Van Henri White
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{van henri white} |
Van Henri White
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Board Liaison to:
Franklin Campus
Vanguard Collegiate High School
Integrated Arts & Technology High School
Monroe High School
Youth and Justice Program
Schools 19, 36, 41, 50, 54, 57
Term Expires Dec. 2013
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In 1990, Van White returned to his hometown (he attended Number 50 and 22 Schools as a child) to work as a Monroe County Assistant District Attorney.In 1994, Van left the District Attorney's Office to serveas Mayor William A. Johnson's Special Counsel on Crime andViolence Initiatives. In his role asthe City's “Crime Czar,” White dideverything from close down drug houses to start original youthviolence prevention and intervention programming likeLate Night Basketball, Teen Courtand Pathways to Peace. Long afterVan left City Hall, thesegroundbreaking programs continue to positively impact area schoolchildren.
After leaving City Hall,Mr. White opened up his own private law firm where he beganspecializing in cases involving school safety issues -- the most significant ofwhich was Givens v. RCSD. That case(involving the only student killed on City School District property) redefined the legalresponsibilities of school districts when it comes to school safety.
In 2006, believing that he could have a greater impact on improving school safety, by working from “within the system”, Vanran a successful campaign for a vacant seat on the City of Rochester School Board. Since being sworn in January 2007, Van has already become an outspoken advocate for improving school safety, graduation rates, decreasing truancy rates, and attacking the problem of lead poisoning -- which is proven to have a detrimental and devastating effect on the academic performance of urban children.
Mr. White is the father of a recent District graduate and the parent to another child who is currently enrolled in a District school. |
