November 2001 Vol. XV, No.9

LEGISLATURE RETURNS TO ‘FINISH’ WORK ON STATE BUDGET

The State Legislature returned to Albany the week of October 22^nd to complete * work on the State Budget for 2001-2002. Only a handful of education matters were resolved, but, significantly, Special Aid to Small City School Districts (Hurd Aid) was one issue that did get attention and the $12 million (16%) cut in this aid was eliminated. Although this restoration of aid does not remedy all the damage done in the Base Budget, it nevertheless is a major step in the right direction, showing that the Legislature and Governor appreciate that Hurd Aid has become an essential component of base operating aids for small city districts. The Budget bills are S.5828/A.9459 and S.5824/A.9458 and have been summarized in a memorandum sent last week by fax and email dated November 1,2001. If you did not receive it, it can be accessed on the Association website, scsd.neric.org. In addition, a more in depth analysis of these Budget bills prepared by Charlie Winters, NYSASCSD consultant, and will be distributed to Association Board members, the state aid committee and available on the website.

*Nevertheless, reports are that the Legislature will return to Albany after Thanksgiving. Therefore, the Budget still may be amended further.

SMALL CITY SCHOOL BREAKFAST IN BUFFALO

Small City School District breakfast was held on October 19 in Buffalo in conjunction with the School Board’s Association Annual Convention. In attendance were the Association’s President, Kevin Barrett and former Presidents Tom McGowan, George Hamaty and Sandy Lockwood. Sandy, who is currently an Association Board Member, is also the new New York State School Board’s President for 2002. John Clarkson, assistant to State Comptroller Carl McCall for education matters, also attended. The guest speaker was Assemblyman Paul Tokasz, representing Buffalo and Cheektowaga. Assemblyman Tokasz has a strong background in education, having a masters degree in education, and experience as an elementary school teacher. He is now the new Majority Leader of the Assembly. After his remarks at the breakfast discussion followed:

Bob Lupinkski, Glen Cove CSD: Where are aid runs for base line budget? These are needed for next year’s planning.

Assy. Tokasz: The Legislature returns next week to finish the budget and it will reflect the much lower revenues that are now available for education. I don’t believe new runs will be available; the base budget approved aid shown in the Governor’s Budget runs except for building aid and special education.

Dr. McCloskie, President, Poughkeepsie CSD School Board: We understand the problems facing the Legislature stemming from September 11^th, but what happened during April-August this year: why wasn’ t the budget passed then? This year can’t be repeated, we need a budget on time next year.

Assy. Tokasz: In 1999 the Governor vetoed $1 billion in aid after conference committees had worked to develop a bipartisan budget. This year the Governor introduced his budget, said he did his job and walked away from negotiations.

Kevin Davis, Auburn CSD School Board: There is a lack of confidence in State Government that it can do its job. Leadership is needed.

Renee Knight, Lockport, CSD: On the subject of Charter Schools, we must stop funding experimental, private schools unless public schools don’t fund them.

Robert Collier, Poughkeepsie, CSD: Why not fund a separate pilot project first, before approving Charter Schools statewide?

Assy. Tokasz: The Assembly budget had proposed supplemental aid for districts with Charter Schools -not likely to be approved by Governor.

Tim McGowan, Glens Falls: Why not suspend budget votes if the State Budget is not approved?

Marti Stayton, Oneonta: Predictability in funding is essential . The 2 year budget plan of the Assembly was a good approach. In addition,, access to public power would be good for schools.

Assy. Tokasz: Assembly Energy policy recommends that for non-profits. Responding to the question about mandate relief, we need to hear specifics. Responding to the question about the comments on new charter schools ,of the 23 million dollar shortfall in the Buffalo CSD budget,11 million is from the cost of charter schools and the for profit management groups which are from out of state.

REGENTS PUBLIC POLICY CONFERENCE

The Regents held a conference in Albany on November 7, 2001 to discuss several principal issues, including how to build capacity for implementation of the learning standards. The questions posed and the discussion relative to building capacity are summarized as follows:

Questions:

1) Teacher and administrative recruitment efforts-how to improve quality;

2) Teacher and administrative professional development-how to improve (in 2003 teachers must have 175 hours of professional development);

3) Technology-how to improve use; and

4) Barriers to learning:

-how to break them down

-attendance, how to improve

-drop outs, how to reduce

-mental, nutritional needs, how to provide

-extra time for after work, how to provide

TECHNOLOGY

Comments:

1) We are only scratching the surface on the potential uses of technology, e.g., distance learning;

2) Awareness needs to be increased about available technology;

3) There is a great “digital divide” between poorer and wealthier districts

4) Distance learning has been shown by a NYSUT study to be less cost effective than face to face teaching

5) Software is often not aligned with the standards

6) Technology can be used for children with disabilities

7) Teacher centers have superior facilities but centers are not located everywhere and so there are gaps statewide

8) Online Academy for Teaching is available with lesson plans

BARRIERS TO LEARNING

Comments:

1) Non disabled students need an “IEP” type plan;

2) AIS is not consistently provided throughout schools and should be;

3) Need to identify high need/poverty schools which performed well and learn from them;

4) Regents should allow districts to mandate participation in AIS;

5) Lack of coordination of community wide services e.g., social services-pilot programs have shown the effectiveness of this approach;

6) Intensive investment of resources in early childhood is especially important.

TEACHER/ADMINISTRATOR RECRUITMENT

Comments:

1) Provide access to teaching for qualified persons from outside the teaching profession by providing waivers of requirements;

2) Distance learning and on line programs can access higher quality instruction e.g., scientists;

3) Need to protect the integrity of teacher preparation programs.

WELCOME TO NEW SUPERINTENDENT OF PORT JERVIS CSD

The Association welcomes the newly appointed Superintendent for Port Jervis CSD, Robert B. Witherow. Superintendent Witherow was hired by the Port Jervis City School District in 1965 as a Social Studies Teacher. He was Dean of Students for four (4) years, Head Dean of Students at the High School for two (2) years, High School Assistant Principal for (3) three years and Middle School Principal for five (5) years. In 1997 he became Assistant Superintendent for Instruction. On July 01, 2001, he became Superintendent of Schools of the Port Jervis City School District.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Date and Time Location Event

November 30,2001 Education Bldg,Albany Board
Meeting with Comr Mills

10:30 am-11:00am

November 30,2001 DeGraff-Foy offices, Albany Board Meeting

12:00-2:30pm

January__, 2002 (tentative) Mid-Hudson Location Regional Meeting-Mid Hudson Valley

January 13,2002 Desmond Hotel, Albany Board Meeting

1:30pm-4:00pm

March 26,2002 Fort Orange Club, Albany Legislative breakfast and seminar

8:00am-1:30pm

August 18 and 19,2002 Statler Hotel, Cornell University Summer Conference and Annual Meeting