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7 hours ago

CUNY asks council for $3 million to scale early‑childhood apprenticeship program CUNY told the council it seeks $3 million over three years to support 200 apprenticeship slots that combine on‑the‑job experience, tuition support and employer coaching; agencies said apprenticeships are a useful tool but that broader funding and placement guarantees will be needed to scale.

CUNY is urging the City Council for $3 million to expand a groundbreaking apprenticeship program that promises to transform early-childhood education by pairing aspiring teachers with paid on-the-job training.

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#NY #CitizenPortal #NewYorkEducation #EarlyChildhoodDevelopment

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7 hours ago

Council hearing spotlights city plan to expand early‑childhood seats as agencies promise workforce steps City officials and CUNY told council members the administration will pilot 2,002 2K seats this fall while building credential and apprenticeship pathways; witnesses urged immediate pay parity, clearer vacancy data and special‑education capacity.

New York is set to launch 2,002 new early-childhood seats this fall, but will it be enough to meet the growing demand for skilled child care professionals?

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#NY #CitizenPortal #NewYorkEducation #EducationAccess #ChildCareWorkforce #CommunityPartnerships

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1 day ago

Board reviews draft strategic-plan goals from ILO Group after broad community engagement ILO Group and district leaders presented four strategic goals framed by 761 survey responses, 269 focus-group stakeholders and 585 design-day inputs. Board members provided detailed feedback on inclusivity, family engagement and how to measure implementation; the board will review a final plan in May and launch in June.

The ILO Group's strategic plan, shaped by extensive community input, is set to revolutionize local education with clear goals for equity, belonging, and communication.

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#NY #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #NewYorkEducation #EquitableAccess #StrategicPlanning

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2 days ago

Hastings board advances bond bids amid a heated debate over PFAS and field timing Trustees reviewed bid recommendations to renovate Burke fields and awarded related business items while residents and some trustees pressed for independent PFAS testing and clarity about the meaning of “PFAS-free.” The district says construction must start in June to finish by spring; staff pledges to secure alternate practice sites so no team loses a season.

The Hastings-on-Hudson Board of Education is moving forward with renovations for Burke fields, but community concerns about PFAS in turf products are heating up the debate!

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#NY #CommunityInvolvement #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalSafety #NewYorkEducation

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1 week ago

Board hears discussion and plans letter to PSC raising concerns about feasibility of state EV bus mandate Board members reported they are joining a petition from the Lower Hudson Education Coalition and will send a letter to the New York State Public Service Commission asking for a study and reconsideration of the timeline and electrical‑capacity assumptions for the electric school bus mandate, citing an estimated $34 million infrastructure cost to the district.

New York school board members are sounding the alarm on a staggering $34 million electric bus mandate, questioning if the infrastructure can even support it!

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#NY #InfrastructureNeeds #CitizenPortal #ElectricVehicles #NewYorkEducation #LocalGovernment

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2 weeks ago

Dutchess BOCES outlines 4.14% administrative increase and rising retiree-health costs Dutchess County BOCES officials told the Wappingers board that its administrative budget would grow about 4.14% driven largely by retiree health and Medicare reimbursements, that total BOCES activity is roughly $125 130 million, and that Wappingers' RWADA decline slightly reduces its share of the component charge.

Dutchess County BOCES is facing a 4.14% administrative budget increase, primarily due to rising retiree health costs, but how will this impact local schools and students?

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#NY #HealthCareCosts #CitizenPortal #NewYorkEducation #CareerEducation #BudgetTransparency

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2 weeks ago

Wappingers superintendent presents 2026-27 budget calling for new special-education director and ~2.5% tax-levy increase Superintendent Doctor Banck presented a 2026-27 recommended budget that adds a human-resources supervisor and a director of special education, keeps staffing cuts at zero, uses roughly $14 million of fund balance and estimates a tax-levy increase around 2.5%; grant-funded social-worker and psychologist positions will not be sustained this year.

The Wappingers Central School District's 2026-27 budget proposal includes a new special education director, adds a human-resources supervisor, and maintains zero layoffs—all while staying under the tax cap!

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#NY #CitizenPortal #SpecialEducationReform #NewYorkEducation

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2 weeks ago

OCM BOCES presents $361,000 in district savings, CTE and cybersecurity achievements OCM BOCES deputy superintendent Colleen Vigiano presented a district snapshot highlighting about $361,000 saved through cooperative purchasing, estimated 2025–26 BOCES aid of $7.4 million, cybersecurity uptime of roughly 99.9% and CTE program updates including New Vision and Innovation Tech participation.

North Syracuse is set to save $361,000 this year thanks to cooperative purchasing, while BOCES aid is projected at $7.4 million for 2025-26—discover how these initiatives are transforming education!

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#NY #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #NewYorkEducation #CareerTechEducation

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2 weeks ago

Bay Shore board approves consent agenda, notes $2 million earmarked for special‑education staffing and extends Suffolk Transportation contracts The board approved a long consent agenda including personnel items, audits and contracts; the business official said $2 million in anticipated revenues will be distributed entirely to special‑education staffing ($1 million listed under professional salaries and $1 million under non‑certificated salaries); the board also authorized a settlement in an impartial hearing (Case 674722).

The Bay Shore Union Free School District is committing $2 million to enhance special-education staffing, setting the stage for a transformative 2026-27 school year!

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#NY #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #NewYorkEducation #SpecialEducationFunding #BudgetTransparency

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2 weeks ago

Parents and teachers urge board to reverse proposed elementary section reductions, warn of 27–29-student classrooms At public comment, multiple parents and elementary teachers told the AVERILL PARK CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT board that proposed reductions would push some elementary sections to about 27–29 students, undermining individualized instruction and special-education supports.

Parents and teachers are sounding the alarm as proposed budget cuts threaten to cram 27-29 students into elementary classrooms, jeopardizing individualized instruction and student well-being.

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#NY #CitizenPortal #NewYorkEducation #PublicEducationReform #ClassSizeIssues

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2 weeks ago

East Ramapo financial update flags rising transportation costs; board reviews energy financing and curriculum investments District staff told trustees that transportation contract costs rose sharply and that an adjusted state aid formula will offset most of the increase; administration proposed a 1.28% tax-levy rise, continued instructional investments and financing for an Ameresco energy performance contract.

Rising transportation costs are pushing East Ramapo to propose a tax levy increase, but a recalculated state aid could bring in an extra $8 million—what does this mean for the district's future?

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#NY #CitizenPortal #BudgetAccountability #EnergyEfficiency #NewYorkEducation

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2 weeks ago

State monitor warns Rochester City School District budget would tap $23.8M in reserves; board urged to 'right‑size' operations State monitor Alizayo told the Rochester Board of Education the district's preliminary 2026–27 budget would require using $23.8 million from fund balance to balance a proposed $1.003 billion plan and warned that without structural changes the district could face fiscal strain within five years.

The Rochester City School District is facing a budget crisis, needing to tap into $23.8 million in reserves to balance its $1 billion spending plan, putting its financial future at risk.

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#NY #CitizenPortal #NewYorkEducation #EducationInvestment #FiscalResponsibility

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2 weeks ago

East Ramapo trustees say state monitors rejected their unanimous superintendent finalist without explanation Board president said the district followed the search process but state monitors disapproved the board's unanimous finalist and reposted the vacancy; trustees demanded transparency and asked monitors to explain procedural reasons but monitors declined to comment on personnel in public.

East Ramapo trustees are in turmoil after state monitors rejected their unanimously chosen superintendent finalist, leaving them demanding answers and transparency.

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#NY #AccountabilityInSchoolDistricts #CitizenPortal #TransparencyInGovernance #NewYorkEducation

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1 month ago

NYC committee hears competing views on $10,000 pay supplement for DOE paraprofessionals The City Council Committee on Civil Service and Labor heard testimony on Intro. 692, which would provide eligible Department of Education paraprofessionals a $10,000 annual, non‑pensionable lump sum. The Office of Labor Relations warned the measure conflicts with the Taylor Law and collective‑bargaining rules; sponsors and union witnesses argued immediate relief is needed to stem widespread vacancies.

A new proposal in NYC could provide a $10,000 payment to help stabilize a struggling workforce of paraprofessionals, but legal hurdles could stand in the way.

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#NY #EducationSupport #CitizenPortal #NewYorkEducation #CivicAction #WorkforceStability

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1 month ago

N.Y. Senate Higher Education Committee reports seven education bills to the floor The Higher Education Committee met March 10 and voted to report seven bills addressing campus religious-holiday observance, mental-health programs, a SUNY Black History Preservation Commission, OPWDD nursing provisions, geologist licensure, parental application of fluoride varnish, and dental-laboratory registration.

The New York State Senate Committee on Higher Education has just advanced seven impactful bills, including measures to support mental health initiatives and recognize religious holidays across campus!

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#NY #PublicHealthRegulations #CitizenPortal #NewYorkEducation

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1 month ago

Senate backs bill to require free menstrual products in educational restrooms Lawmakers voted to require that menstrual products be provided free in restrooms at educational institutions, citing survey data showing many students struggle to access these supplies.

The Senate has just approved a groundbreaking bill to provide free menstrual products in educational restrooms, addressing the urgent issue of "period poverty" that affects nearly half of students.

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#NY #CitizenPortal #NewYorkEducation #PeriodPoverty #StudentAccess

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1 month ago

Board approves one‑year, three‑district field‑hockey merger to preserve program Following a parent and athlete forum, the Salem board voted 5–0 to approve a one‑year field‑hockey merger with Cambridge Central and Hoosick Falls for the 2026–27 school year to sustain participation while rebuilding local numbers; board members asked staff to finalize a draft agreement and transportation logistics.

The Salem Board of Education has taken a bold step by approving a one-year field-hockey merger with two neighboring districts to ensure teams can keep playing during a crucial rebuilding phase.

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#NY #TransportationChallenges #CitizenPortal #YouthSports #NewYorkEducation

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1 month ago

State 'Reimagine' accountability: Rome schools see mixed progress, district given a fresh 'year 1' slate District officials reported mixed ESSA accountability results: Bellamy showed large growth and shed some identifications while Denty became a CSI school; district will prepare new improvement plans with state and send letters to families.

Rome schools are hitting the reset button on accountability, showing mixed results and a push for new improvement plans by 2026.

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#NY #AccountabilityReform #CitizenPortal #StudentGrowth #NewYorkEducation #FamilyEngagement

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1 month ago

District proposes full-time literacy and math coaches, science specialist and shared secretary; board seeks metrics Central administration proposed adding a shared secretary for directors, full-time literacy and math coaching positions and a science specialist to expand lab time and curriculum supports; board members asked for metrics to justify ongoing costs and long-term staffing commitments.

A bold plan to enhance K-6 education is on the table, featuring full-time literacy and math coaches and a dedicated science specialist, but board members are demanding solid metrics before approving the budget.

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#NY #ScienceEducation #CitizenPortal #NewYorkEducation

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1 month ago

Board reviews modest budget changes, approves several routine items and policies; coach questions seventh-grade varsity eligibility Board presentations highlighted modest districtwide budget changes (targeted increases to specials and technology), a Suffolk County partnership for preschoolers, athletics budget adjustments, acceptance of donations and policy adoptions; a varsity track coach asked about seventh-grade eligibility.

The East Hampton Board of Education is making strategic budget changes for the 2026–27 school year, but a varsity track coach is raising questions about seventh-grade eligibility that could shake things up!

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#NY #BudgetPlanning #CitizenPortal #NewYorkEducation #YouthAthletics

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1 month ago

Betty A. Rosa, New York education commissioner, highlighted for long service and East Ramapo role A presenter reviewed Doctor Betty A. Rosa’s long career and credentials, noting her Feb. 8, 2021 appointment as New York State commissioner of education and her involvement in the East Ramapo Central School District superintendent search; a brief Q&A followed.

Meet Dr. Betty A. Rosa, the first Latina New York State education commissioner, whose impressive 30-year career is transforming the future of education!

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#NY #LeadershipDiversity #CommunityInvolvement #CitizenPortal #NewYorkEducation #EducationalExcellence

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1 month ago

Dr. Betty A. Rosa noted as first Latina permanent commissioner; involved in East Ramapo superintendent search A presenter reviewed Dr. Betty A. Rosa’s career and appointment by the Board of Regents as permanent commissioner — the first Latina to hold the post — and said she has supported school taxes and taken part in the East Ramapo Central School District superintendent search.

Dr. Betty A. Rosa makes history as the first Latina permanent commissioner of New York's Board of Regents, bringing over 30 years of dedication to education and pivotal support to the East Ramapo Central School District.

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#NY #CitizenPortal #EducationReform #NewYorkEducation

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1 month ago

North Babylon board hears non-instructional budget; officials highlight near-complete security vestibules, AED purchases and bus plans District officials told the Board of Education the district-wide security vestibules are nearly finished and outlined proposed non-instructional spending increases, a transfer to capital, AED replacements and a plan to buy one gasoline bus next year while preparing for an eventual electric-bus mandate.

The North Babylon Board of Education is on track to enhance school security with nearly finished vestibules and plans for vital upgrades, including AED replacements and new transportation strategies.

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#NY #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #NewYorkEducation #TechnologyInfrastructure

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1 month ago

Council subcommittee opens oversight on path to universal child care; administration lays out 2K pilot and interagency plan At the first hearing of the New York City Council’s new subcommittee on early childhood education, the mayor’s office and DOE outlined a staged rollout of free child care (including a 2K pilot), while council members and providers pressed for concrete answers on permitting, voucher waitlists, provider payments and pay parity.

NYC's new subcommittee on Early Childhood Education is demanding urgent action for universal child care—will the city deliver before it's too late?

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#NY #ChildCareAccess #CitizenPortal #NewYorkEducation #EarlyChildhoodEducation #WorkforceParticipation

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1 month ago

Greenville CSD previews $39.4M preliminary budget; board signals roughly 2.5–3% tax‑levy range as administrators weigh cuts Administrators presented the program component of a $39.44M preliminary 2026–27 budget, citing rising special‑education costs, BOCES fee increases and prescription insurance spikes; the board gave directional guidance—roughly 2.5–3% (some members up to ~4%)—for administrators to model revenue and cuts ahead of March revenue discussions.

Greenville Central School District is grappling with a $39.4M preliminary budget that could lead to tough decisions on tax levies and program cuts due to rising costs in special education and BOCES fees.

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#NY #BudgetPlanning #CitizenPortal #NewYorkEducation #SpecialEducation

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1 month ago

Board adopts governance timeline recommendations, withdraws several consent resolutions and moves newsletter to a two‑page bulletin The Board voted to remove a set of resolutions from the consent agenda at the superintendent's request, advanced CGCS governance work, voted on human‑capital items (including a 4‑31 roll‑call vote that passed 4–3), and agreed to move the board newsletter to a 1–2 page bulletin.

The Rochester Board of Education's recent meeting sparked a heated debate as they adopted a governance timeline while withdrawing key resolutions, leaving many wondering what this means for student outcomes.

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#NY #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #NewYorkEducation

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1 month ago

Berlin Central School District reports budget advocacy, new buses, Chromebook shortfall and March 17 capital project vote District leaders reported recent advocacy for a higher state-aid increase, delivery of two full-size buses and one electric bus, an unexpected $30,000 in additional aid from a rate-setting review, a Chromebook collection shortfall (17 devices and 62 chargers missing), and an upcoming capital project vote on March 17.

Berlin Central School District is gearing up for a critical capital project vote on March 17, while also tackling a Chromebook collection shortfall and celebrating the arrival of new buses!

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#NY #TechnologyAccessibility #CitizenPortal #BudgetAdvocacy #NewYorkEducation

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1 month ago

Starpoint central-office budget shows BOCES and special-education costs rising; tax-cap increase noted District finance staff presented a central-office budget draft that anticipates increases in BOCES costs (about $500,000), a $42,000 rise in special-education placements, a 5% busing contract increase, and a stated tax-cap number of 5.62%. Administrators emphasized careful fund-balance management.

Starpoint's central-office budget update reveals significant cost increases in BOCES, special education, and transportation, stirring concerns about fiscal management.

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#NY #CitizenPortal #NewYorkEducation #SpecialEducation #FiscalResponsibility #BudgetTransparency

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1 month ago

State education commissioner asks lawmakers to restore cuts to opportunity programs and expand supports for students with disabilities NYSED Commissioner Betty Rosa urged restoration and increases for HEOP, STEP/CSTEP, Liberty Partnerships and foster-youth supports, and asked for flexibility on contracting and additional staff for oversight and disability services to meet rising demand.

New York's Education Commissioner is calling for crucial funding to boost college access for low-income and first-generation students—can lawmakers rise to the occasion?

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#NY #OpportunityPrograms #CitizenPortal #NewYorkEducation #DisabilitySupports #PublicSafety

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1 month ago

CUNY chief highlights enrollment gains, calls for more state funding to cover contract costs and capital needs CUNY Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez told lawmakers CUNY has seen enrollment growth and universities are delivering more tuition-free access, but he urged lawmakers to fully fund collective bargaining costs and larger capital investments to cover deferred maintenance and negotiated raises.

CUNY Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez reveals a remarkable 72% of students are attending tuition-free, but warns that without additional funding, essential services and programs could be at risk.

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#NY #CitizenPortal #NewYorkEducation #TuitionAccess #StudentSupport #CapitalFunding