Reflections on the Budget
By Jill Levy

FUD! The “barebones” budget recently adopted by both houses of the New York State Legislature has entire school communities experiencing FUD. As the first day of school draws closer, school districts across our state are planning budgets predicated on FUD, the computer industry jargon rival companies use to discredit their competition,–fear, uncertainty and doubt.

Fear was the tactic the state legislature used when they threatened not to fund the Governor’s priorities unless he funded their priorities. The end result is a stalemate and a state budget that is $4 billion less than the Governor’s original proposal. Attempting to instill some fear into the legislators, the Governor is threatening to sue them.

Not only are school districts across the state shortchanged, but NYC public school children get a triple whammy. First, in the Campaign for Fiscal Equity lawsuit, Judge Degrasse found that NYC students are grossly under funded when compared to all other public school students across the state. Second, the NYC budget did not live up to the anticipated needs of the Chancellor and the expectations set for schools. Finally, the “barebones” state budget dealt the final blow.

Uncertainty prevails as NYC school districts revise their budgets downward in a year when the Regents revised educational expectations upward. While Chancellor Levy responds to the pressures of diminished budgets, FUD spreads to Superintendents as they prepare contingency plans to reduce staff and programs. Uncertain about their ability to support schools with diminished resources, fearful about the impact on their districts and doubtful about the future of NYC public education, Superintendents need to call upon their school communities–parents, taxpayers and businesses–to insist upon an end of FUD.

Principals experience FUD as they face the school year wondering if they will have a certified teacher in every classroom and experienced administrative and supervisory support to meet academic and environmental standards. Assistant principals, school supervisors and district/central office education administrators confront FUD as they return to their districts not knowing if they have their positions or who will perform the tasks of administrative support personnel.

In September, approximately 50% (about 500) NYC Principals will have three years or less experience in their positions. Of that number, 20% will be newly assigned. Yet, they will be expected to lead schools to higher academic levels. Do more with less! FUD!

FUD keeps future leaders from seeking administrative positions. Assistant principal ranks are being depleted as Principals and Assistant Principals retire. Yet, in this climate of uncertainty, potential leaders are reluctant to leave secure teaching positions. We cannot afford or allow FUD to rob us of future educational leadership.

Fear, uncertainty, and doubt should have no place in education. Parents are entitled to the certainty of knowing that their children will receive services to ensure success. Educators should have no doubt about having adequate resources to fulfill their responsibilities. Children must be confident that they are safe, secure and supported in their schools. Political brinksmanship should never be allowed to cut lifelines to schools, especially when politicians scream for high academic standards. It is time to replace FUD with successful schools.

Jill Levy is the President of the Council of Supervisors & Administrators.

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