On February 15 SAANYS representatives visited three legislators – Senator Joseph Griffo (R, Rome/Utica), Assembly member Thomas Abinanti (D, Westchester) and Assembly member Donna Lupardo (D, Endwell). We also met with staff representing Senator George Maziarz (R, Niagara Falls) and Senator Carl Mancellino (R, Nassau). Discussions included the following positions:

School Aid
•    Strongly Support 4 percent ($805M) increase in School Aid
•    Recommend moving Competitive Grant funds ($250M) to Operating Aid
•    Recommend Early Retirement Program for Administrators
•    Oppose establishment of Tier VI Pension Program

Annual Professional Performance Review
•    Oppose State Aid Increase Contingent on 2013 Establishment
•    Not all districts were required to implement in 2011-12
•    Principals support doing teacher and principal evaluations that are more fair, constructive and effective

State Assessment
•    Strongly Support $7.7M Allocation for Regents Exams and GEDs

Tenured Teacher Hearings
•    Adamantly Oppose Reassignment of Hearing Costs to districts, bargaining units and individuals
•    An Unfunded Mandate for Districts
•    A Financial Hardship for Individuals
•    Strongly Support initiatives to increase efficiency
•    Reduce the Statute of Limitations
•    Limit the number of Charges and Specifications

Preschool Special Education Costs
•    Oppose reassignment of county costs to school districts
•    Don’t punish Districts for appropriate Recommendations