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Upstate and down, these cuts
hurt students
April 23, 2003 When it comes to funding education, public schools in upstate Hudson Falls have everything in common with those in the urban Bronx. That's why members of New York State United Teachers in both places are coming to Albany May 3 for the march on behalf of public education. Although separated by more than 200 miles, staffers have seen students improve on standardized tests because prior budgets have authorized funds to decrease class size, and provide extra help for struggling students, professional development and planning time for staff. "For all the good that has been done for students with our intense efforts aimed at improvement, this year we will lose almost 550 years of teaching experience due to retirements in the district," said Bill Frederick, president of the Hudson Falls Teachers Association. That's because the Washington County district is not replacing 11 positions, anticipating less state aid due to Gov. Pataki's proposed budget. "Poor districts like ours that rely on almost 80 percent of our revenue from individual property taxes will be hit so hard that it will be difficult, at best, for us to meet minimal standards. Without the support, our children will be hurt," Frederick lamented. Further, if the proposed school budget with an 18 percent increase is voted down May 20, the cuts will deepen. New York City is also devastated by the proposed budget, noted Vincent Gaglione, the Bronx district representative for the United Federation of Teachers, NYSUT's affiliate in New York City. "Rain or shine, good weather or bad, we're going to Albany," Gaglione said. "We cannot afford to let our children fail because the state fails to provide the resources New York City school children need and deserve." The New York City education department has announced plans to lay off 3,200 school employees, including 1,100 classroom paraprofessionals. "In a system where classes are too large and many students don't get the individual attention they need, paras are a resource too important to lose," UFT Vice President Michelle Bodden testified last month to the New York City Council. The UFT has run a month-long advertising campaign and is launching a massive letter-writing campaign. - Betsy Sandberg |
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