During the Dec. 8 meeting, Superintendent Dr. Ricca and committee chairs delivered a detailed district update covering grants and community events, capital projects, audits and safety work.

The administration reported multiple donations and PTA grants for student experiences and equipment: the White Plains High School received an $8,300 gift‑card donation; PTA grants totaling about $1,545 were approved for museum admission fees and headphones for classroom use; Friends of White Plains Public Schools approved grants totaling about $5,950 for field trips and school programs. The board moved summary consent items that included these donations and grants.

The finance and audit committee reported that Moody’s reaffirmed the district’s AA- bond rating. A committee representative said the rating "helps us tremendously" in long-range planning because it allows borrowing at lower rates.

Construction updates noted ongoing work on a planned innovation wing to house visual art spaces, STEM classrooms, a dance studio, culinary labs and an art gallery; committee members emphasized careful sequencing to limit disruption. Officials also noted a Southern Westchester BOCES partnership occupying space in Rochambeau.

Health and safety committee items included QR codes for visitor guidance on code of conduct and safety protocols, expansion of Verkada cameras around construction areas, and activation of stop‑sign cameras on Memorial Avenue with public reminders about enforcement (a $250 fine was mentioned). Committee chairs framed these as continuous improvement efforts and noted a new county behavioral mental health unit as an additional resource.

The board agreed to continue communication with families as winter weather approaches and acknowledged many upcoming concerts and community events.