Education

Theological Reflection

• All persons have dignity and deserve to share society’s resources in an equitable manner.
• The preparation of children for meaningful life is a societal responsibility.

Background

• The New York State Court of Appeals in Campaign for Fiscal Equity vs. State (CFE decision) says that all children are entitled by the state constitution to the opportunity for a "meaningful high school education".
• To provide this for all public school children from pre-kindergarten through the 12th grade means increased resources will be necessary.
• The court mandated that the New York state determine the actual cost of a meaningful high school education in New York City; and that this "costing-out" and other mandates of the decision be fulfilled by July 30, 2004
• Many other school districts in the state have similar problems of inadequate resources that led the Court of Appeals to find a constitutional violation in regard to New York City
•  A statutory remedy that only applies to New York City would be impractical.

What would help

• Statewide school funding reform would be the only fair and just response
• A system which meets the following criteria:
  -       Adequate funding for every school in the state;
  -       Accountability;
  -       Sustained, stable, and predictable funding;
  -       A simple and transparent system; and
  -       An increased state share of education spending.

• Inclusion of $2 billion as a "down payment" on implementation of the CFE decision in the 2004-05 state fiscal year to address the most urgent priorities of schools, and begin a multi-year process of fulfilling the mandates of the Court of Appeals decision in Campaign for Fiscal Equity vs. the State of New York.

                                                                3/2004