Full Text
CITY OF ALBANY N E W Y O R K A L B A N Y C O M M O N C O U N C I L www.albanyny.gov February 2, 2021 Hon. Andrew Cuomo, Governor Executive Chamber - State Capitol Albany, NY 12224 Hon. Patricia Fahy NYS Assembly, 109th District 452 Legislative Office Building Albany, NY 12248 Hon. John T. McDonald III, RPh NYS Assembly, 108th District 452 Legislative Office Building Albany, NY 12248 Dear Governor Cuomo, Fahy and McDonald III: The Common Council of the City of Albany is a supporting partner of the City School District of Albany and works with them to achieve their mission, vision, and goals for the students and families in our great City. While many cities in the state of New York are experiencing an exodus of its residents that is not the case in the city of Albany or the capital region. We have continued to experience growth and decreases in outbound movers because Albany is a thriving and growing metropolis and a wonderful place to live, work, and play. As members of the legislative body for the City of Albany we stand in support and solidarity with the City School District of Albany. Realizing that education is the driving force that will keep our city moving and growing, we implore you to provide the state aide necessary to ensure no student or family is underserved. The COVID-19 pandemic has had disastrous effects on so many communities and educational systems have been hit hard and are operating with reduced funding. Evening facing budgetary cuts and shortages districts are still educating and building our future leaders. Every child deserves a quality education and the opportunities that will foster academic and social emotional growth. We want every child to become successful, productive, and contributing members of society regardless of access to wealth. Currently state aide formulas disproportionately impact vulnerable communities and we support the school district and advocate with them for: • Equitable Foundation Aid Funding • Equitable prekindergarten funding for high-needs urban school districts Room 202, City Hall Albany, New York 12207 Telephone (518) 434-5087 Fax: (518) 434-5081 [EMAIL REDACTED] ---PAGE BREAK--- • Increased support for mental health/ social-emotional services for students and families • Support for English as a New Language and refugee students • Continued investments in the Community Schools model • Support for expanded Child Safety Zone transportation criteria In closing, as we begin a New Year and journey we implore you to do what is right for our students, families, and community. Every child deserves high quality and robust instruction, memorable academic opportunities, and a chance. As legislators we implore you to make sure that resources are distributed based on need and using equitable formulas, and that you continue to invest in the community school model which has allowed many students and families to receive wrap around services. We thank you for your consideration, anticipated support and wish you prosperity in the New Year. Respectfully, CITY OF ALBANY COMMON COUNCIL Council President, Hon. Corey Ellis Council President Pro Tempore, Ward 4. Hon. Kelly Kimbrough Council Majority Leader, Ward 13. Hon. Ginnie Farrell Council Member, Ward 1. Hon. Sonia Frederick Council Member, Ward 2. Hon. Derek Johnson Council Member, Ward 3. Hon. Joyce Love Council Member, Ward 5. Hon. Jahmel Robinson Council Member, Ward 6. Hon. Richard Conti Council Member, Ward 7. Hon. Catherine M. Fahey Council Member, Ward 8. Hon. Jack Council Member, Ward 9. Hon. Judy Doesschate Council Member, Ward 10. Hon. Owusu Anane Council Member, Ward 11. Hon. Alfredo Balarin Council Member, Ward 12. Hon. Michael O’Brien Council Member, Ward 14. Hon. Joseph Igoe Council Member, Ward 15. Hon. Tom Hoey