Educational advocacy was at the heart of the 20th annual Legislative Breakfast, hosted by the Valley Stream Council of PTAs on March 12. Elected officials, school district leaders and staff along with members of the Valley Stream community were present at Valley Stream Memorial Junior High School for a conversation about topics critical to the programs, funding and future of public education.
Represented at the breakfast was the Valley Stream Central High School District as well as the elementary districts: Valley Stream District 30, District 24 and District 13. Several political dignitaries were in attendance, including Mayor Edwin Fare, Town of Hempstead Councilman Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Legislator William Gaylor, Nassau County Legislator Carrie Solages, New York Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, New York Assemblyman Brian Curran and Tom Curry from U.S. Congresswoman Kathleen Rice’s office. “The community's engagement at the breakfast is a testament to the understanding that advocacy for our children must be a continuous and concerted effort,” said Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen Superintendent of Schools Constance D. Evelyn.
The participants engaged in discussions regarding important issues such as Common Core, the Gap Elimination Adjustment, state aid, the tax levy cap, teacher evaluations, testing and more. The political leaders introduced themselves and summarized the efforts they have taken in the past year to benefit their school districts, then expressed their opinions and goals regarding education-related issues. They encouraged those in the audience to be active in communicating concerns and feedback.
“There’s more to the whole child than just a single test,” said Valley Stream Central High School District Board of Education President Dr. Frank Chiachiere, who also serves on the Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen Board of Education. “Valley Stream is committed to each child, every day.”
The gathering of these individuals demonstrated the shared value that the Valley Stream schools, residents and local officials place on education, and their determination to be heard by the leaders in Albany.
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