The Kenmore Tonawanda School Board is considering a possible boycott of the state's standardized tests. The Board says it wants Governor Cuomo to make changes to education policies. The school board will consider proposals at Tuesday night's.
Ken-Ton School Board President Bob Dana telling WBFO News the board will consider his proposal not administering standardized tests for students in grades three through eight unless Governor Andrew Cuomo releases state aid information to school districts and changes the education funding formula.
But Dana said he doesn't want to make anymore public comments until the board meets this evening.
Ken-Ton Schools Superintendent Dawn Mirand was not available for recorded comment but issued a written statement.
Mirand points out that if the district imposes a boycott, it would put students and the District at risk for sanctions, and would not be in the best interest of the community.
Tuesday night's Ken-Ton School board meeting begins at 5:30 with public comment scheduled for 6:30.
Here is Mirand's full statement:
STATEMENT FROM KENMORE-TOWN OF TONAWANDA UFSD SUPERINTENDENT DAWN MIRAND
"It is quite evident and understandable that the Ken-Ton Board of Education, like Boards and educators across New York State, is quite frustrated. Our Board members are dedicated public servants trying to do what they believe is the right thing during these very difficult times. This is certainly understandable as we are faced with numerous challenges from adequate and equitable funding, to questions about curriculum and imperfect assessments, and to a teacher and principal evaluation requirement that raises many questions about its true impact on student learning and the improvement of student achievement.
However, it is important for us to find ways to advocate that will increase the probability for change, while allowing us to continue to meet Commissioner’s Regulations, as well as legislative requirements. Not following both law and regulation will put our students and our District at risk for sanctions, and will not be in our community’s best interest. The District has been advised of that accordingly by local counsel, as well as by experienced advisors at the New York State School Boards Association. Educating, preparing, and inspiring all students to achieve their highest potential is our mission in Ken-Ton.
I support continuing to work with this Board and my colleagues in Western New York to first exhaust all alternatives to advocate within the law prior to taking any action that could result in sanctions against our District which could negatively impact our ability to achieve that mission. Therefore, I do not support the adoption of the proposals."
