The annual school budget vote and school board election takes place Tuesday, May 21 from noon to 9 p.m.
When the development of the 2013-14 budget began, the Board of Education was faced with the challenge of closing a $1.9 million budget gap, due to continued decreases in state and federal aid and rising contractual and operational costs.
Difficult choices were made in closing the gap, including reductions in staffing, the elimination of after-school clubs and the high school summer school program, the consolidation of modified and junior varsity teams, along with other cost-cutting measures. Despite these cuts, the proposed $23.5 million school budget that the community will vote on Tuesday maintains academic programs for our students.
Every resident of this community 18 and older has a voice in the funding and elected leadership of our school district. Whether you’ve been voting for years or will cast your first ballot on Tuesday, whatever your opinion may be, I encourage you to vote. I only ask that you learn as much about the proposed budget as possible before you head to your polling location. Please visit the district's budget web page, where you can find an extensive Budget Q & A, and read the budget newsletter, which was mailed to residents earlier this month. All provide detailed information about the proposed 2013-14 school budget and its impact on our schools and community.
Voting will take place Tuesday from noon to 9 p.m. at four polling sites throughout the city. Every vote matters!
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Thank you teachers!
Around the country, this is National Teacher Appreciation Week (May 6-10), and it is my sincere pleasure to recognize and thank all the educators who not only teach but also care for and serve as role models for students in Watervliet schools.
Our students rely on teachers more than ever. As the real world becomes increasingly more challenging, we must ensure that our students are equipped with the skills they need to be college and career ready, starting in Pre-K and lasting through graduation day. Despite dwindling resources and ever-increasing expectations, our teachers continue to rise to the occasion and bring their “A-game” for every student, every day.
Every teacher here plays a crucial role in making sure every student receives a quality education not only this week, but every day, every week, all year long.
I observe so many great things happening in classrooms throughout this district on a daily basis, and I am truly honored to work with such dedicated, hard-working and talented professionals. So please join me in honoring our district’s teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make in the lives of our students and families.
Thank you teachers!
Our students rely on teachers more than ever. As the real world becomes increasingly more challenging, we must ensure that our students are equipped with the skills they need to be college and career ready, starting in Pre-K and lasting through graduation day. Despite dwindling resources and ever-increasing expectations, our teachers continue to rise to the occasion and bring their “A-game” for every student, every day.
Every teacher here plays a crucial role in making sure every student receives a quality education not only this week, but every day, every week, all year long.
I observe so many great things happening in classrooms throughout this district on a daily basis, and I am truly honored to work with such dedicated, hard-working and talented professionals. So please join me in honoring our district’s teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make in the lives of our students and families.
Thank you teachers!
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
State tests: Why your child should take them
The New York State testing cycle will begin on April 16 with students in grades 3-8 taking English language arts (ELA) tests. The state math assessments will follow beginning April 24.
These tests provide crucial information for teachers as they shape and modify curriculum and lesson plans. Data from these tests (along with other measures our district uses, such as the NWEA tests, classroom participation and performance on assignments) allow teachers and administrators to gauge how students are progressing academically, and ultimately prepare all students to graduate college and career ready. The test results help identify which skills and concepts students are having difficulty understanding so that teachers may offer the appropriate instructional interventions needed to help struggling learners improve.
With the integration of the new Common Core Learning Standards this year and the shift to more rigorous state ELA and math tests, it is understandable that some children may experience a certain amount of stress, which can cause concern for parents.
Recent media reports suggest a backlash from some educators and parents around the state regarding this year’s standardized tests based on the new learning standards, which they say have been implemented without sufficient time for students or educators to fully adjust to the new material that is being taught and which will be tested. Some have recommended that parents opt out of having their children participate in the testing.
Question of compliance
Whether or not you agree with the state’s testing procedures, discouraging students from taking the tests is not the solution. Right now, the state’s accountability system requires that schools have a 95 percent participation rate in the assessments. An article by the New York State Association of School Attorneys (NYSASA) emphasizes that under current law and State Education Department regulations, student opt-outs from state assessments are not permitted, except in certain circumstances involving students with disabilities.
The NYSASA article, which will appear in the next issue of On Board published by the New York State School Boards Association, outlines potential consequences for students and school districts should participation in state testing fall below the required threshold. If a district does not reach the 95 percent participation rate in its schools, it will not make “Adequate Yearly Progress” (AYP), and that may affect a district’s Title I funding. Schools that do not meet AYP could also face intervention consequences.
More importantly, assessment results let parents and teachers know how students are progressing relative to the new, more rigorous Common Core Learning Standards. When students do not participate, building principals and teachers lose an important tool for helping determine the types of additional academic support individual students need to reach expectations at each grade level.
Preparing our students
I want to reassure parents that our district is now and will continue making every effort to ease any anxiety students might be feeling as the testing dates draw near. Our junior high teachers have been offering review classes for students in grades 7 and 8 in advance of the state math tests. Grades K-8 teachers have also shared tips and strategies during recent Literacy and Math Nights at the elementary school for parents to use at home to reinforce their children’s reading, writing and math skills.
Additionally, our teachers have been preparing for the implementation of the Common Core for the past two years through a combination of internal and external professional development. We continue to work with literacy and math coaches from the Capital Region BOCES and offer 40 minutes of professional development in those subject areas each week for our teachers. The instructional materials and textbooks our students use in the classroom are also aligned to the new Common Core.
During a visit to Watervliet Elementary School last month, New York’s Deputy Commissioner of Education Dr. Ken Slentz explained to parents that the State Education Department anticipates results from this year’s new grades 3-8 assessments will drop, in some cases significantly, compared with prior years because of the more rigorous learning standards. “Skill sets have become more complex and expectations have increased,” Dr. Slentz said, “this does not mean that kids are learning less or teachers are not teaching.” It is important that we all keep this in mind when test scores are released next year.
In the meantime, I ask that you continue to support your children’s participation in the state assessments this year and every year that it is required by the state.
These tests provide crucial information for teachers as they shape and modify curriculum and lesson plans. Data from these tests (along with other measures our district uses, such as the NWEA tests, classroom participation and performance on assignments) allow teachers and administrators to gauge how students are progressing academically, and ultimately prepare all students to graduate college and career ready. The test results help identify which skills and concepts students are having difficulty understanding so that teachers may offer the appropriate instructional interventions needed to help struggling learners improve.
With the integration of the new Common Core Learning Standards this year and the shift to more rigorous state ELA and math tests, it is understandable that some children may experience a certain amount of stress, which can cause concern for parents.
Recent media reports suggest a backlash from some educators and parents around the state regarding this year’s standardized tests based on the new learning standards, which they say have been implemented without sufficient time for students or educators to fully adjust to the new material that is being taught and which will be tested. Some have recommended that parents opt out of having their children participate in the testing.
Question of compliance
Whether or not you agree with the state’s testing procedures, discouraging students from taking the tests is not the solution. Right now, the state’s accountability system requires that schools have a 95 percent participation rate in the assessments. An article by the New York State Association of School Attorneys (NYSASA) emphasizes that under current law and State Education Department regulations, student opt-outs from state assessments are not permitted, except in certain circumstances involving students with disabilities.
The NYSASA article, which will appear in the next issue of On Board published by the New York State School Boards Association, outlines potential consequences for students and school districts should participation in state testing fall below the required threshold. If a district does not reach the 95 percent participation rate in its schools, it will not make “Adequate Yearly Progress” (AYP), and that may affect a district’s Title I funding. Schools that do not meet AYP could also face intervention consequences.
More importantly, assessment results let parents and teachers know how students are progressing relative to the new, more rigorous Common Core Learning Standards. When students do not participate, building principals and teachers lose an important tool for helping determine the types of additional academic support individual students need to reach expectations at each grade level.
Preparing our students
I want to reassure parents that our district is now and will continue making every effort to ease any anxiety students might be feeling as the testing dates draw near. Our junior high teachers have been offering review classes for students in grades 7 and 8 in advance of the state math tests. Grades K-8 teachers have also shared tips and strategies during recent Literacy and Math Nights at the elementary school for parents to use at home to reinforce their children’s reading, writing and math skills.
Additionally, our teachers have been preparing for the implementation of the Common Core for the past two years through a combination of internal and external professional development. We continue to work with literacy and math coaches from the Capital Region BOCES and offer 40 minutes of professional development in those subject areas each week for our teachers. The instructional materials and textbooks our students use in the classroom are also aligned to the new Common Core.
During a visit to Watervliet Elementary School last month, New York’s Deputy Commissioner of Education Dr. Ken Slentz explained to parents that the State Education Department anticipates results from this year’s new grades 3-8 assessments will drop, in some cases significantly, compared with prior years because of the more rigorous learning standards. “Skill sets have become more complex and expectations have increased,” Dr. Slentz said, “this does not mean that kids are learning less or teachers are not teaching.” It is important that we all keep this in mind when test scores are released next year.
In the meantime, I ask that you continue to support your children’s participation in the state assessments this year and every year that it is required by the state.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Students take a stand for our schools
On Thursday, Feb. 28, a group of about 30 high school students—consisting mostly of 10th and 11th graders—teachers and WTA co-presidents Scott Emerson and Peter Strand, teaching assistant Jeff DiPaolo, Board President Mark Scully and I visited the State Capitol.
This field trip was far more than a tour of the Capitol—a building rich with history and amazing architecture that is worth a visit if you haven’t been there in recent years—it was a unique educational opportunity that offered students a personal, hands-on experience with democracy.
Throughout the day, students met with and spoke to Watervliet’s elected officials Senator Neil Breslin and Assemblyman John McDonald, and other legislators including Assemblyman Phil Steck and the senate and assembly education committee chairpersons, Sen. John Flanagan and a representative of Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan.
I could not be more proud of the way the students conducted themselves and represented our school district and the city. They did an incredible job of articulating their thoughts about the education they are receiving in our schools, and spoke politely and sincerely when sharing their concerns about the significant impact proposed school budget cuts will have on them and their peers.
One of the most productive meetings of the day was with Sen. Flanagan who chairs the NYS Senate Education Committee. He welcomed the students, asked them many questions and listened intently as they voiced their concerns about the potential elimination of Advanced Placement courses and extracurricular opportunities next year. Students discussed the effect this loss will have when applying to college and competing with other students locally and across the state whose transcripts are more diverse and rich because their schools have not had to make such deep cuts. Speaking directly to the students, Sen. Flanagan promised that he and his colleagues in the Legislature would make every effort during state budget negotiations to redirect as much funding as possible back to school districts to help ease the fiscal pressures and reverse the need for reductions in programs and services.
I hope that students learned from this experience that legislators are interested in hearing directly from their constituents—even the younger voices that cannot yet vote—and that it is important to voice your opinions and stand up for what you believe in.
I invite everyone in the community—parents, staff, teachers, students, grandparents and residents—to do the same: write, call, e-mail or even meet with our elected officials and advocate for Watervliet City schools, especially if you are concerned about the academic programs, extracurricular opportunities and support services that are in jeopardy next year.
Next week, the WES PTA is sponsoring a letter-writing event for parents during their meeting on Tuesday, March 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the elementary school cafeteria. The PTA will have materials to make it as easy as possible for you to show your support for our schools.
Other upcoming events that you can attend to learn more about the district’s fiscal challenges and provide feedback that will help us make important decisions as we develop the 2013-14 school budget include:
We all want what is best for our students and must work together to find solutions to the significant challenges we are facing. Please be an advocate for our schools and for public education in an effort to ensure a quality education for every student every day.
- Tuesday, March 12, Board of Education Meeting, 7 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 27, Special Board of Education Meeting/Public Budget Workshop, 7 p.m.
- Tuesday, April 9, WES PTA Meeting, Budget Presentation/Workshop, 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday, April 13, Budget Breakfast, 10 a.m. (light breakfast fare courtesy of the Gourmet Foods Class)
We all want what is best for our students and must work together to find solutions to the significant challenges we are facing. Please be an advocate for our schools and for public education in an effort to ensure a quality education for every student every day.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Urgent education reform absent from State of the State
Governor Andrew Cuomo gave his State of the State address last week and is expected to present his Executive Budget early next week.
In his State of the State, the governor made “jobs and education” a focal point of his blueprint for economic development and recovery in the state. He also spoke about a number of worthwhile education reforms for New York (one of which was early childhood education that I’m proud to say our district already provides with our UPK program). The governor spent roughly 7 minutes of an hour-plus speech outlining recommendations for improving K-12 education in the state, but interestingly, gave little indication as to how these many reforms would be funded.
What is even more concerning is the lack of attention Gov. Cuomo has paid to another significant and more pressing reform: fixing the state’s flawed state aid formulas that result in inequitable distribution of funding to the small city schools and rural districts that need it most.
A high quality education is important to our state’s prosperity, our country’s future—but equally as important, it is vital for the success of the children in this district and across the state. As superintendent of the Watervliet City School District, my priority remains our district’s ability to provide a high quality educational programs that will help students achieve their goals—whether it be attaining higher education, pursuing a career path or both.
Given the state’s deficit and the anemic economic recovery, I recognize that state leaders are in no position to offer schools more in the way of funding, but they can and should change the formulas to fix the glaring inequities in the allocation of state aid. Our state leaders must also tackle the issue of unfunded mandates that are crippling our ability in Watervliet—and in many other school districts across the state—to preserve the academic programs students need in order to be college and career ready upon graduation.
If these issues go unresolved, our district and others will continue to move closer to insolvency. If you value education as I do, I strongly encourage you to help advocate for our schools. Watervliet has assembled a stakeholder team and will join with 46 other Capital Region school districts for a regional advocacy event featuring Dr. Rick Timbs of the Statewide School Finance Consortium, to learn about the severity of the fiscal crisis that is looming for schools throughout our area and what we, as a community, can do to have our voices heard and advocate for solutions. The forum, 'Your Schools in Fiscal Peril - Running Out of Time & Options,' will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 31 at Columbia High School in East Greenbush. I encourage you to call my office at 629-3201 if you are interested in participating in the Jan. 31 event or just want more information about how you can help advocate for education and our schools.
The entire WCSD staff, Board of Education and I will continue to fight to preserve programs and people that will afford our students the top-notch education they are entitled to. We will advocate for every student, every day.
In his State of the State, the governor made “jobs and education” a focal point of his blueprint for economic development and recovery in the state. He also spoke about a number of worthwhile education reforms for New York (one of which was early childhood education that I’m proud to say our district already provides with our UPK program). The governor spent roughly 7 minutes of an hour-plus speech outlining recommendations for improving K-12 education in the state, but interestingly, gave little indication as to how these many reforms would be funded.
What is even more concerning is the lack of attention Gov. Cuomo has paid to another significant and more pressing reform: fixing the state’s flawed state aid formulas that result in inequitable distribution of funding to the small city schools and rural districts that need it most.
A high quality education is important to our state’s prosperity, our country’s future—but equally as important, it is vital for the success of the children in this district and across the state. As superintendent of the Watervliet City School District, my priority remains our district’s ability to provide a high quality educational programs that will help students achieve their goals—whether it be attaining higher education, pursuing a career path or both.
Given the state’s deficit and the anemic economic recovery, I recognize that state leaders are in no position to offer schools more in the way of funding, but they can and should change the formulas to fix the glaring inequities in the allocation of state aid. Our state leaders must also tackle the issue of unfunded mandates that are crippling our ability in Watervliet—and in many other school districts across the state—to preserve the academic programs students need in order to be college and career ready upon graduation.
If these issues go unresolved, our district and others will continue to move closer to insolvency. If you value education as I do, I strongly encourage you to help advocate for our schools. Watervliet has assembled a stakeholder team and will join with 46 other Capital Region school districts for a regional advocacy event featuring Dr. Rick Timbs of the Statewide School Finance Consortium, to learn about the severity of the fiscal crisis that is looming for schools throughout our area and what we, as a community, can do to have our voices heard and advocate for solutions. The forum, 'Your Schools in Fiscal Peril - Running Out of Time & Options,' will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 31 at Columbia High School in East Greenbush. I encourage you to call my office at 629-3201 if you are interested in participating in the Jan. 31 event or just want more information about how you can help advocate for education and our schools.
The entire WCSD staff, Board of Education and I will continue to fight to preserve programs and people that will afford our students the top-notch education they are entitled to. We will advocate for every student, every day.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Holidays a time to reflect
The holidays are often a time to reflect on the year that has passed and look ahead to a new year.
Recent events have cast a solemn mood over the season—the tragic accident that claimed the lives of two Shen students and seriously injured two others, and the unspeakable violence in a Newtown Connecticut school that has shattered the lives of so many families. These heartbreaking tragedies make us think about and appreciate even more the good in our own lives.
Throughout the past week, I have had the privilege of attending concerts at both the high school and the elementary school, and have been reminded of the talent and abilities of our students from the elementary level through the middle and high school grades. The performances by the Garnet and Grey Band and the Cannoneer chorus under the direction of Mrs. Terry Bradway and Mr. Joseph Bonville, as well as the elementary school band and chorus led by Mr. Jeff Roberts and Mrs. Mary Collett—were outstanding. I applaud our student musicians of all ages for their effort and dedication to learning the music and practicing the songs, and presenting thoroughly enjoyable performances for family, friends, fellow students and staff.
The wrestling team held its annual Teacher Appreciation Night on Dec. 13 to recognize educators who have encouraged and supported the wrestling program and its student athletes. Each wrestler invited a teacher, administrator or other staff member to attend the evening’s matches as the wrestler’s guest. I was honored to be among the approximately 30 educators who were recognized that evening. I thank Coach Dennis Lane and Coach Dan Mueller for taking the initiative each year to organize this event that brings together our staff and student athletes.
Having worked in the district for several years—as the high school principal and now as the superintendent—I am grateful for all the dedicated and talented educators who work in our Watervliet schools. I know they are commited to ensuring the success of our students—academically and personally—I see it every day. So many of our teachers go above and beyond their classroom responsibilities, investing additional hours advising extracurricular clubs, coaching our athletic teams, and providing homework and Regents review help. I celebrate our teachers and the gifts of time and talent that they give every student, every day.
I appreciate, too, the parents and community members who turn out to support our students and our schools at events throughout the school year.
Since September, our district has also had the good fortune to have been awarded two state grants that will have a direct and positive impact on education in the years to come. One of the grants will fund professional development initiatives to strengthen classroom instruction and improve student learning. The other grant will help establish new virtual Advanced Placement (AP) courses for students in Watervliet and six other area schools. This grant will also pay exam fees for low-income students enrolled in AP classes, which could help them earn college credit while in high school.
I hope you will take time this holiday season to reflect upon the positive aspects of your lives, and enjoy the most precious gift of all—time spent with family and friends. May you all enjoy a relaxing and peaceful holiday season.
Recent events have cast a solemn mood over the season—the tragic accident that claimed the lives of two Shen students and seriously injured two others, and the unspeakable violence in a Newtown Connecticut school that has shattered the lives of so many families. These heartbreaking tragedies make us think about and appreciate even more the good in our own lives.
Throughout the past week, I have had the privilege of attending concerts at both the high school and the elementary school, and have been reminded of the talent and abilities of our students from the elementary level through the middle and high school grades. The performances by the Garnet and Grey Band and the Cannoneer chorus under the direction of Mrs. Terry Bradway and Mr. Joseph Bonville, as well as the elementary school band and chorus led by Mr. Jeff Roberts and Mrs. Mary Collett—were outstanding. I applaud our student musicians of all ages for their effort and dedication to learning the music and practicing the songs, and presenting thoroughly enjoyable performances for family, friends, fellow students and staff.
The wrestling team held its annual Teacher Appreciation Night on Dec. 13 to recognize educators who have encouraged and supported the wrestling program and its student athletes. Each wrestler invited a teacher, administrator or other staff member to attend the evening’s matches as the wrestler’s guest. I was honored to be among the approximately 30 educators who were recognized that evening. I thank Coach Dennis Lane and Coach Dan Mueller for taking the initiative each year to organize this event that brings together our staff and student athletes.
Having worked in the district for several years—as the high school principal and now as the superintendent—I am grateful for all the dedicated and talented educators who work in our Watervliet schools. I know they are commited to ensuring the success of our students—academically and personally—I see it every day. So many of our teachers go above and beyond their classroom responsibilities, investing additional hours advising extracurricular clubs, coaching our athletic teams, and providing homework and Regents review help. I celebrate our teachers and the gifts of time and talent that they give every student, every day.
I appreciate, too, the parents and community members who turn out to support our students and our schools at events throughout the school year.
Since September, our district has also had the good fortune to have been awarded two state grants that will have a direct and positive impact on education in the years to come. One of the grants will fund professional development initiatives to strengthen classroom instruction and improve student learning. The other grant will help establish new virtual Advanced Placement (AP) courses for students in Watervliet and six other area schools. This grant will also pay exam fees for low-income students enrolled in AP classes, which could help them earn college credit while in high school.
I hope you will take time this holiday season to reflect upon the positive aspects of your lives, and enjoy the most precious gift of all—time spent with family and friends. May you all enjoy a relaxing and peaceful holiday season.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Education's fiscal cliff
You may be familiar with or have heard the phrase “fiscal cliff” quite a bit recently. Journalists and news commentators have adopted this phrase when referring to the nation’s economy and the national debt.
For school districts this phrase is not new. Many districts around New York State—small city schools and rural schools alike—have been heading toward a fiscal cliff for the past few years as the costs associated with education continue to escalate, while state aid and other revenues continue to shrink or disappear.
In the past two years, our school district has been able to avoid the “fiscal cliff” despite significant decreases in state aid and the state’s tax levy cap, which limits the amount schools can raise in property taxes to balance their budgets. When the tax levy cap was introduced, Governor Andrew Cuomo promised to deliver mandate relief along with it to help ease the financial burden on school districts and municipalities, however to date, no meaningful mandate relief has materialized.
In Watervliet, we have made some difficult decisions to close fiscal gaps during the last two budget cycles. To balance our current school budget, the district had to eliminate approximately 14 positions, consolidate bus runs, reduce some services—including elementary summer school—and place a few of our athletic teams on hiatus. Still, we were able to keep intact the academic programs we offer students.
This year, as we begin to develop the 2013-14 school budget, if circumstances do not change—and it’s unlikely they will—we will be forced to confront our most difficult decisions, yet. As the leader of this small city school district, I believe it is important for the community to be aware of and prepare for the tough road ahead. It’s time for everyone in our community to give serious thought about what we value most in education, what is vitally necessary to be able to prepare our students for college and 21st century careers, and how best to keep moving forward with fewer and fewer resources.
In the coming weeks, I will be encouraging everyone to advocate for our schools and students and to implore our local and state representatives for a more fair and equitable distribution of state aid. Please look for future blog posts on this topic and updates on our district’s website about how you can get involved.
In the meantime, I encourage Watervliet residents, families and staff members to contact Governor Andrew Cuomo and our other elected state representatives Senator Neil Breslin (who is on the NYS Senate Education Committee), Assemblyman Ron Canestrari, and NYS Senate Education Committee Chair Senator John Flanagan, with your concerns and questions. Below are links to their web pages where you can submit your messages electronically.
Contact Governor Andrew Cuomo
Contact Senator Neil Breslin
Contact Assemblyman Canestrari
Contact NYS Senate Education Committee Chair, Senator John Flanagan
For school districts this phrase is not new. Many districts around New York State—small city schools and rural schools alike—have been heading toward a fiscal cliff for the past few years as the costs associated with education continue to escalate, while state aid and other revenues continue to shrink or disappear.
In the past two years, our school district has been able to avoid the “fiscal cliff” despite significant decreases in state aid and the state’s tax levy cap, which limits the amount schools can raise in property taxes to balance their budgets. When the tax levy cap was introduced, Governor Andrew Cuomo promised to deliver mandate relief along with it to help ease the financial burden on school districts and municipalities, however to date, no meaningful mandate relief has materialized.
In Watervliet, we have made some difficult decisions to close fiscal gaps during the last two budget cycles. To balance our current school budget, the district had to eliminate approximately 14 positions, consolidate bus runs, reduce some services—including elementary summer school—and place a few of our athletic teams on hiatus. Still, we were able to keep intact the academic programs we offer students.
This year, as we begin to develop the 2013-14 school budget, if circumstances do not change—and it’s unlikely they will—we will be forced to confront our most difficult decisions, yet. As the leader of this small city school district, I believe it is important for the community to be aware of and prepare for the tough road ahead. It’s time for everyone in our community to give serious thought about what we value most in education, what is vitally necessary to be able to prepare our students for college and 21st century careers, and how best to keep moving forward with fewer and fewer resources.
In the coming weeks, I will be encouraging everyone to advocate for our schools and students and to implore our local and state representatives for a more fair and equitable distribution of state aid. Please look for future blog posts on this topic and updates on our district’s website about how you can get involved.
In the meantime, I encourage Watervliet residents, families and staff members to contact Governor Andrew Cuomo and our other elected state representatives Senator Neil Breslin (who is on the NYS Senate Education Committee), Assemblyman Ron Canestrari, and NYS Senate Education Committee Chair Senator John Flanagan, with your concerns and questions. Below are links to their web pages where you can submit your messages electronically.
Contact Governor Andrew Cuomo
Contact Senator Neil Breslin
Contact Assemblyman Canestrari
Contact NYS Senate Education Committee Chair, Senator John Flanagan
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