Gov, Legislature On Requiring Teacher Evals by June. Binding Arb a Tool

 WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. From the Governor’s Office. (EDITED) March 25, 2013:


Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Senate Majority Coalition Co-Leaders Dean Skelos and Jeff Klein, and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver today detailed an agreement to guarantee every school district has a permanent teacher and principal evaluation system in place by June 1st. 


 · First, the legislation would make clear that all evaluation systems currently implemented will not sunset by remaining in effect unless there are agreed to changes by the district and local bargaining unit.


    · Second, the legislation would give the four remaining school districts that have failed to implement an evaluation system—New York City, Pine Plains, Fallsburg and Hamburg—until May 29th to reach an agreement on a system.

     If a district does not have a plan approved by that date, a one-time binding arbitration process will commence and the state will impose a system on the district by June 1st. State Education Commissioner John King will act as the arbitrator in this process and decide what evaluation system will be imposed.

    · Third, to ensure ongoing compliance with the implementation of the evaluation system, school districts will continue to remain ineligible for annual state education aid increases if the district fails to implement their approved evaluation system.


 

“This agreement ensures that every school district in New York has a permanent teacher evaluation system” Governor Cuomo said. “By guaranteeing that all our public schools have strong evaluations in place, we are putting the needs of students first and transforming our public education system for future generations to come.”

Senate Majority Coalition Co-Leader Dean G. Skelos said, “This agreement is a reasonable compromise that builds on the legislation we passed to enhance accountability in schools and give our students the first-class education they deserve. I look forward to working with the Governor and my colleagues in the Legislature to do more to improve education and help our kids compete and succeed.”

Senate Majority Coalition Co-Leader and Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeffrey D. Klein said, “Adopting this plan will be a great step forward for parents, teachers, and students. By doing so, we will prevent future cuts to education funding and ensure that every teacher is held to a fair and meaningful standard of excellence.”

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said, “This agreement represents a significant step forward for our teachers, schools, and, most importantly, our students. This plan restores stability to education funding now and in the future, ensuring that our schools and educators have the resources they need. We welcome this agreement as part of the 2013-2014 budget and commend the Governor and our colleagues in the Legislature for their commitment to providing the necessary resources to keep New York a leader in education.”

Last year, Governor Cuomo established a new statewide evaluation system that is one of the strongest in the country. The system is based on multiple measures of performance including student achievement and rigorous classroom observations. The Governor signed a law last year requiring all school districts to implement an evaluation system based on the statewide system approved by the State Education Department or risk losing their increase in education aid—resulting in 99 percent compliance (687 out of 691 school districts implemented a system).

Today’s law will ensure one hundred percent compliance and will help improve education all across New York.

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Don’t Want Uninvited Solicitors? Get Listed on WP s DON’T KNOCK. DON’T SELL LIST


WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. From the City Clerk Office. March 25, 2013:


The City of White Plains has established a “Do Not Knock” Registry for City of White Plains residents only who do not wish solicitors, peddlers or hawkers to come to their homes for the purpose of selling. This includes anyone who would come a door for the purpose of “…requesting, either directly or indirectly, money, credit, funds, contributions, personal property or anything of value; taking or offering to take orders for goods, wares and merchandise, except milk or newspapers, or for services to be performed in the future, or for selling, making, manufacturing or repairing any articles or thing whatsoever for future delivery.”


The Do Not Knock Registry legislation was passed by the Common Council in December of last year. The City Clerk’s office was charged with implementing it. A listing of those registered will be provided to any peddlers or solicitors every quarter.


Any resident who wishes to be placed on the Do Not Knock Registry must fill out a registration form, which can be accessed via the city website, www.cityofwhiteplains.com. The completed form and one-time fee of $2.50 (unless sticker is damaged or lost) can be mailed to the City Clerk or submitted in person at the Clerk’s office. The resident will then be provided with a City of White Plains No Solicitation sticker, which is designed to be placed on a window or door near the entrance to the resident’s home or apartment.


Mayor Roach said, “We have all had the experience of trying to manage solicitors who come to our homes. This Registry is a quick and easy way for residents to ensure they do not receive unwanted knocks on their door. The sticker provides a clear but polite message to potential solicitors to go elsewhere.”


Please note: The Registry does not prohibit the distribution of leaflets, pamphlets or other literature, including commercial, political or religious material distributed in a lawful manner.

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Cut to the Disabled in a Holding Pattern.

WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. Special to the CitizeNetReporter. MARCH 22, 2013:


WPCNR received this update from the state capitol, from one of the local point-advocates for restoration of the $311 Million cut (6%) Governor Andrew Cuomo proposes for the Office for Persons With Developmental Disabilities. Our correspondent credits the disabled organization lobbying organization, New York State Association of Community and Residential Agencies.


This is from our trade organization NYSACRA this afternoon.


State Budget Update – Leaders Announce Conceptual Agreement This Week


On Wednesday evening, State Legislative Leaders and the Governor announced a conceptual agreement on the 2013-14 State Budget. The framework, outlined by the State’s leaders, balances the State Budget, holds spending under 2 percent, contains key economic development initiatives and investments in education. Tax cuts for middle class families and small business and an increase in the minimum wage are highlights of the conceptual agreement. To read the Governor’s press release on the conceptual agreement, go to: http://www.governor.ny.gov/press/03212013cuomo-and-leg-leaders-outline-budget



Early in the process, the Governor and Legislative Leaders were committed to passing a State Budget offering a Thursday, March 21st deadline. That self-imposed deadline has passed. While certain budget bills are in print and going through the 3-day aging process, not all components of the State Budget have been finalized. Negotiations on specific items, including the restoration of the 6% across the board cut to NYSACRA members and other not-for-profit developmental disabilities service providers remain at the forefront. Negotiations on this item are at the highest level and we understand key officials are attempting to identify funding mechanisms to implement a restoration.


The State Senate adjourned on Thursday morning and is scheduled to reconvene on Saturday afternoon, though many speculate Sunday is more likely. The State Assembly adjourned Thursday afternoon and members will reconvene at the Call of the Speaker. While some members left Albany to return to the respective districts, senior legislators remain at the State Capitol.


NYSACRA expects negotiations to continue throughout today and this evening and we will keep members updated on the progress to finalize the State Budget in Albany.

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County Appoints New Dir. of Economic Development, IDA

 WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From the Department of Communications, March 22, 2013:


County Executive Robert P. Astorino has announced the appointment of Eileen Mildenberger as the new director of Economic Development for Westchester County, effective immediately. She takes over for Larry Gottlieb, who recently left to become president and CEO of the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. Mildenberger previously served as the executive director of the Westchester County Industrial Development Agency (IDA). Replacing her at the IDA will be Jim Coleman, who brings with him to the position more than 25 years experience in business and government. Astorino’s appointment of Coleman, who will start April 8, was unanimously approved by the IDA board at its meeting Thursday


“These moves strengthen our outstanding economic development team,” Astorino said. “Eileen and Jim both share my commitment to promoting economic growth and creating an environment for job creation. They bring talent, experience and a continuity to our economic development efforts.”


In her role as executive director of the IDA, Mildenberger helped attract more than $500 million in private sector capital investment to Westchester, assisting businesses from start-up biotech companies to global giants like PepsiCo and IBM. Prior to the IDA, Mildenberger worked 12 years at the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC), the final three as chief operating officer. She managed day-to-day operations for the state’s economic development arm, and had direct oversight for all key departments in the 500-person agency with a $30 million budget. During her time at ESDC, she created guidelines and procedures for business assistance programs resulting in economic benefits of more than $100 billion. Prior to ESDC, she practiced bankruptcy law. In her new role as director of Economic Development, Mildenberger will serve as the liaison to the business community and help businesses and entrepreneurs stay, grow and relocate to Westchester. She will also oversee the county’s Office of Tourism and Film. Mildenberger is a graduate of Hofstra University with a degree in Finance, and has a law degree from the Jacob Fuchsberg School of Law at Touro College.


“Our county has a rich and diverse mix of businesses that range from global corporations to savvy start-ups,” said Mildenberger. “The job of the Office of Economic Development is to serve the entire spectrum of Westchester businesses with the resources they need to grow.”


Coleman has enjoyed a successful 25-year career in business working for several different corporations, including PepsiCo, Altria and American Express, serving in roles responsible for business development, sales, consulting and marketing. As executive director of the IDA, Coleman will help lead a powerful economic tool for the county. As a means of creating or retaining jobs, the IDA offers financial incentives to eligible companies and organizations. Through the IDA, businesses can qualify for bonds and exemptions from sales and mortgage recording taxes for certain pre-approved expenditures relating to construction, furnishings and equipment. In addition, Coleman will also lead the Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE), an agency within the Office of the County Executive, that promotes equality and eliminate barriers to participation in state contracts by minority-owned and women-owned businesses. Coleman is a graduate of Howard University with a degree in economics. He lives in Scarsdale with his wife Cathy.


“The IDA and the Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise are part of the foundation that drives job creation in Westchester County,” said Coleman. “From financial incentives to general business support, these agencies will be an active partner in promoting successful economic development. I want to thank County Executive Astorino for the opportunity to serve our business community and all of our residents in Westchester.”

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