WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS.  July 23, 2008: The Board of Education approved paying $800,259,000 in certiorari refunds to commercial properties on Mamaroneck Avenue and in immediate adjacent vicinity in the city last night. The payout showed how, for every $1 the city agrees to give back in tax refunds, primarily due to the equalization rate, according to city and school district officials, the school board gives back $4.

In other action, the Board approved a new floor for the Post Road School Gymnasium; also approved installation of a new scoreboard at Loucks Field, and a new contract with their public relations agency. Summer School Attendance across all grades was announced as 1,500 (21% of enrollment).

 Clerk to the Board of Education Michele Schoenfeld reported to WPCNR today, that $621,000 to 8 Silverman Realty properties, and $178,000 to the Broadmar property on 277 Martine Avenue (where Mercy College and the restaurant Prophecy  are among the tenants). The approval came two weeks after the City of White Plains approved a total of $241,275.05 in refunds on the same properties.  The reduced assessments of the properties  totaling $528,780 is reflected in this year’s tax roll.

In other business, the Board approved $51,300 to replace the Post Road Gymnasium floor (which will be covered by insurance), which was flooded as a result of inadequate drainage resulting from the new Post Road School construction.

The Board also approved spending $104,000 for a new Loucks Field Scoreboard at White Plains High School. It is hoped that the White Plains High School Athletic Foundation will contribute to the cost. Details on the features of the scoreboard are being sought.

The school also rehired Syntax Communications as its public relations consultant at a cost of $22,000 a year, 37% of which will be paid back through BOCES.

The Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connors reported that the Post Road School  and Mamaroneck Avenue School construction is proceeding on-time and on-budget.

The Superintendent noted Summer School in White Plains had 1,500 children enrolled. The enrollment has 600 children in Grades K-5; 350 from the Middle School and 560 at the High School.