On Board Online • March 1, 2021

By Merri Rosenberg
Special Correspondent

It's been nearly a year since Gov. Andrew Cuomo closed schools due to the coronavirus pandemic. What percentage of students are showing up for online classes?

On Board Online • March 1, 2021

By Cathy Woodruff
Senior Writer

The experience of operating school systems during the last year will inform state-level decisions about educational issues that were considered urgent even before the pandemic, according Betty Rosa, the state's newly appointed commissioner of education.

On Board Online • March 1, 2021

By Paul Heiser
Senior Research Analyst

For Allison Forth-Farrar, a second-grade teacher in the Hamilton Central School District, hybrid education has become a way of life this school year. For two days per week, she instructs students in person.

On Board Online • February 8, 2021

By Eric D. Randall
Editor-in-Chief

In December, NYSSBA's Board of Directors created a Committee on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion to "support efforts to facilitate the elimination of the current barriers which exist in New York State that preclude all students from being provided with equitable educational opportunities and outcomes."

On Board Online • February 8, 2021

By Brian Fessler
Director of Governmental Relations

When Gov. Andrew Cuomo released his 2021-22 executive budget proposal on Jan. 19, longtime watchers of the state budget process found plenty of surprises. The threat of a 20% midyear cut to school aid? Gone. A "pandemic adjustment" to match the $1.1 billion one in the 2020-21 budget? Not there.

On Board Online • February 8, 2021

By George Basler
Special Correspondent

In late January Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Health Department gave the green light for "higher risk" sports to resume competition on F

On Board Online • February 8, 2021

By Caroline Bobick
Governmental Relations Representative

In his 2021-22 executive budget proposal, Gov. Andrew Cuomo proposed legislation to make broadband services affordable for all New Yorkers.

On Board Online • January 18, 2021

By Eric D. Randall
Editor-in-Chief

As the issue of equity in education has moved to the center of efforts to improve public education, the state Board of Regents has unanimously elected its first Black chancellor. Veteran Brooklyn educator Lester Young Jr., a Regent since 2008, was unanimously elected as the Regents' presiding officer on Jan. 11.

On Board Online • January 18, 2021

By Paul Heiser
Senior Research Analyst

The New York State Comptroller has announced that the allowable tax levy growth factor - a key component of each school district's property tax cap - will be 1.23% for 2021-22 school budgets. This is the lowest percentage since it was 0.12% for the 2016-17 budget.

On Board Online • January 18, 2021

By Paul Heiser
Senior Research Analyst

New York State law makes it illegal to pass a stopped school bus when its stop sign is extended and red flashing lights are activated. However, the law is routinely disobeyed. According to the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee, an estimated 50,000 motor vehicles illegally pass New York State school buses every day.