District overview
Funding structure, how it compares to peers, and where major projects stand.
White Plains is a small-city school district with its own elected Board of Education. Each spring the board adopts a budget and residents vote on it, along with board seats, on the third Tuesday in May. Most money comes from the local property tax levy, which New York's tax cap limits to roughly 2% a year or inflation, whichever is less, plus listed exclusions such as debt payments. The 2026-27 budget is $284,932,300.
The 2026-27 levy is $209,822,066 (up 1.60%), about 74% of revenue. State and federal aid is $55.4 million (19%). The taxpayer share has fallen from 86% in 2021-22 as state aid grew.
When the city and county give developers payment-in-lieu-of-tax (PILOT) deals, property leaves the tax roll and the cap formula. The district says this cost about $2 million in 2026-27 and PILOTs rise each year through 2029-30.
Seven members are elected at large for three-year terms. Three seats (terms ending 2027) are on the May 18, 2027 ballot. Regular meetings are at 6:30 p.m., usually the second Monday. Rosemarie Eller is president; Dr. Joseph L. Ricca is superintendent.
The district estimates $140.0 million in restricted reserves and 4.00% unrestricted fund balance at June 30, 2026. In 2022 voters approved a $60 million bond; the district plans to issue about $50 million of it ($30 million in June 2026, $20 million in June 2027).
Projected gaps do not mean cuts are coming. The district has closed past gaps with savings, aid increases, a retirement incentive and contract talks, and says it will protect programs. The plan's forecasts depend on state aid, federal funding and assumptions that can change.
Up 2.5% from $277,965,500 in 2025-26.
Up 1.60%. The city estimated a 2.90% tax bill increase for a home assessed at $15,000 because taxable property fell.
Up from $49,655,615.
Down 1.83% from 6,887 the year before. The long-range plan projects about 6,700 students for the next ten years.
Context: $284,932,300 divided by 6,761 students. It includes debt, transportation and employee benefits, so it is not what is spent in a classroom.
Unrestricted fund balance is 4.00% of the budget, at the legal limit.
Vote held May 19, 2026.
Before the district acts. The gap is $8.7 million in 2027-28 and $16.3 million in 2028-29.
About 74% instructional, 22% non-instructional support, 4% administrators.
A new addition at the high school. Builders report it is weather-tight and ahead of schedule, with finishes starting this fall. The district hopes to open it in spring 2027. Utility work will close lanes on North Street for several weeks.
2022 voter-approved bond (up to $60 million authorized; about $50 million planned to be issued) and capital reserves
Favorable bids mean the district expects to borrow less.
A phased classroom renovation of about 30 classrooms with new windows, ceilings, lighting and air conditioning. The August 28, 2026 contract date was missed. About five classrooms remain and the gym skylights are not expected until early winter.
Capital project funds from the 2022 bond and reserves
The district builds each year's budget from a five-year plan. This year's plan must address projected gaps starting in 2027-28. The public can give input by email and at a Zoom session on October 26.
General fund: property tax levy, state aid and other revenue
After a state review, the district worked with outside consultants on a plan to improve special education. A board member reported compliance up from 47% to 94% and removal from the state intervention list.
General fund; new 8:1:2 classes at Highlands and the high school paid for by reallocating existing staff
White Plains
Three seats on the seven-member board are up for three-year terms beginning July 1, 2027. Candidates need 100 voter signatures; petitions are due April 28, 2027 at 5 p.m.
Official source · verified Oct 20, 2026
White Plains
Voters decide the 2027-28 school district budget on the third Tuesday in May. The board plans to adopt the proposed budget April 12, 2027 after a hearing schedule listed in the district's budget calendar.
Official source · verified Oct 20, 2026
White Plains · $284,932,300
Voters approved the $284,932,300 budget for 2026-27 with 92% of the vote, according to the board president.
Official source · verified Oct 20, 2026
White Plains · $60,000,000
Voters approved a capital bond and capital reserve that fund the High School Innovation Wing and other building projects. The district plans to issue about $50 million of the $60 million authorized.
Official source · verified Oct 20, 2026
Built from the district's official Board reports, Board meeting recordings (auto-generated captions), budget and long-range-plan documents, audit committee minutes, the Code of Conduct and capital project presentations, read in date order. Figures marked verified come from a named district document; calculations and outside facts are labeled context.
We read every agenda, packet, recording, and set of minutes, and write up the decisions that affect families — each one linked to the document it came from.
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