Assemblyman Philip Ramos (D-Central Islip) applauded schools in the 6th Assembly District that are closing the gap and improving academic performance. Schools in the Bay Shore, Brentwood, Central Islip and Islip school districts recently were recognized by the state Education Department for meeting all applicable state standards for English and math and also made Adequate Yearly Progress in English, math, science and graduation rate for two consecutive years.

The recognition went to schools having a significant number of students who are minorities, come from low-income families or have disabilities, including:

"I congratulate the students, parents and faculty of these schools, all of whom have worked very hard to reach this level of achievement," Ramos said. "It’s by working together in this way that we can build a brighter future for our children and our communities."

In Brentwood, where six elementary schools made the list, Director of Funded Programs Alan Lazarus, in a recent Newsday article, credited in part after-school programs with the rise in performance. Over the years, Ramos secured over $150,000 for local community-based programs, including:

• Brightwaters Public Library literacy program in Bay Shore;
• an education and career center at the Brentwood Public Library;
• a teen arts program in Bolton Center;
• an after school reading program at Central Islip Public Library;
• a summer youth program at the Center of Hope;
• the Great South Bay YMCA after-school program;
• Literacy Volunteers of America’s reading program
• Police Athletic League anti-bullying program;
• School District anti-drug/anti-violence program;
• the Town of Islip Access Anti-Drug program; and
• the Youth Enrichment Services’ after school program.

This year, Ramos secured nearly $18 million more in funding for schools in the 6th Assembly District than last year. To prevent pilfering of taxpayer dollars from our school districts, Ramos also supported a measure that requires the state Comptroller’s office to perform regular audits of New York schools. He also supported a measure to strengthen school board member involvement in the fiscal oversight and accountability of our school districts.

"Our schools are the key to the future and we must do everything we can to support them," Ramos said. "While this recognition for improved performance shows that we’re making progress, we can always do more. I’ll continue working to make sure we get our fair share of state aid, and I know our school officials, teachers, students and parents will continue working to give our kids and our communities the best hope for a brighter tomorrow."