State Of The State Keeps Education Headed In The Right Direction

ALBANY, NY (01/09/2008)(readMedia)-- The School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS) applauds Governor Elliot Spitzer’s efforts to maintain his funding commitment to New York’s public schools as implied in today’s State of the State message.

The governor spoke numerous times on his commitment to funding K-12; at one point stating, “We’re going to fully fund our schools and make them accountable.” SAANYS, as well as the entire education community, will be watching to see if he actually keeps his promise by maintaining funding at the levels promised last year.

SAANYS also strongly supports initiatives to increase the state’s investment to the SUNY / CUNY system, agreeing with the governor that access to quality, affordable, higher education is vital to creating economic opportunities for our young people and the state. It is important, however, that the governor hold true to his statement that privatizing the Lottery to fund such an investment would not interfere with the Lottery’s intended purposed of financially supporting K-12 public education.

SAANYS does not support establishing a property tax cap, believing that property taxes should remain a matter of local control.

Commented SAANYS Executive Director Kevin Casey, “We are on the right track with a commitment to last year’s education initiatives and funding plan. However, amid these efforts, it is critical that professional learning opportunities for school leaders become a part of that long-range commitment, as it is for teachers. Great schools have great school leaders, and the best school leaders are continuously learning in order to bring the most effective practices and ideas into their schools.”

SAANYS represents over 6,800 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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