Hi John,

The final in-person Foundation Aid hearing takes place in the Capital Region tomorrow, August 14, at Guilderland High School. This is your last opportunity to participate in person. Whether you attend the hearing or submit written comments online, your input is vital for creating a more equitable and effective public education system for all New Yorkers.

At last week’s hearing in Central New York, superintendents from districts across the region highlighted the pressing need for equity in their predominantly rural and historically underfunded districts. These insights on challenges faced by lower-resourced communities are valuable and necessary perspectives.

Now, with just one hearing left, it’s crucial that Rockefeller continues to hear from a broad range of voices. We need students, parents, and teachers to share their firsthand experiences on how Foundation Aid affects classroom experiences, teaching quality, and community support. Their perspectives could ensure a more well-rounded review, complementing the broader administrative views they’ve already received.

Please note that the Speaker Registration Form for tomorrow’s hearing is now closed. If you were hoping to speak at the final hearing but did not pre-register, you may check in at the registration table on-site to add your name to a waitlist. While a speaking spot cannot be guaranteed, individuals on the waitlist may be called to speak during the public comment portion of the hearing if time permits. 

If you cannot attend or did not pre-register for this final hearing, you can still submit written testimony online anytime before September 6 and watch the hearing live on Rockefeller’s livestream. We have created a toolkit, available in English and Spanish to help you prepare your own testimony.

The recommendations from these hearings are sure to play a key role in Governor Hochul’s proposed education budget for the upcoming fiscal year. As the Governor’s  focus on “fiscal sustainability” threatens the state’s obligation to provide every child with a sound, basic education, your advocacy is crucial now. Make sure that as diverse a range of perspectives as possible is included in this process, so that our public schools can meet the needs of all New York’s children.