Statement on Governor’s Executive Budget Proposal

The School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS), as a member of the New York State Educational Conference Board, is strongly advocating for an increase in education aid of $2.1 billion, much of which is to maintain current services. The governor’s proposal is a strong starting point for budget negotiations and importantly focuses on funding equity. A clear step toward funding equity would be to fully fund the foundation aid formula. Beyond the maintenance of current services, SAANYS has heard from its members that additional funding for critical need areas including student mental health, special education, English as a new language, and school safety is necessary.

SAANYS strongly supports and applauds the governor’s efforts to combat vaping – a public health issue that is affecting so many of our school students. We also support the increased funding proposed by the governor for pre-k and after school programs.

Commented SAANYS Executive Director Kevin Casey, “We recognize that the current fiscal outlook poses challenges to the state budget, but look forward to a productive session of working together to reach our mutual goals of supporting our students and public schools.”

SAANYS represents nearly 8,000 school administrators, supervisors, and coordinators. As a professional association, SAANYS is committed to providing direction, service, and support to the membership in their efforts to improve the quality of education and leadership in New York State schools. SAANYS is affiliated with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

###