NY Governor Paterson Announces $900 Million In Federal Funding For School Improvement Efforts

August 28, 2009 -- New York Governor David A. Paterson today announced that approximately 700 school districts and charter schools across the State will receive more than $900 million through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The funding, administered by the New York State Education Department, will be used to support school improvement efforts that address both teaching and learning. The grants have been allocated to most school districts, particularly those in low-income communities where the need is great.

“The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, while helping to relieve our immediate economic climate, has also made prudent investments in our future. The education grants we have announced today will help us target the school districts in need of improvement and provide our children with a strong foundation for future opportunities,” Governor Paterson said. “I thank President Obama and the New York State Congressional Delegation for making education a significant component of the stimulus program.”

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The recipients are mandated to use the Title 1, Part A ARRA funds in a manner consistent with the statutory and regulatory requirements, including the provision of equitable services to eligible private school students. Examples of potential uses of the funds include:

o Providing extended learning opportunities (including early morning, after school and summer school programs);
o Using longitudinal data systems to drive improvement efforts;
o Establishing greater parent outreach and involvement efforts;
o Supporting targeted interventions to those groups of students who are not meeting Adequate Yearly Progress goals;
o Offering professional development opportunities for staff (including, for example, year-long training for all teachers and principals for schools in Corrective Action or Restructuring status);
o Providing training on the use of data to inform and improve instruction;
o Strengthening curriculum development; and
o Expanding early childhood education programs.

A complete list of schools and districts receiving these funds is available at: http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/funding/cladcep/0910/TITLEiALLOCPRE0910.html.

The following statements were provided in support of the education grants:

Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand said: “Education is one of the most important investments we can make for the future of our State. These federal dollars will help give New York students the education they need to succeed in the 21st century by providing more early education, extended learning opportunities, better training for teachers and a stronger role for parents. I will continue working with Governor Paterson, Senator Schumer and the entire Congressional Delegation to make sure New York gets its fair share from the federal government to put all New York children on a sturdy path to a bright future.”

Congressman Eliot Engel said: “Education is the future of both the individual and the society. As a former teacher, I recognize that every dollar we put into education is paid back many times. We can no longer rely on our past productivity because too many other countries recognize the value of education. If America is to thrive and prosper, we must educate our children and this money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will be doing just that. Governor Paterson made the right decision is allocating this money throughout the State to help all of our children.”

Congresswoman Nita Lowey said: “Investing in the quality of our schools and teachers will pay dividends for our economy and our society. I fought for aggressive investments our children’s education in the federal stimulus, and I am pleased this funding will benefit school systems and charter schools across our state.”

Congressman Dan Maffei said: “The education money in the Recovery Act saved hundreds of jobs in school districts across my district. During a time of recession we cannot decrease investments in our children's education and future.”

Congressman Eric Massa said: “I am pleased to help announce over $900 million in Recovery funds to improve our schools and help protect jobs. Investing in future generations through educational improvements is one of the best ways to strengthen our country’s economic foundation. The Stimulus monies are now beginning to fortify our educational development and I look forward to seeing more positive results like this in the near future.”

Congressman Gregory Meeks said: “These grants will help foster high quality education throughout New York State’s numerous school districts, providing our children, parents and teachers access to the essential materials and services that promote students’ ability to achieve academically and socially excel. As our nation recovers from the economic downturn, the allocation of these grants will help make sure that our children, who are often most vulnerable, will continue to attend schools that are nurturing and safe. I will continue to work with Governor Paterson and the State of New York to ensure that all of our children receive an education that prepares them for higher education attainment and successful careers in a global workforce.”

Congressman Paul Tonko said: “These Recovery Act funds will help school districts in need to provide a better educational environment and outcome for their students. These kinds of investments will pay off with improved opportunities for students and a workforce that is better prepared for the jobs of the future.”

Senate President Malcolm A Smith said: “The resources provided by these grants will ensure that New York’s children are successful in school and competitive after they graduate and enter the global marketplace. That’s good for our kids and our economy, as one of the most effective ways to attract new investment is with an educated and capable workforce.”

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said: “Students in hundreds of school districts in New York will benefit from this historic investment in critical programs including curriculum development, teacher training and early childhood education initiatives. Despite the worst economic recession in seven decades, we have an obligation to provide a quality education to students to meet their long-term needs and prepare them for 21st century jobs. These federal funds are extremely helpful towards that goal. I thank President Obama, Governor Paterson, New York Congressional Delegation for their hard work on behalf of students across our State.”

Senator Suzi Oppenheimer, Chair of the Senate Education Committee said: “I join Governor Paterson in applauding President Obama and the New York Congressional Delegation for their continued commitment to education. It is vitally important to our long-term economic growth that we continue to supplement our education funding with federal dollars.”

Assemblywoman Catherine T. Nolan, Chair of the Assembly Education Committee, said: “Education grants provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will help school districts improve the learning opportunities, professional development, early childhood education programs, and parent outreach. These grants will go a long way in helping our State to improve and provide greater educational services to our students.”

Source: New York Governor