Issues: Education

Senator Martins Supports School Bus Safety Measures

Senator Jack M. Martins supported measures passed in the New York State Senate that would increase school bus safety by prohibiting registered sex offenders from becoming bus drivers and for increasing penalties for passing a stopped school bus that is picking up or dropping off students.

Legislation (S.1519) prohibits a registered sex offender from obtaining or renewing a commercial drivers license to operate a passenger or school bus, providing a greater level of protection to the public from these individuals.

Date Posted:

February 13, 2013
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Senator Martins Visits Dryden Street School in Westbury as a Guest Reader

Senator Jack M. Martins recently visited the Dryden Street School in Westbury, where he was welcomed by Mrs. Sabella to her kindergarten class. The senator also received a warm welcome from Principal Telmer, Westbury Superintendent of Schools Mary Lagnado, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Personnel Robert Brisbane and Westbury School Board Trustee Leslie Davis.

Senator Martins answered questions from the student and then read “Abe Lincoln’s Hat” with them. The senator was extremely impressed with the students’ comprehension and the education taking place at the Dryden Street School.

Date Posted:

February 12, 2013
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GALLIVAN LEADS BIPARTISAN PUSH TO DIRECT MORE FUNDING TO LOW-WEALTH SCHOOLS

18 Upstate Senators Sign Letter To Governor Cuomo

ALBANY – New York State Sen. Patrick M. Gallivan (R,C,I – Elma) released a letter today signed by 17 of his fellow upstate Senators that was delivered to Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s office on Friday.

The letter urges the Governor to restore funding to low-wealth school districts that were disproportionately impacted by a flawed gap elimination adjustment (GEA) formula employed over the last two years. The letter acknowledges that some progress has been made to restore funding lost through the GEA, but it is noted that most of that restoration aid has been to support high-need urban districts.

Date Posted:

February 11, 2013
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Moravia School Officials Join Seward At Capitol

ALBANY, 02/11/13 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) today met with school officials from Moravia Central School at the Capitol in Albany.

“After traveling to Moravia recently for a tour of the school and a chance to speak with students, teachers and administrators, I was pleased the contingent from Moravia Central School returned the favor by visiting me at the Capitol,” said Senator Seward. “As I work to negotiate a state budget that meets the needs of our students, and helps hold the line on property taxes, it is important to hear, first-hand, from the educators and administrators on the front line.”

Date Posted:

February 11, 2013
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Senate Passes Bills to Promote Bus Passenger Safety

The New York State Senate today passed two bills that would enhance the safety of bus passengers by preventing registered sex offenders from becoming bus drivers and increasing penalties for passing a stopped school bus.Legislation (

Date Posted:

February 11, 2013
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Senator Parker Addresses Quality Education

Senator Parker Addresses Quality Education

Parker introduces a legislative package modeled on AQE’s “Averting Educational Crisis” Conference

Date Posted:

February 11, 2013
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Senator Klein Visits Students in Project BOOST Program at PS 72

Senator Klein and the Student Participants in Project Boost at PS 72

BRONX, NY - Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) visited with students, parents and teachers at PS 72 this morning to learn about how a grant Senator Klein provided through Project Boost to 12 schools in his district, including PS 72, has been integrated into the curriculum. Senator Klein is planning to visit all 12 participating schools in his district, deeming the program important and valuable.

Date Posted:

February 11, 2013
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Joining Senator Perkins and Parent Activists at the Community Education Council 3 Legislative Breakfast

Date Posted:

February 8, 2013
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SQUADRON RESPONDS TO LICH VOTE: 'OUR FIGHT ISN'T OVER'

BROOKLYN -- Today, State Senator Daniel Squadron released the following statement upon the SUNY Board of Trustees vote to authorize Downstate's president to propose a plan to the New York State Department of Health that could close Long Island College Hospital (LICH) and sell off the hospital for real estate development:

"Our fight isn't over.

Date Posted:

February 8, 2013
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SENATOR SQUADRON TESTIFIES ON LICH: "IT SHOULD BE NO SURPRISE THAT THE COMMUNITY FEELS LOOTED"

NEW YORK -- Today, State Senator Daniel Squadron, who represents Long Island College Hospital (LICH) in Cobble Hill and its surrounding communities, testified at the State University of New York's public board meeting on Downstate Medical Center and LICH.

Date Posted:

February 7, 2013
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Committee Meeting: Education Meeting

Senate Standing Committee on Education Senator John J. Flanagan, Chair 10:00 AM, Tuesday, February 12, 2013 Room 124 CAP

Meeting Schedule: February 12, 10:00 AM - 10:07 AM
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Senator Hugh Farley speaks on the Senate Select Committee on Libraries

Date Posted:

February 7, 2013
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Local Student Athletes Sign National Letters of Intent

On Wednesday afternoon, Changing the Community (CTC) held a ceremony to honor six local high school football players, who were a part of the organization's football camp, as they signed their letters of intent to play college football. The students honored were: Alex Officer of Eastridge High School who is heading to University of Pittsburgh; Chauncey Scissum of Rush-Henrietta High School heading to Syracuse University; Cullen Casey of McQuaid Jesuit High School heading to Old Dominion University; Qwaheem Marshall who played for Wilson Magnet and is heading to Gannon; Rod Stevens of Webster Thomas High School who is heading to Grambling; and Dan Leonard of Bath who is heading to West Liberty.

Date Posted:

February 7, 2013
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Senator Parker Addresses Early Childhood Education

For Immediate Release: February 6, 2013

Senator Parker Addresses Early Childhood Education

Parker introduces a legislative package addressing the early childhood education system

Date Posted:

February 6, 2013
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Education Budget Proposal Under Review

SCHOHARIE, 02/05/13 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) today made a special budget presentation to school superintendents and board of education members from Schoharie County school districts. Assemblyman Pete Lopez (R/C/I-Schoharie) joined Senator Seward for the presentation which focused on the governor’s 2013-2014 budget proposal and its impact on rural school districts.

Date Posted:

February 6, 2013
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Senator DeFrancisco Questions Union Leaders During the Joint Budget Hearing on Education

Your Voice is a televised show that is taped in Albany. On the following Your Voice program, State Senator John A. DeFrancisco discusses the Joint Budget Hearing on Education and his frustration with a failed teacher evaluation agreement in the New York City school district. You can watch his exchange with union leaders from the United Federation of Teachers by clicking on the link above.

Date Posted:

February 5, 2013
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Seward Starts Fine Tuning State Budget

ALBANY, 02/04/13 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) has been named to three key senate budget sub-committees which will review the governor’s budget proposal and offer recommendations for modifications. Senator Seward will serve on the education, health and higher education & arts sub-committees.

“State expenditures on education and health are leading concerns and effect a number of economic sectors,” said Senator Seward. “Spending decisions made at the Capitol in these areas greatly influence the budgets of local schools, households, and governments. Small business owners also closely monitor these issues because they impact their ability to operate and expand.

Date Posted:

February 4, 2013
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Black History Month and Rochester's special significance

As February begins and the United States observes Black History Month, Sen. O’Brien encourages the people of his district of all races to take some time to reflect on the rich history of African-Americans in the United States and in his district in particular.

“Black history is American history,” O’Brien said. “I encourage everyone to take some time to look at Rochester’s importance to the African-American community, from its early role as the longtime home of abolitionist and former slave Frederick Douglass to the civil rights struggle of the 1950s and ‘60s that continues today.”

Date Posted:

February 4, 2013
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Senator Stavisky Discusses Summer Jobs Program with JHS 190 Russell Sage Students

Students with The Campaign for Summer Jobs Visits Albany Capital Office

Date Posted:

February 4, 2013
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Senator Martins Holds Pizza and Politics in Port Washington with Weber Middle School Students

Senator Jack M. Martins was at Weber Middle School on Friday, February 1 for Pizza and Politics with sixth grade students. The students discussed the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy with Senator Martins as they remembered the essays they entered for Senator Martins’ Thanksgiving Essay Contest. The students reiterated that they were thankful to have their homes and families and shelter as well as their school.

Senator Martins also spoke to the students about the role of a senator in Albany and about how a law is changed.

After Pizza and Politics, Principal Rodahan bestowed a special hour on Senator Martins by giving him the “Pride” pin for making the students feel special.

Date Posted:

February 4, 2013
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