New York’s public schools are the foundation of our communities, providing education, safety and opportunity for our children. However, schools across the state are facing unprecedented challenges that put at risk education and the services provided by our hardworking members.
President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order that sets into motion his campaign promise to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. It is unclear of how this action will play out because there are multiple lawsuits filed against this order and a complete removal of the Department of Education would require an act of Congress. Nonetheless, I am deeply concerned about the future of the Department of Education and what it could mean for school districts that are already facing challenges.
More than $5.5 billion in federal aid is provided to New York’s schools, many of which employ CSEA members. Most of these schools are in rural and urban communities that badly need this aid for survival. Without federal aid, these schools may be forced to diminish or cut vital services for students. Many of these services are performed by CSEA members, such as Bus transportation, which is already facing a shortage of drivers or cuts to nutrition programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Without federal funding to education, it would be tougher to keep our school facilities safe and healthy to allow children to learn. That’s why we must continue to advocate for CSEA school employees. Call your representatives and urge them to support continued federal funding for education. You can also take action by voting in this year’s Board of Education and school budget votes on May 20 to make a difference in the future of our schools.
Finally, during this Member Appreciation Month, I would like to personally thank our school district members along with all CSEA members for the hard work you do every day.
