On Board Online • May 3, 2021

By Merri Rosenberg
Special Correspondent

Like nearly everything else this school year, the pandemic is going to affect summer programs. While last summer involved remote academic classes, districts are looking forward to offering in-person classes this summer, as well as enrichment activities.

On Board Online • May 3, 2021

Robert S. Schneider
NYSSBA Executive Director

During the pandemic, many school board members across the state have shared with me that they are amazed by the resourcefulness and resilience of their superintendents.

Over the last 14 months or so, our superintendents have been pulled in every direction by public health experts, elected officials, community members, parents, students, faculty members and labor leaders.

On Board Online • May 3, 2021

By Dr. Kenneth W. Eastwood

"Everything can look like a failure in the middle." - Roseabeth Kanter

The practice of "social promotion" - moving kids along with their same-age cohorts, regardless of a lack of solid academic proficiency - has long been discredited. However, most of America's 14,000 school systems will do just that in September.

On Board Online • May 3, 2021

By John Daley
Governmental Relations Representative

On April 6, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a law that will enable local governments - including school districts - to "piggyback" on contracting until July 31, 2023.

On Board Online • May 3, 2021

By Shubh N. McTague
Staff Counsel

On April 12, the state Department of Health (DOH) released updated guidance on end of academic year celebrations. This updated guidance covers commencements and graduation ceremonies (effective May 1, 2021) as well as social gatherings organized by districts such as proms and balls (effective June 1, 2021).

On Board Online • April 12, 2021

By Chris Carola
Special Correspondent

New York has legalized the use of recreational cannabis by adults ages 21 and older, ending years of debate over the issue and putting the state on track to an estimated $350 million annually in taxes on cannabis-related sales.

On Board Online • April 12, 2021

By Alicia Gene Artessa
Governmental Relations Representative

As part of a state budget agreement, New York has a plan to phase in full funding of foundation aid for all school districts over three years.

On Board Online • April 12, 2021

By Mark Snyder
Leadership Development Manager

The statewide day for school board elections and budget votes is May 18. While a school board should not be directly involved in the recruitment of candidates, there are steps that can be taken at the district level and individual level to encourage this form of public service.

On Board Online • April 12, 2021

By Pauline Liu
Special Correspondent

For two weeks in February, students, parents, teachers and staff in the Rush-Henrietta Central School District were asked to voluntarily and anonymously participate in independent consciousness-raising activities. It was called the 10-Day Equity Journey.

On Board Online • March 22, 2021

By Brian Fessler
Director of Governmental Relations

In late fall 2020, school districts were bracing for the possibility of billions of dollars in state aid cuts. But after two federal stimulus packages that included billions of dollars in new education funding, some of largest education funding increases in years are possible.