NYSASBO Partners with Siena Research Institute on Education Poll

ALBANY, NY (05/11/2016)(readMedia)-- The New York State Association of School Business Officials (NYSASBO) has partnered with the Siena Research Institute to conduct a public opinion poll exclusively on public education and school finance. The poll conducted the week of May 2nd – May 5th surveyed 621 residents of New York State outside New York City, of whom 586 were registered voters.

"Education and school finance are a primary concern of both our members (school business officials or the education CFO) and a majority of voters. We therefore decided to conduct a poll before school budget votes on May 17th to get feedback on how voters felt about these matters," stated Michael J. Borges, NYSASBO Executive Director.

"We were both surprised and heartened by the poll results on school finances, particularly the 51 percent who believed they were either paying the right amount or not enough in school taxes, an overwhelming 92 percent believed school districts should develop long range financial plans and the 87 percent who thought districts should have a school business official or education CFO with certified credential in finance and business," stated Mr. Borges.

"NYSASBO hopes our annual surveys with the Siena Research Institute will provide some impartial insight on education and school finance issues as well as lead to greater public understanding of these sometimes complex and politically sensitive topics, "said Mr. Borges.

Poll Highlights:

• Despite 56% of respondents believing that public education in New York State is on the wrong track, 55% believe that their own school district is on the right track.

• While 59% of respondents believe schools do a good job in preparing students for college, only 45% believe schools do a good job preparing students for the workforce.

• 66% of respondents believe their school districts provide a quality education to students at a reasonable cost to taxpayers.

• 53% believe the tax cap should remain 2% or the rate of inflation, whichever is less.

• 92% believe districts should develop long range financial plans. (highest poll results of any question)

• 87% believe districts should employ a school business official or education CFO with certified credentials in finance and business. (second highest poll results of any question)

• 79% of respondents support the community schools model.

• 65% of respondents indicated they would vote on their school district budgets on May 17th.