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Little optimism on grant-style aid
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| On Board Online • February 6, 2012
By Cathy Woodruff
Senior writer
Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s plan to carve out a big chunk of state school aid to be awarded through competitive grants is maddening school officials who say applying for the money will be a lot of work for a slim chance at a reward.
Cuomo wants the Legislature to set aside $250 million to reward – and inspire – high performance by school districts. That’s nearly half the amount Cuomo proposed for a formula-driven portion of an $805 million state aid increase – $552 million.
Officials at three regional BOCES told On Board they don’t think school funding should be a contest, though. They say they aren’t sure any of their member districts – 44 in all – will even apply. |
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Crunching Cuomo’s proposed aid
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| On Board Online • February 6, 2012
By Paul Heiser
Senior Research Analyst
Eight in 10 school districts would receive increases in total state aid under Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s proposed school aid package.
Excluding $250 million set aside for two competitive grant programs, the aid package includes a $552 million increase in total state aid. When building aid is subtracted from the equation, the aid increase equals $460 million. |
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Care about kids? Come to Albany
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| On Board Online • February 6, 2012
Thomas J. Nespeca
NYSSBA President
Have you heard the news? A must-attend event is happening in Albany next month. It’s the event of the year for the students’ lobbyists. I am speaking, of course, about NYSSBA’s annual State Issues Conference.
A bit of hyperbole? Maybe. But I do so only to emphasize how important it is for every school board member to be present at this event. Here are some of the issues in play:
A $250 million pot of state aid that is earmarked for competitive grants. NYSSBA supports reallocating a portion of this funding to foundation aid. |
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In budget testimony, NYSSBA official opposes competitive grant aid format
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| On Board Online • February 6, 2012
By Eric D. Randall
Editor-in-Chief
While praising much of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s proposed state budget, NYSSBA’s top lobbyist asked legislators to “moderate” the governor’s proposal to provide $250 million to schools in the form of competitive grants.
“Having afforded our schools the newfound predictability of two-year aid funding, please do not descend into an unknowable scenario,” David A. Little, director of governmental relations, said in testimony before the Joint Legislative Fiscal Committees on Jan. 23. “If school districts are to keep their promise of improved academic achievement of our students and wise fiscal stewardship of public funds, you must keep your promise of predictable and adequate funding.” |
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In Middletown, $135,000+ for helping the homeless
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| On Board Online • February 6, 2012
About this feature: As a new state Mandate Relief Council explores ways to reduce expensive mandates on local governments and school districts, On Board periodically will examine a government mandate, how it got started and how it affects one NYSSBA member district.
Mandate: Transportation for homeless students |
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Answers to common questions on tax cap, tax levies and tax rates
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| On Board Online • February 6, 2012
By Paul Heiser Senior Research Analyst
Although New York State now has what is commonly called the “2 percent tax cap,” taxpayers in school districts that follow the law may see proposed increases in their personal taxes that exceed 2 percent. And voters may see proposed district tax levy increases that exceed 2 |
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What’s the best way to assess teacher effectiveness?
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| On Board Online • February 6, 2012
By Gayle Simidian
Research Analyst
Wondering how to evaluate the effectiveness of teachers in your school district? Ask Bill and Melinda Gates.
An ongoing national study funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is delivering a well-researched assessment of what works and what doesn’t.
In the wake of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s budget ultimatum linking the 4 percent increase in school aid to teacher and principal evaluations, such research may be of particular interest in New York State.
Initial findings o |
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Talking about Steinbeck breaks down stereotypes
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| On Board Online • February 6, 2012
By Gayle Simidian
Research Analyst
In November 2011, students from two New Jersey schools were asked to describe each other. The more affluent Westfield students used disparaging words like “ghetto” and “gang” to describe Plainfield students, while the less affluent Plainfield students thought Westfield students were “snotty.” |
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Some student vices decline
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| On Board Online • February 6, 2012
By Gayle Simidian
Research Analyst
Cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption are declining among American teenagers, but marijuana use is rising, according to a survey funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Just under 47,000 private and public school students in grades 8, 10 and 12 completed the 2011 Monitoring the Future survey. |
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School counselors and a state agency get creative to promote college aid form
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| On Board Online • February 6, 2012
By Cathy Woodruff
Senior writer
When it comes to helping students obtain financial aid for college, schools have to overcome what Marty Anderson calls “the intimidation factor.”
The first step is for students and their parents to fill out a form called the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). “People think, ‘I don’t even do my own taxes. How am I going to do this?’” said Anderson, a counselor in the Albany City School District, in Albany County.
To reach more parents and overcome that intimidation factor, Albany High School has begun providing free income tax preparation help at the same annual events where parents receive help filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
“A lot of parents who probably qualify for a lot of need-based financial aid are people who don’t do their own taxes,” relying instead on a professional tax preparer, Anderson said. |
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