The bus stopped here. And hopefully it’s followed by some bucks.
The New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) ‘Fund our Future’ bus tour visited Sheridan Preparatory Academy on Feb. 27 in an effort to draw attention to the severe impact a lack of state funding has had on schools in Albany, the Capital Region and across the state.
Superintendent Kaweeda G. Adams, Sheridan Preparatory Academy Principal Zuleika Sanchez-Gayle, board of education member Vickie Smith and Albany Public Schools Teachers’ Association President Laura Franz provided a tour to union leaders to demonstrate the need for increased funding to tackle educational inequality throughout the City School District of Albany.
The City School District of Albany is owed $31.8-million in state Foundation Aid funding. At Sheridan Preparatory Academy, educators say full funding would go a long way toward addressing a lack of space to offer community school services and more counselors to assist students.
“Gone are the days of simply meeting academic needs. We aim to provide comprehensive services to students and their families. Social-emotional growth and the success of our families are just as important as academics. Fair funding will translate to advancement in and out of the classroom,” said Superintendent Kaweeda G. Adams.
NYSUT is calling for a $2.1-billion increase in state education aid in the 2020-21 state budget, which includes the first installment of a three-year phase-in of the more than $3.4-billionin Foundation Aid owed to more than 400 school districts across New York.
“Our children do not get a do-over,” explained NYSUT President Andy Pallotta.
“We hear every year that there is a budget gap but the state can’t close it on the backs of Albany’s middle class families and students through more underfunding of our education system. Fully funding our students’ futures can’t wait any longer.”
NYSUT kicked off the seven week ‘Fund our Future’ tour in mid-January and is visiting districts impacted by underfunding throughout the state.
