Goal #1: Seeking Funding Growth on Par with Public Schools
The 4201 Schools Association today advanced the first in a series of requests to legislators to raise awareness, support, and additional funding for the education of New York State children with low-incidence disabilities.
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.
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.
The Association will use a series of integrated advocacy tactics ranging from social media to oversize postcards to highlight the Association’s needs leading up to its 2018 Advocacy Day on February 28 in Albany. Students, families, advocates and friends will travel to the Capitol to meet with legislators, and share their rationale for resources as they consider the 2018-19 state budget.