In addition to death and taxes, I've learned that there's another inevitability: New York Teacher deadlines. No matter how hard we try to plan, or how much effort goes into setting deadlines around predictable events, there will always be the unpredictable.
Perhaps that's a reflection of the times we live in and that's why, as this issue reaches your mailbox, it's likely Gov. Paterson's Executive Budget proposal has already been released and NYSUT has already publicly responded.
So, while I may not be able to get into the budget proposal's details here, the governor's State of the State address — which I attended earlier this month — did provide some clues as to what it might look like. And, this year, it was more what he didn't say than what he did that matters.
The governor spoke for just shy of a half hour and never once used the word "education." That's not a good sign for us and it's certainly not a good sign for New York.
The governor's actions of late — including his attempt at midyear school budget cuts, delaying payments to school districts and his more recent flip-flop on the charter school cap — are not those of a policymaker who understands the important role education plays in shaping the future of our state and its citizens. He has taken positions that are direct attacks on our professions. His comments have been surprising and discouraging.
Yet, there's still reason for some potentially good news. The governor's address put a heavy emphasis on jobs and the economy. He talked about building a knowledge economy, one that makes New York a leader in the emerging technology-based industries.
One doesn't have to be an economist, a scientist or a governor to understand that today's new industries require a workforce that is well-educated, well-trained, analytical and adaptable.
In other words, New York must continue to build a workforce that is the product of a first-class system of public education, from pre-kindergarten through graduate programs at our colleges and universities.
We must insist that New York's public schools, colleges and universities have a stake in educating the coming generation of high-tech workers. Employers are going to demand this, and state policymakers must guarantee that New York is in a position to meet that demand.
And, if we are able to create the high-quality career opportunities that the governor envisions, we need to ensure that these opportunities go to New York's workforce and not to graduates from other states or other countries — places where education is the priority it deserves to be.
Promising a knowledge economy without an investment in knowledge is a hollow promise.
Race to the Top
Almost simultaneous to the State of the State address, across the street from the Capitol, we were working with State Education Department officials to see that New York is well positioned in the federal Race to the Top competitive grant process. Obviously, this would offer a historic opportunity for improving public education and ending the achievement gap.
There are aspects of SED's "Race" application about which NYSUT has deep concerns. Some of these may need to be addressed legislatively, but legislatively in a way that is thoughtful and meaningful.
The governor's misguided last-minute attempt to ram through his legislative program bill certainly was neither. You can be assured that NYSUT's Legislative Department — under the leadership of our new executive vice president, Andy Pallotta — is making that case at the Capitol, where members of the Assembly and Senate are debating Gov. Paterson's proposal. And, as always, mobilizing our leaders and members — sometimes on a moment's notice as we needed to do this time – is critical. Your participation in this process is so very important because it's you — teachers, SRPs, higher ed faculty — who are in our classrooms and on our campuses every day and know better than anyone what Albany's action — or inaction — is doing to the young people in your communities. And the same holds true on issues impacting our locals in health care, public government, not-for-profits, etc. Our strength is always measured in our ability to mobilize.
Let me reiterate that the key principles of New York's application — strengthening academic standards and assessments, supporting teacher and principal effectiveness, building a quality P-20 data system to enhance classroom instruction, and turning around low-performing schools — are aligned with NYSUT's goals and, when implemented effectively, will go a long way toward ensuring every child receives a quality public education by directing much-needed resources into New York's classrooms.
In the courts
It is that same principle — getting resources into the hands of teachers and their students — that guided us when we joined a coalition of education advocates to bring suit against Gov. Paterson when, right before the holiday season, he withheld midyear payments to schools that were budgeted and committed.
I am pleased the governor has now seen fit to release the payments. Creating more confusion is never the answer to an ongoing crisis.
Haiti
The devastating earthquake in Haiti reminds us how precious life is and, for many of our members, how close to home tragedy can strike. Working through our national unions and the NYSUT Disaster Relief Fund, we will be sure that your outpouring of compassion and support will get to the places where most needed.
As has been repeated over and over, in times of crisis, NYSUT members and staff shine.
Thank you.