Silver Assails Pataki Education Cuts, Renews Call For CFE School Funding in State Budget

"We Have A Moral And Legal Obligation To Provide A Quality Education To Every Child In New York State"

Appearing at an Albany school named last month to the State Education Department's "Most Improved Schools" list, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver today spoke out against Governor George Pataki's proposed education cuts and renewed his call that this year's budget include funds to address the recent Campaign for Fiscal Equity (CFE) court decision.

"The tremendous progress made at this school is not only a testament to its dedicated staff and to committed parents, it is proof-positive that resources produce results," said Silver during a news conference held at the Arbor Hill Elementary School's newly opened science lab.

Drawing a clear parallel between the school's focus on learning and successful instructional strategies and programming and its student's achievements, Silver strongly criticized the governor not only for reducing education aid, but also for setting an unacceptable timetable to meet the legal obligation required under the CFE case that the state ensure the necessary funds to provide each student with the opportunity for a "sound, basic education."

"The governor's education cuts, coupled with his failure to address the CFE lawsuit in his budget proposal, shortchange our children and deny them the education they deserve and will need to compete for jobs in a global economy," said Silver.

"Schools like Arbor Hill Elementary, with its successful pre-K program, smaller class sizes, increased teacher training, after-school programs and improved student access to technology and labs, are a model for student achievement and source of community pride," said Silver. "Without the necessary resources, however, we place in jeopardy our children's chances for achieving the higher standards we are now demanding of them."

While the Legislature rejected the governor's attempted $4 million cut to the Albany City School District last year, his proposed budget for 2004-05 seeks to slash almost $1 million from the district.

In addition to the moral obligation the state has to educate our youth, Silver pointed to a more practical reason for immediate action. He noted that although much of the attention paid to the CFE decision centers on New York City, the state's Court of Appeals has provided an opportunity to reform the school aid formula to address high-need school districts throughout the state. He warned that failure to act risked a court imposed formula, in which case, the court would be limited by the facts of the original CFE suit and would only focus on directing additional resources to New York City.

"Failure to address CFE now will result in a court-imposed master who is obligated to follow the facts of the particular case and can only deal with New York City. By addressing the CFE decision now, in this budget, we can equitably provide for Albany schools and other high-need schools across this state, not just in New York City," said Silver.

"There's no secret formula to being successful in education. If we reduce class sizes, have quality pre-k programs and spend money where it works, our children will be the beneficiaries," said Assemblyman Ron Canestrari (D-Albany).

"I have seen what can happen for poorly-performing schools when essential resources are provided. Education funds, dedicated teachers and home involvement make a major difference for students in my Assembly district," said Assemblyman Paul Tonko (D-Schenectady/Montgomery).

"We in the Albany area have enjoyed some real success in attracting and creating high tech jobs for our community. Equally as important as our economic development efforts, however, is ensuring that our children are prepared to compete for these jobs. Investing in our children and their education is absolutely vital to the success of this region," said Assemblyman Jack McEneny (D-Albany).

"The success of Arbor Hill Elementary School reflects a commitment to education on the part of students, parents and teachers," said Assembly Education Committee Chair Steven Sanders (D-Manhattan). "It also shows the schools that are improving the most are the ones in which we are investing the most. We must continue our efforts to ensure that all students have access to a quality education."

"The significant improvements in ELA (English Language Arts) and math scores at Arbor Hill Elementary School reinforce the fact that hard work, support services, and appropriate resources are major factors in helping to prepare students for the educational challenges of the 21st century. We credit the successes at Arbor Hill to such services and programs as the ATLAS Communities School Reform Program, smaller class sizes, after-school instruction, and teacher study groups-to name a few," said Superintendent Johnson.

"The next level of student success will be the district's investment in science labs. The hands-on lessons and resources in this lab will prepare students for the challenges of mastering fourth-grade science, which holds the same level of accountability as ELA and math," Johnson continued. "We greatly appreciate Speaker Silver recognizing the critical need to support the additional resources and services needed to create successful schools, and, ultimately successful students. Arbor Hill is an example of a school whose rising achievement can be attributed to such resources and services."