The February WPCNA Meeting on Tuesday, February 9, 2009 at Education House, 5 Homeside Lane, White Plains was attended by over 40 White Plains residents, including a quorum of delegates. The focus of the meeting was a Forum on the 2010/2011 School Budget.

During a brief business meeting, White Plains Planning Commissioner Sue Habel, who chairs the ad hoc census committee discussed the importance of a getting a good count.

Linda Levine, Mayor Bradley's representative was then introduced, and Anthony Spinelli (Battle Hill) read remarks prepared by Anthony Pilla (Battle Hill). Mr. Pilla asked Ms. Levine to make the Mayor aware of the profusion of graffiti in his neighborhood, which he said indicated the continuing presence of gang activity.

Adrienne Rivers of the White Plains Youth Bureau followed with a brief talk about White Plains Cares, the ad hoc committee for Haiti Relief. She urged contributions to Doctors Without Borders. Dr. Clouet also talked briefly about funds for Haiti raised by school children.

The final speaker during the WPCNA business meeting was Dr. Anne Lillis, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Services, who described the work of the new committee she chairs on school registration. She said the documentation requirements for residency had been strengthened, and that residency would be reviewed at least once more in a student's career.

During the subsequent Forum on the School Budget, Superintendent Clouet and Assistant Superintendent for Business Fred Seiler introduced the preliminary budget, which has a $10 million gap created in part by a shortfall in State funding. Mr. Seiler said his office is performing a line by line analysis to find costs that can be trimmed. He and Dr. Clouet invited comments and suggestions from the audience, and agreed that some programs will need to be scaled back in order to reduce payroll, which makes up 70% of the budget.

More info in the Minutes of the Meeting.

Minutes of Past Meetings