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NYISE gets ready for 2018 Advocacy Day

 
 
The 4201 Schools provide a specialized learning experience for students who are deaf, blind and severely physically disabled. These private, state-supported schools rely on state funding to provide students with the tools needed to achieve academic, physical, and social success- leading to a lifetime of independence and purpose.


 Goal #1: Seeking Funding Growth on Par with Public Schools

One of the Association’s goals is to ensure parity funding with the state’s public schools. A direct increase in funding will support 4201 school operations and ensure that local school districts are not adversely impacted. Increased funds will also help expand resources and services to ensure these students are receiving an education from individuals that possess specialized training and experience.   “Parity funding helps our schools retain our highly qualified teachers and staff,” explained Dr. Bernadette Kappen, Chair of the 4201 Schools Association and Executive Director of the New York Institute for Special Education.
 
One of the Association’s goals is to ensure parity funding with the state’s public schools. A direct increase in funding will support 4201 school operations and ensure that local school districts are not adversely impacted. Increased funds will also help expand resources and services to ensure these students are receiving an education from individuals that possess specialized training and experience.
 
“Parity funding helps our schools retain our highly qualified teachers and staff,” explained Dr. Bernadette Kappen, Chair of the 4201 Schools Association and Executive Director of the New York Institute for Special Education.
 

 Goal #2 - Targeted Resources for Deferred Maintenance
 https://t.co/BANsZIIR6Q

 Goal #2– Targeted Resources for Deferred Maintenance
 
The Association is recommending $5 million for short-term maintenance projects that most schools have deferred in order to concentrate on more immediate needs for their students. Most schools were established decades ago and are in need of repair, but some campuses date back centuries, making certain updates now critical.
 
“The health and safety of our students and staff is critical. An investment would allow our schools to upgrade electrical services, plumbing, lighting, safety equipment, or make classroom modifications to meet student needs,” explained Dr. Bernadette Kappen, Chair of the 4201 Schools Association and Executive Director of the New York Institute for Special Education.
 

Goal #3 - Ensure Health and Safety Through DASNY Bonds
 https://t.co/ZUJSH7aWYn


The Association requests the opportunity to engage existing Dormitory Authority authorization for another series of long-term capital projects that would improve the health and safety for all 4201 students and staff.
 
These important projects involve the upgrade of major systems that serve academic buildings and residential dormitories and are simply too large to be addressed as day-to-day repair, they are capital investments.
 
“We have campuses with outdated fire alarm, heating, and electrical systems that are simply too costly to continuously repair as many of the parts aren’t even available for purchase anymore,” said Dr. Bernadette Kappen, Chair of the 4201 Schools Association and Executive Director of the New York Institute for Special Education. “We also have schools with outdated elevators that limit the mobility to certain areas of campus for our students with accessibility issues.” 


4201 Schools Association of New York State
4201 Schools Association of New York State

Cleary School for the Deaf | Henry Viscardi School | Lexington School for the Deaf | New York School for the Deaf (Fanwood)  | Rochester School for the Deaf | St. Francis de Sales School for the Deaf | St. Joseph’s School for the Deaf | St. Mary’s School for the Deaf | The New York Institute for Special Education