WPCNR West Side Story. From Battle Hill Association. March 14, 2006: The Battle Hill Association has announced that Battle Hill Neighborhood Watch Training Night will take place April 6 at 7 P.M. in the Community Room at 85 McKinley Avenue. Featured will be Captain Anne Fitzsimmons and Gus Fazzino of the White Plains Public Safety Department. For more information, contact 761-8050.
White Plains Senior Housing Project on BOE Property Stymied in Legislature
WPCNR County Clarion-Ledger. Special to WPCNR from County Legislature Majority Leader Martin Rogowsky. March 13, 2006: At tonight’s Board of Legislators meeting, County Legislator George Oros, the Board’s Republican Minority Leader, derailed, without explanation, the approval process for a proposed state-of-the-art affordable housing complex for senior citizens to be built in the heart of downtown
Proposed Senior Affordable Housing that George Oros blocked from consideration by the County Board of Legislators Monday evening, was planned to be erected on the Board of Elections Parking Lot below. Photos, WPCNR News Archive.
Oros took the unusual step of blocking a communication to the Housing, Planning & Government Operations Committee that would have initiated discussion on the project.
Rogowsky, in a statement, writes: “Because there is such a critical need for senior affordable housing and this project is designed to be a model for the County, the Minority Leader’s action is a slap to senior citizens not only in
This project, which has so many pluses, including environmentally-friendly construction, should not be allowed to be hijacked like this. Senior citizens deserve better. If Legislator Oros has concerns about the project, he should allow it to be placed into committee where he can publicly express those concerns.”
Bradley Touts Assembly School Aid Totals for the 89th — $690G More for WP
WPCNR ALBANY NEWS. From Office of Adam T. Bradley, Assemblyman, 89th District. (Edited) March 13, 2006: Assemblyman Adam Bradley (D-White Plains) announced that the Assembly’s budget plan will provide over $39 million in total aid for schools in the 89th Assembly District, which is $1.4 million more than the governor proposed in his budget and $1.5 million more than last year. This will mean $325,513 more over Governor George Pataki’s budget request, and $690,156 more than last year for White Plains, should the Senate pass the assembly version of the bill.
School Funding – 89th Assembly District | |||
School District | Assembly Plan | Increase over Governor’s Budget | Increase over last year’s amount |
Bedford | $ 5,673,701 | $ 139,589 | $ 47,387 |
Byram Hills | $ 3,299,060 | $ 166,969 | $ 109,709 |
Chappaqua | $ 6,381,539 | $ 146,420 | $ 239,073 |
Harrison | $ 3,720,694 | $ 127,894 | $ 200,375 |
Katonah-Lewisboro | $ 6,797,627 | $ 198,246 | $ 22,259 |
Valhalla | $ 2,515,670 | $ 350,612 | $ 197,193 |
White Plains City | $ 10,621,051 | $ 325,513 | $ 690,156 |
Total | $ 39,009,342 | $ 1,455,243 | $ 1,506,152 |
“I remain committed to investing in our children’s future,” said Bradley. “By providing necessary funds to Westchester schools, we are not only ensuring a secure future for our children but we are helping protect our local property taxpayers.”
The Assembly proposes the creation of a Foundation Operating Aid formula that will provide transparent, predictable school funding. A foundation formula will provide the stability and predictability that school districts have been calling for and will ensure a functioning operating aid formula. The foundation formula estimates the cost of providing a sound education, adjusts for regional costs, student enrollment, student needs and reflects school district fiscal capacity. All school districts will receive a year to year Foundation operation aid increase of one percent through the new foundation formula.
The Assembly also restored cuts to several worthwhile programs, including:
o $19 million for Building Aid;
o $67.5 million for BOCES;
o $16 million for transportation;
o $112 million for special education;
o $2.75 million to ensure library aid keeps up with local population growth;
o $24.6 million to restore funding for Teacher Centers and Teacher mentors; and $6.5 million in new funding for teacher programs; and
o $6 million for the Employment Preparation Education program.
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The Assembly has also set aside $100 million in new money for a Universal pre-kindergarten opt-in program, on top of the current funding of $204 million. For schools in the 89th Assembly District, that means an additional $410,400 for the following districts if they choose to opt-in:
· $105,300 for Bedford Schools
· $305,100 for White Plains City Schools
Importantly, under this plan, the White Plains City school district would receive an
additional $4,964,599 in Capital grant funds.
To better ensure schools are spending tax dollars wisely, the Assembly’s budget
plan doubles the amount of money used to audit schools districts, providing an extra $2.8 million over last year to root out fraud and corruption.
“Westchester families will certainly benefit from the Assembly’s education plan,” said Bradley. “I will continue working in a bipartisan fashion and hope that the governor and Senate will join us in helping address educational needs, while responsibly mitigating burdensome property taxes.”
Scholar-Athletes Hailed. Math Program Publicity Set. Code of Conduct Considered
WPCNR BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT. From The Board of Education, Compiled by Michele Schoenfeld. (Edited) March 13, 2006: In addition to last week’s budget considerations, the Board honored 86 students whose teams had averages of 90 or better. They represent Men’s Swimming & Diving, Men’s Track, Women’s Track, Ice Hockey and Wrestling.
Scholar Athletes Listen warily March 6, as Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Services, Joseph Casbarro, explains the procedure for acceptance of the Student Code of Conduct planned for this fall. Code transcript is within this article. Photo, WPCNR News.
High School Principal Ivan Toper congratulated the Women’s Basketball Team for its second straight Section 1 Championship. Athletic Director Nick Panaro recognized State Track Champions Whitney Ford and Donovan Haigler, and Jason McLaughlin, who swam in the State Championships and was named All-America. Mr. Panaro also congratulated the Cheerleading squad, which earned two first place finishes in competitions and had six students with 90+ averages. Five other students from teams which did not qualify also had 90+ averages.
The Board honored 86 students whose teams had averages of 90 or better. They represent Men’s Swimming & Diving, Men’s Track, Women’s Track, Ice Hockey and Wrestling.
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In other Board of Education Matters:
BUDGET: Mr. Connors and Assistant Superintendent for Business Terry Schruers presented new information on revenues received from the City. They shared options for applying projected revenue from PILOTS and will present this to the Annual Budget Committee this week for reaction. Mr.
Connors thanked the Mayor and the three City departments which have been very helpful. (See previous WPCNR Story.)
NEW MATH PROGRAM: Math Coordinator Lee Weber presented the new sixth grade Math Program and invited parents to a program on March 22nd at the
China Exchange: High School Social Studies Teacher Susan Altman provided background on a proposal for a foreign exchange trip to
PERSONNEL: JoAnn Doherty, Director of the New York Presbyterian Hospital Program, was awarded tenure. Assistant Superintendent Joseph Casbarro described Ms. Doherty as “a very special administrator and leader who loves her students and respects parents, staff and colleagues.” He added that no challenge is too great for her to tackle and she is committed to creating a stable environment for students who really need that.
STUDENT PLEDGE DUE BY FALL: Dr. Casbarro reviewed a revised Athletic and Co-Curricular Pledge, required for student participation in activities, which the Board and administrators have been working on for many months. Copies are available from Dr. Casbarro’s office and feedback from students, parents, coaches and administrators should be directed to him or to Board members. The Board plans to adopt a revised pledge in time for next fall.
The Proposed Athletic And Co-Curricular Pledge:
The athletic and co-curricular activities at the Middle School and High School are integral parts of the overall educational program of the White Plains City School District. Participation in these activities is a privilege granted to students who maintain scholarship and citizenship within the rules and regulations of the District.
The District expects that you will uphold our high standards of academic eligibility and abide by the rules specified by your coach/advisor. As a participant in an athletic and/or co-curricular activity, I will comply with all the provisions of the District’s Code of Conduct, and I pledge as follows:
* I will not possess, consume, be under the influence of, and/or distribute alcohol*, tobacco and/or unlawful drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine or other controlled substances on school grounds or at school-sponsored events and trips;
* I will not possess, consume and/or distribute performance-enhancing drugs or steroids in any setting, whether on school grounds, at school-sponsored events and trips and/or in the community; and
* I will not enage in hazing, harassment, fighting, theft, vandalism or violent conduct on school grounds or at school-sponsored events and trips.
I understand that I am expected to conduct myself in a manner both in school and in the community which demonstrates personal integrity and positively reflects on me and the District.
I also understand that any violation of this pledge found after a proper investigation by school authorities may result in disciplinary action, including a warning, probation, a specified period of supension and/or permanent suspension from the athletic and/or co-curricular activity. I further understand that this process applies to any student who is the subject of a criminal investigation whether in school or in the community.
I have read the above and accept responsibility for my actions under this pledge.
Donations: The Board accepted a number of contributions for Project Early Read, an intervention program offered to 150 students on Saturday mornings to help develop reading skills. The Ginsburg Community Fund of Ginsburg Development, LLC made a $5,000 grant to the program, and $5,000 was also received from the
Lucy Roman donated three iPod shuffles, as prizes to students for participating in a technology survey; and Julie Parelli provided fabric for the Family & Consumer Science Program at the
UPCOMING MEETINGS: March 15: Special Meeting, Education House,
Final Meeting with Annual Budget Committee
March 20: Public Hearing on the Budget and Capital Projects,
Education House,
March 27: Special Meeting, Education House,
Board vote on $166.1 Million Budget and possible Capital Projects
March 30: Board meets with PTA Council, Education House,
April 3: Regular Meeting, Education House,
April 5: Meeting at