Griffo facilitates meeting between school superintendents and NYSED commissioner

Sen. Joseph Griffo and NYSED Commissioner Betty Rosa
New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-C-Rome, recently brought together school superintendents and administrators from his district for an informative meeting with New York State Education Department Commissioner Betty Rosa and senior department staff at Westmoreland Upper Elementary School in Westmoreland.
 
Local NYSUT, school board and teacher association representatives, Regent Patrick Mannion and Assemblyman Brian Miller, R-C-Miller, Assemblyman Robert Smullen, R-C-Meco, and Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, D-Marcy, were also in attendance.
 
The meeting provided attendees with the opportunity to speak face-to-face with the commissioner and to directly discuss issues affecting their districts. Commissioner Rosa also visited students and staff at the elementary school.
 
Topics discussed included:
 
  • Foundation Aid and funding challenges
  • Capital projects and improvements
  • APPR 
  • Addressing teacher and principal shortages
  • Preparing students for life after school
  • Regionalization
  • Rising special education costs 
“I thank Commissioner Rosa and her staff for their willingness to participate in this important discussion with area school superintendents and other stakeholders,” Sen. Griffo said. “Dialogue like this is critical to our efforts to enhance education for area students and better meet the needs of school districts and communities in the region.”