School Administrators Assn. Responds to Governor's Executive Budget Proposal

ALBANY, NY (02/01/2023) (readMedia)-- The School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS), was pleased to hear Governor Hochul emphasis her continued commitment to ensuring that all students have a "good, quality, education" in today's state budget presentation. SAANYS agrees with the governor that our students have been "through too much over the past few years" and that we have a great responsibility to make our students whole.

Regarding the governor's education budget priorities, SAANYS applauds the proposed 10 percent ($34.5 billion total) increase in state aid to schools, which is inclusive of a $2.7 billion increase in Foundation Aid to achieve its full phase-in. SAANYS also supports the governor's commitment to increasing funding for school-based mental health care; securing insurance coverage for mental health programs and services; and funding to expand prekindergarten and corresponding funding for childcare.

However, SAANYS is disappointed that the governor has not included additional state funding to provide universal meals for all students. Commented SAANYS Executive Director Kevin Casey, "Assuring all students are provided with healthy school meals is at the core of preparing young people to succeed and thrive at school. No student should go through the day hungry or anxious about accessing their next meal. Providing universal school meals is a commonsense way to fully support our students and families, especially during these difficult economic times."

SAANYS represents over 14,000 school administrators, supervisors, and coordinators throughout the state. As a professional association, SAANYS is committed to providing 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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