Oneida Times

New York State Senator Joseph Griffo, R-C-Rome, recently facilitated a meeting between school superintendents and administrators from his district and New York State Education Department Commissioner Betty Rosa. The meeting took place at Westmoreland Upper Elementary School in Westmoreland and included senior department staff.

Local representatives of the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT), school board members, teacher association representatives, Regent Patrick Mannion, Assemblyman Brian Miller, R-C-Miller, Assemblyman Robert Smullen, R-C-Meco, and Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, D-Marcy were also present.

The gathering offered attendees an opportunity to engage in direct discussions with Commissioner Rosa about issues impacting their districts. In addition to the discussion, Rosa also visited students and staff at the elementary school.

Topics covered during the meeting included Foundation Aid and funding challenges; capital projects and improvements; Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR); addressing teacher and principal shortages; preparing students for life after school; regionalization; and 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,” said Sen. Griffo. “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.”