Proposal would decrease mandated number of lockdown, active shooter drills from four to one in New York
A proposed bill aiming to decrease the annual number of mandated lockdown and active shooter drills in New York schools from four to one may not gain final approval from the Legislature. Should the bill ... more
Southern Cayuga, Weedsport schools begin process to find new mascot after state mandates change
The Weedsport Central and Southern Cayuga school districts in Cayuga County are calling for community suggestions following a New York State Education Department decision to prohibit Native American-themed nicknames for athletic programs. Weedsport, formerly known ... more
New York will make it easier to go to SUNY schools
As part of Governor Kathy Hochul's plan to simplify access to higher education in New York, significant changes are underway in the enrollment process of the state's SUNY and CUNY schools. The new measures, outlined ... more
State to automatically accept high school seniors into local community colleges: How will it work?
In a bid to bolster college and university enrollment, graduating high school seniors outside of New York City will be automatically accepted into their local community colleges. Governor Kathy Hochul announced this initiative, which was ... more
Parents say they need help with youth mental health crisis in New York State
Parents in New York and across the U.S. want to see schools improve kid's mental health, a recent survey found. The National PTA Survey showed 72% of parents support schools providing mental health services for ... more
Lawmakers consider mandating LGBTQ+ history in public schools
In a bid to counteract rising hate and discrimination, New York lawmakers are contemplating a mandate to teach LGBTQ+ history and awareness in all public school districts and charter schools. With only a few days ... more
Excelsior Scholarship is open: How can students get free tuition?
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that applications are now being accepted for the Excelsior Scholarship for the 2023-2024 academic year. The Excelsior Scholarship, which is managed by the New York State Higher Education ... more
Group calls for overhaul of how schools are funded in New York
The Alliance for Quality Education, a public education advocacy group, has called for a major overhaul of New York's school funding system. The group's recent report emphasized a need to revisit the 16-year-old formula that ... more
What should schools do about cell phones? Students weigh in on the issue
Cell phones, an integral part of everyday life, are under scrutiny in New York State schools regarding their usage policy. Executive Director of the New York State Parent Teacher Association, Kyle Belokopitsky, underscored their permanence ... more
US lawmakers reintroduce act to prohibit use of seclusion, certain restraints in schools
A group of lawmakers led by Sen. Bernie Sanders reintroduced the Keeping All Students Safe Act in Congress on Thursday. This proposal aims to ban schools from isolating students in locked rooms and using certain ... more
Following Waterloo CSD budget rejection, new public hearing date set on next draft spending plan
Following the rejection of a proposed $50.1 million budget, voters in the Waterloo School District will have a second opportunity next month to approve a revised 2023-2024 school budget. In response to the budget's initial ... more
Waterloo voters reject budget: What happens next?
It doesn't happen very often, but one local school district will have to go back to the drawing board. The proposed 2023-2024 budget for the Waterloo School District was rejected by voters, falling short by ... more
Paul Smith’s College asked to create closure plan despite not having intent to do so by choice
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the accreditation body for Paul Smith’s College, has asked the institution to submit a "teach-out plan" for student relocation should the college cease operations or programs. This unusual ... more
Hochul signs legislation hoping to expedite training of nurses
Governor Kathy Hochul has enacted legislation increasing the portion of clinical training for nursing students that can be completed via simulation from 25% to 33%. This move aims to modernize the training process and expedite ... more
Erica Sinicropi hopes write-ins win her a school board seat
Seneca Falls Central School District residents head to the polls on Tuesday to elect new members to the Board of Education. There are three open spots but only two names will appear on the ballot ... more
Changes coming to how teachers are evaluated: What’s been proposed?
The newly-elected President of New York State United Teachers, Melinda Person, has prioritized reforming the state's teacher evaluation system. In recent years, this issue has been a bone of contention between the union and educational ... more
LETTER: Former Waterloo BOE president concerned about taxes, spending in district
Editor's Note: This is an Letter to the Editor. It was not written by any member of the FingerLakes1.com team. If you would like to submit a letter for consideration please send it to [email protected] ... more
Closer look at school budgets across Wayne County
School districts in Wayne County have announced their proposed budgets for the 2023-24 academic year. Voters will have the opportunity to vote on the budgets, as well as propositions and school board candidates on May ... more
Moravia schools proposes 7.67% budget increase focusing on post-pandemic needs
The Moravia Central School District is set to vote on a proposed budget of $28,676,344 for the 2023-24 school year, reflecting a 7.67% spending increase while keeping property tax hikes to a minimum with an ... more
