On March 11, members of Reform Educational Financial Inequities Today (R.E.F.I.T.) including Board of Education members, Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association members and PTA representatives, hosted a Legislative Forum at Western Suffolk BOCES facilitated by R.E.F.I.T. First Vice President and Freeport School District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham to discuss issues of importance and concern to their member school districts.
Several critical issues were discussed including the complete elimination of the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA), increases in Foundation Aid, impact of the Tax Levy Cap Reform, special education costs, unaccompanied minors, English language learners (ELL), mandate relief/funding mandates, BOCES aid, APPR repeal of 3012-d, education tax credits, charter schools and more.
"This forum provides an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussion with our local and state legislators on a multitude of issues that impact our schools and communities and the quality education we must provide our children," said Dr. Kuncham. "We appreciate the commitment of those legislators who attended and look forward to continuing to work together."
The legislators who attended include Senator Phil Boyle, Assemblyman Edward Ra, Assemblyman Andrew Raia and representatives for Congressman Steve Israel, Congresswoman Kathleen Rice, Senator John Venditto, Senator John Flanagan, Assemblyman Michael Montesano, Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci and Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre.
