School Administrators Advocacy Day in Albany

SAANYS and CSA (NYC) held it first combined Lobby Day at the Capitol on March 4, where they advocated for membership priorities. This effort was part of a continued strategic plan to increase advocacy and membership outreach. These efforts are particularly important as we respond to federal funding decreases, state responses to the federal cuts, and November elections.

The evening of March 3 started with a panel, with Comptroller Tom DiNapoli that focused on Tier VI, COLA, and chronic absenteeism. Mr. DiNapoli understood the importance of trying to modify Tier VI and ensure the pension funding remained robust. Chronic absenteeism was discussed in response to the Comptroller’s report Missing School – New York’s Stubbornly High Rates of Chronic Absenteeism.

On March 4, over 80 SAANYS/CSA members held over forty meetings with legislators. Major topics in meetings with our legislators focused on increased state aid for schools, an assistant principal in every building in the Big 5 City School Districts, amendments to Tier VI, adjustments to COLA and funding to support professional development.

The pictures above show our team in full force on the Legislative Office Building stairs, a leadership meeting with Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Robert Woughter (principal, Keene Central School District) talking with Senator Shelly Mayer Chair of Senate Education Committee, the March 3 Panel with SAANYS Executive Director, Jennifer Carlson, NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, and CSA President Henry Rubio, a meeting with Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman, and SAANYS Executive Director Jennifer Carlson, Gloria Jackson, and Robert Woughter meeting with Senator Monica Martinez.

A very successful day and many thanks to all of the members who participated to advance the highest priorities for our members and schools!