Education leaders from across the region gathered at WSWHE BOCES to discuss critical priorities for the 2025-2026 school year with elected officials.

Superintendents, school board members, and business leaders applauded the State’s efforts to fully fund the Foundation Aid formula for the current school year and are grateful that the Executive proposal once again includes those provisions, as well as needed updates to student need and poverty measures. They also discussed the following key priorities:

    1.    Foundation Aid and Financial Planning: Fully funding the current Foundation Aid formula, factoring in inflation, district fixed costs, and student needs. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of stable, predictable funding  for financial planning and the continuation of fully funded expense-based aids.
    2.    Graduation Requirements Transition: The shift to new graduation standards, including a single diploma model and increased emphasis on civic and financial literacy, was a focal point. Attendees highlighted the need for state-funded professional development, updated curriculum resources, and enhanced BOCES aid reimbursement for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.
    3.    Workforce Development Challenges: Addressing staffing shortages remains a pressing concern. Proposals included extending retiree work flexibility, streamlining certification for out-of-state and mid-career professionals, and aligning Tier 6 retirement benefits with earlier tiers to support recruitment and retention.
    4.    Transition to Zero-Emission Buses: With the state-mandated deadlines for zero-emission school buses approaching, attendees outlined barriers such as supply chain delays, funding inadequacies, and voter rejections of bus propositions.

Recommendations included amending funding streams, adjusting timelines, and establishing procedures for alternative solutions.
A full document outlining these priorities and specific recommendations is available at this link.

“We are grateful to our legislators for their ongoing commitment to supporting education and addressing the challenges faced by school districts,” said WSWHE BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Turina Parker. “However, there is more work to be done to ensure that every district has the resources and support they need to succeed. We look forward to continuing this important dialogue with our state leaders.”

In addition to important policy discussions, attendees had the opportunity to experience firsthand the skills of WSWHE BOCES culinary arts students, who prepared and served approximately 100 guests. Other CTE programs that participated in the event were the horticulture students, who created floral centerpieces; graphic design students, who created the menu; and criminal justice studies students, who directed traffic. SkillsUSA and FFA students were interspersed at tables to relay their experiences and opportunities in Career and Technical Education.

About WSWHE BOCES: WSWHE BOCES provides shared educational programs and services to 31 component school districts in Washington, Saratoga, Warren, Hamilton, and Essex Counties. For more information, visit the WSWHEBOCES website.