Executive Budget for 2009-2010, Not a Surprise

The School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS) fully anticipated that the governor's executive budget would include very sharp cuts across all programs. Governor Paterson clearly communicated his intentions in this regard, and he followed-through by recommending a 3.3 percent ($698 million) reduction in state aid compared to the current year. It is important to remember that the proposal released by the governor today is exactly that – a "proposal," and it hopefully provides a starting point for opening and framing discussions. SAANYS is pleased to note the intention of the governor to pursue a number of mandate relief measures and continue phase-in of the Foundation Aid formula.

Said SAANYS Executive Director Kevin Casey, "New York State has made important strides in improving graduation rates and closing the achievement gap. The extreme reductions proposed by the governor today would result in the loss of personnel and the dismantling of education programs and services, which in the end, would disadvantage our students in their pursuit of higher education and employment opportunities."

SAANYS supports the 2009 State Aid Proposal to be advanced by the State Education Department, which calls for a 4.1 percent increase in state aid, but constitutes a $1 billion savings based on the amount budgeted by the governor and legislature in 2007.

SAANYS represents over 7,000 school administrators, supervisors, and coordinators. As a professional association, SAANYS provides direction, service and support to the membership in their efforts to improve the quality of education and leadership in New York State schools. SAANYS is affiliated with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

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