhile, is responsible for all aspects of the district’s policies and procedures, as well as its financial obligations and fiscal planning. In addition to holding regular public meetings, the board also participates in committee meetings that shape key initiatives, support the district’s goals and help bring the annual strategic plan to fruition.

They plan for the future by setting annual data driven, attainable goals for themselves and overseeing the establishment and implementation of the annual goals and objectives of the superintendent. They then continuously review the progress towards achieving those goals throughout the academic year.

“Our annual goals and objectives help underpin all of the other goals that are set everywhere else throughout the district,” said Dr. Ricca. “When you look at the strategic plan, that's really the foundation – it's focused on the academic growth and achievement of our community, it's focused on providing individualized support wherever possible and partnering with the community so that every child has the best possible educational experience we can provide.”

Board members stay involved in the district beyond their oversight duties, attending athletic and extracurricular events, school performances, back-to-school nights and open houses. They also work to make themselves available to their constituents whenever possible, even hosting coffee hours where community members can meet with them to share their personal experiences and offer feedback.

“One of the biggest accomplishments that I would highlight is the board's responsiveness to serving our community,” said Dr. Ricca. “We really do try to make sure that education in the White Plains City School District is an individualized experience, to the extent that we can.”

From helping a particular student to raising concerns to the superintendent, board members ensure that all students are served with a high-quality and responsive education. They also take an active role in the educational process by visiting schools, talking with students and analyzing overall success, and areas for improvement, of programs.

With the support of the Board of Education, the district has implemented a teacher preparation pathway and provided enrichment opportunities for students in every elementary school. The board is also responsible for making recent improvements to every building across the district.

With an eye toward sustainability and fiscal responsibility, the Board also develops annual budgets with proposed tax increases that are well below the state tax cap. To reduce the overall burden on property owners, they have supported the acquisition of competitive grants and regularly seek efficiencies within the organization to try and save money while still making improvements, ensuring a high-quality and fiscally responsible school district.

The result of their efforts has been high student satisfaction scores and graduation rates, coupled with the fact that there are no barriers for students to take diverse offerings of high-level courses. Through partnerships with colleges and universities, students also have the opportunity to earn college credit before graduation and get a head start on their post-secondary education.

Their duty to White Plains students doesn’t stop in the classroom. Board members also provide voluntary support to other key partners within the White Plains community such as the Youth Bureau, the Recreation Department, and the White Plains Public Library.

Trustees are also part of the Westchester Putnam School Boards Association leadership and sit on the Southern Westchester Board of Education as well. These additional stations allow them to be a part of the educational decision-making and advocacy processes at an even higher regional and state level.

They participate in on-going training throughout the year at the state and county levels to continue their growth as board representatives. They also attend PTA meetings to hear the concerns and wishes of their constituents. They then advocate for the district by working with local, state, and federal elected officials to make sure the voice of White Plains is heard in relation to education policy.

“One of the things that makes White Plains so special is that our board members are so deeply committed to this work – they live and breathe the White Plains City School District,” said Dr. Ricca, “And, you know, they do it because they love White Plains, and they love the schools, and they love our Tigers.”

Picture (left to right): Superintendent Dr. Joseph Ricca, Craig Mondschein, Sheryl Brady, Cayne Letizia (Vice President), Rosemarie Eller (President), Valerie Daniele, Jessica Buck, Charlie Norris