WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. By John F. Bailey. February 1, 2005, UPDATED 2:52 P.M. E.S.T.: The Board of Education went over preliminary school budget figures to be unveiled at the first meeting of the Annual Budget Committee  Wednesday evening, reporting the first pass at the budget to project a 2005-2006 School budget of $158 Million, (up 9.27% from $143.9 Million in 04-05 at this time) blaming $12 Million in cost increases.

Connors said a discussion of expected revenues would be postponed until City Assessor, Eyde McCarthy addresses the Board of Education on income expected from city Payments in Lieu of Taxes (expected to increase for 2005-2006) and assessments. Ms. McCarthy is to speak to the Board on February 28.

Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connors described the figure  of approximately $158 Million ($157,797,830) as “preliminary,” and that he “fully expects it to go down, not up,” as the fine-tuning of the White Plains City School Budget begins with the Annual Budget Committee meeting Wednesday.

NICK PANARO APPROVED AS ATHLETIC DIRECTOR. Photo by WPCNR News.

In unanimous votes, the Board approved the appointments of Nick Panaro to the position of Coordinator of Athletics, and Jody Cole to the post of Coordinator of Health & Physical Education. The appointments reflect a splitting of the Athletic Director and Coordinator of Health position into two separate positions.

An ebullient Mr. Panaro said he had been a coach in the White Plains school system for 27 years, and that “White Plains is in my blood.” He said he was honored to be selected, and said he was “looking forward to taking the White Plains athletic program, an “A program” and make it the best athletic program around.”

JODY COLE ASSUMES HEALTH COORDINATOR ROLE. Photo by WPCNR News.

Ms. Cole praised the school board for recognizing that one person could not handle the tasks of coordinating athletics and deal with health issues and curricula in one position. She noted that White Plains is the first school district in the state to split the two positions.  

Mr. Panaro and Ms. Cole are appointed to their respective positions for a three year probationary period. Mr. Panaro will earn a salary of $118,000 annually. Ms. Cole will earn $114,000.  The previous athletic director who also handled the health and athletic director duties combined earned in the range of $133,000 a year.