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Keeping Our Future Bright: Improving Education In New York
by Assemblyman Willis H. Stephens, Jr.
Through education our children develop the knowledge, skill and character to follow their goals. Therefore, there is no better investment we make than in the education of our young.
In New York state, lawmakers understand the challenge of preparing our children for the future, and have responded accordingly. Over the last four years, school aid has increased in record amounts. Last year’s budget included an incredible $13.6 billion in school aid, a $1.1 billion increase over the previous year’s budget. In 2001, I will work to ensure these increases in funding continue.
Under the current system of funding, state school aid is funneled through a complicated system that often does not effectively address schools’ needs. Many districts are unable to fully utilize these important increases in funding due to this outdated system. We need a more effective method of distributing aid to ensure the constant improvement and advancement of our schools.
In his annual budget proposal, Gov. George Pataki introduced a concept he has called "Flex-Aid" to address these funding problems. "Flex-Aid" is an innovative program that would simplify the current system by consolidating the 11 school aid categories into one, allowing greater flexibility in the use of school funding. This increased flexibility would give administrators, those who are intimately familiar with their particular school’s strengths and weaknesses, the much-needed authority to direct over $9.8 billion to major problems in their district. ,
For years, I have heard the concerns of school administrators who, while grateful for their school aid, can now determine their areas of highest need. Therefore guaranteeing children in Dutchess and Putnam counties will receive the best education possible. For example, one school could use funding to catch-up with the ongoing advancements in technology by purchasing new computer systems or software, while another school could use state aid to reduce class size or expand a pre-kindergarten program.
It is essential we encourage districts to meet and exceed school standards, and reward them accordingly. "Flex-Aid" would do just that by increasing the amount of flexible support those districts receive each year. Flexible aid would also be increased for districts, based on economic and educational steeds to raise educational standards.
We must also strive to fill our classrooms with highly qualified teachers and aides. I applaud the governor for his continued commitment to "Teachers for Tomorrow," the highly successful program that helps recruit, retain and upgrade teachers throughout the state. It is also essential that we continue to support career ladders - to help teachers’ aides obtain their teaching certification, and develop alternative paths of certification to attract dedicated and talented people to the field of education.
Today’s children are the leaders of the future, and it is our duty to ensure they receive the best education possible.
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