The White Plains Board of Education, comprised of seven members serving three-year terms, is responsible for “govern[ing] the education of all children attending district schools” and “insuring adherence to state laws and regulations.” Members are elected by the residents of White Plains, and the terms are staggered, so not all board members’ terms expire the same year. This year, three open positions were sought after by eight candidates in an election on May 21st.
Jessica Buick, one of the winners of the election with 1,371 votes, wrote of her “dedication and passion” to “make this school district the best it can be within the parameters of the resources available to it.” She also shared her marketing/brand management background and her extensive PTA experience within the district. She stated that she is proud of WPCSD’s diversity and teachers, and anticipates challenges to include retaining students from middle school to high school and dealing with the effects of new housing construction in White Plains.
Craig Mondschein, who will be filling the second of the three open positions, came out with 1,331 votes. He emphasized how he would like to be an advocate for the taxpayers and students of White Plains, citing his understanding of the “budget and finances of the school district.” When asked what he saw as WPCSD’s strengths, he included the opportunities provided to students and the quality of the employees. He hopes to be able to allow “our children to reach their full potential as a result of the education they received at White Plains.”
The third winner of the election, receiving 1,220 votes, is incumbent Cayne Letizia. He cited extensive experience, including 3 prior Board of Education terms and 26 years working as a teacher. He is proud of the remarkable diversity in White Plains and the collaboration with local organizations. He stated that he hopes he will have “left the White Plains City School District better than I found it for future BoE members, community members, family members, and most importantly our City’s children.”
Other candidates included Leslie Hickey, with 536 votes, who was treasurer for WPHS PTA and emphasized fiscal responsibility as being the most important quality in a board member. Rose Lovitch with 479 votes had already served for 12 years on the Board, has extensive PTA and Girl Scout experience, and appreciates White Plains’ diversity, range of opportunities provided to students, and student involvement in the community. Vincent Orlando, an alumni of WPCSD who received 459 votes, also emphasized fiscal responsibility. Ferenc Tasnady has limited school experience but coached youth sports, and is proud of the extracurriculars available to “those who choose to participate.” The eighth candidate, Donna Giambalvo, is proud of the diversity and teachers/staff in White Plains and stated that it will be challenging to “make sure students receive equitable opportunities and support.”
Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 School Board Election!
