GREENE – The Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego BOCES and the Chenango County School Boards Association held their annual legislative breakfast Saturday at the Silo Restaurant in Greene.
The breakfast gave school officials a chance to voice district concerns to members of the legislature and listen to feedback.
Mandate reform, state funding and representation were all detailed by speakers as being important to Chenango County school systems.
In regards to mandate reform, DCMO BOCES Board Member Judith Breese stated that “nothing has substantially changed” and that it’s “not just a matter of money, it’s a matter of time.”
“Nearly one third of all schools are under extreme financial distress,” she said. “There’s no way for our children to achieve academic prosperity.”
Breese stated that excessive and underfunded mandates, such as minimum time required in the classroom, are often antiquated and “stifle innovation.”
“They don’t give us the freedom ... to develop philosophies and goals to improve learning,” she said.
According to Linda DeAndrea, Franklin Central School board member, a lack of state funding also puts undue stress on school boards. She expressed concern that the disparity between wealthy districts down-state and less financially solvent districts, such as in Chenango County, resulted in fewer opportunities for students.
Quoting President Obama, South Otselic senior Logan Carston stated, “the rules have changed” and urged legislators to “change the game” as well.
“I don’t feel I’m on a level playing field when applying to college ... we have no Advanced Placement courses,” said Carston. “Why should my future be compromised?”
Following the presentations, Regent James Tallon gave a brief history of the Board of Regents and a glimpse into the decision process. “Stick with us,” he urged.
“We have been through tough times fiscally ... lately it’s been much worse than anything I’ve faced,” he said. “The money we spend in districts is based on a very complicated formula ... it takes a lot into account.”
Senator Thomas Libous said Albany is talking seriously about mandate reform, and that although he “couldn’t promise anything, it is on the table.”
“We have a declining population, enrollment and business base,” said Libous. “We have a revenue problem; it’s that simple.”
Members of the legislature agreed that one of the biggest issues facing the state at this point is a lack of consensus.
“Give us suggestions so we can build a framework ... we need honest discussions on consensus and goals,” said Assemblyman Peter Lopez.