News
TRS recommends 2026 school budgets use 8.24% pension contribution rate
On Board Online • February 23, 2026
By Paul Heiser
Senior Research Analyst
The state Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) has released an administrative bulletin recommending school districts use an employer contribution rate of 8.24% of 2026-27 payroll when planning their 2026-27 budgets.
Why 'The Power of Mattering' is our district's yearlong read
On Board Online • February 23, 2026
By Dr. Neill Alleva
School employees face many pressures, and that can take a psychological toll.
Standard of proof used in student suspensions does not violate U.S. Constitution, court rules
On Board Online • February 23, 2026
By Shubh N. McTague
Staff Counsel
Pursuant to Education Law, a decision to suspend a student from school for more than five days must be based on "substantial and competent evidence" that the student participated in the objectionable conduct.
Akron High School provides example of successful financial literacy effort
On Board Online • February 23, 2026
By Sara Foss
Special Correspondent
When Annie Leeds was in high school, she founded her own nonprofit, the Annie Leeds Adventure Foundation, in honor of a close friend who died of cancer.
NYSSBA’s 2026 Advocacy Events Review
NSBA Advocacy Institute
More than 70 NYSSBA members joined Governmental Relations staff for NSBA’s annual advocacy conference and Hill Day in our nation’s capital in late January.
Regents consider role of arts, music in developing well-rounded students
On Board Online • February 2, 2026
By Sara Foss
Special Correspondent
More than a decade ago, the arts program at CiTi BOCES was mostly field trips.
Governor Hochul proposes 3.6% increase in school aid
On Board Online • February 2, 2026
By Brian Fessler
Chief Advocacy Officer
On Jan. 20, reporters gathered in the Red Room of the state Capitol to hear Gov. Kathy Hochul officially deliver her 2026-27 executive budget proposal.
Student science projects win awards at Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair
On Board Online • February 2, 2026
By Rick Karlin
Special Correspondent
Improved breast cancer detection, new approaches for tackling water pollution and advanced computer modeling with implications for artificial intelligence