KLEIN RALLIES TO SAVE FUNDING FOR 4201 SCHOOLS IN NEW YORK

NYS Senator Klein has been busy protecting schools for the deaf, blind and physically disabled. More below.

Gregory

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(PHOTOS ATTACHED: Senator Klein speaks at the rally inside the Legislative Office Building in Albany.)


KLEIN RALLIES TO SAVE FUNDING FOR 4201 SCHOOLS IN NEW YORK

Senator Klein Fights To Help Save Money That Supports Deaf, Blind and Physically Disabled Schools

BRONX, NY – State Senator Jeff Klein (D- Bronx/ Westchester) joined concerned students, parents and educators during an Albany rally to save the funding for schools that serve deaf, blind and physically disabled students.

The Bronx is home to three of these schools otherwise known as 4201 schools - Lavelle School for the Blind, St. Joseph’s School for the Deaf and New York Institute for Special Education.

“I am proud that these schools are a large part of New York’s education system and believe that the state should continue to support them,” said Senator Klein. "Circumstances such as these require all stakeholders to come together and identify a fair, equitable, and predictable funding process for these critically important institutions."

Students attending 4201 schools require specially trained teachers and staff and have been receiving funding from New York State for nearly 200 years.

The proposed executive budget would prohibit trained professionals from participating in student evaluations, which help these children receive appropriate services even in home school districts. In addition, the alternative funding mechanism that the proposal recommends is a system that Chancellor Tisch and Commissioner Steiner and countless others acknowledge to be broken. This rate methodology, which inadequately provides for the 853 and special act schools, has forced significant indebtedness –approximately $35 Million.

Senator Klein and members of the Independent Democratic Conference have issued a letter to Governor Cuomo asking for his consideration to restore the state’s appropriation in support of 4201 schools, and allow professionals at these schools to assist local school districts in evaluating disabled students’ needs both for placement and services.

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Senator Klein also visited the Lavelle School for the blind. Photos and more below

Gregory

Senator Klein visited Lavelle School for the Blind today. His did a tour of the classes and met with Superintendent Frank Simpson. 4201 Schools are in jeopardy in the Governor's Executive Budget proposal. Lavelle School for the Blind is one of three schools in the Bronx that is threatened by these cuts. 4201 Schools are specialized schools that teach the blind, deaf and developmentally and physically disabled. Senator Klein is fighting to save these schools. I sent you a release about yesterday's 4201 rally that took place in Albany. Lavelle School for the Blind also took part in that rally, where Senator Klein spoke.


(Photo #2: Romana Villasenor, Occupational Therapist, Martha Lugo, Teacher’s Aide, Senator Klein, Dawn Regan, Classroom Teacher, Students: Christina, Lyangilee, Mia, Myra, and Vinnie)