Statement From Dr. Thomas L. Rogers, Executive Director Of New York State Council Of School Superintendents:

ALBANY, NY (01/07/2009)(readMedia)-- "Governor Paterson is right: 'The only way to restore our long-term economic competitiveness is to build the world's best system of education.'

We urge Governor Paterson and our legislative leaders not to overlook the progress we are making and to maintain our commitment to providing the future of our State with the best possible opportunities.

The strong school aid increases of recent years are one investment that is paying off for New York State's future. They have helped school leaders hold down local property tax increases, improve learning opportunities for students, and achieve high rates of voter approval for school budgets.

We build on a strong foundation. A report out this week from Education Week again gives our education system among the best grades of any state. We rank at the top in the quality of our standards and assessments and in our efforts to expand access to preschool. We can point to broad gains in state test results and improvements in graduation rates.

Superintendents must do what state officials do - construct budgets that balance the services that citizens need with costs that taxpayers can afford.

A top priority for state leaders and school leaders now should be to work together to give schools more tools to restrain costs and operate more efficiently.

We appreciate the hard choices facing Governor Paterson and the Legislature. Our job now is to make the strongest case we can for maintaining the state's commitment to our schools, so that they can lead the way in restoring our long-term competitiveness."

- 30 -

The New York State Council of School Superintendents is the professional association of more than 700 superintendents and other school district leaders.