Guest Column
By Assemblyman Al Stirpe
(March 2015) A huge part of our children’s education is their social development. A child’s social development happens in the classroom, on the playground and through participation in interscholastic activities, like team sports. That’s why we need to make sure our schools are fully funded with the resources they need to provide these opportunities. After all, a child’s education is their foundation for future success.
In the Assembly, we know the true value of a strong education. That’s why I will continue fighting for more funding for schools that still struggle with large budget gaps. Closing these gaps will ensure schools can continue to offer extracurricular activities and vital programs.
Last year, I helped secure over $12 million in aid increases for local schools. Additionally, I pushed for inclusion of $200,000 in funding for the Innovation Tech School at Onondaga-Cortland-Madison BOCES in the 2014-15 state budget. I’m also working to develop a Career and Technical Education (CTE) diploma. This alternative pathway to graduation for high school students will help them gain the skills they need to enter the workforce qualified for a career in emerging high-tech fields. The improvements we’ve made have been important, but there’s more work to be done to ensure all kids are getting the best education possible.
Unfortunately under current law, home-schooled students can miss out on important extracurricular experiences. To address this issue, I’m authoring legislation that would require schools to allow home-schooled students to participate in these activities (A.3678). By allowing home-schooled children the opportunity to try out for team sports, we would enrich the social environment for both home-schooled and non-home-schooled children. Importantly, this legislation would not put any additional transportation requirements on schools. It would simply ensure that all kids have an opportunity to participate in formative extracurricular activities vital for the well-rounded education they deserve.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns about this or any other community issue, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at StirpeA@assembly.state.ny.us or 315-452-1115.
Al Stirpe is Assemblyman for the 127th District.