Goal #2– Targeted Resources for Deferred Maintenance
The 4201 Schools Association today advanced the second 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.
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.
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 during which 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.