Education Commissioner John King told The Journal News Editorial Board Friday that “low wealth” suburban districts will need more state aid and regionalization – consolidating districts or sharing education services – to provide a quality education and combat “educational insolvency.”
During the interview, which also featured Board of Regents member Harry Phillips of Hartsdale, King discussed rising taxes, education quality and tougher standards for teachers and students.
King said despite the tax burden on homeowners, it’s crucial to keep “persuading people that investing in other people’s children” benefits the state and the nation.
King and Phillips said more regionalization, either through the consolidation of school districts or BOCES coordination of shared services, is an important cost-saving tool. King described the deep cuts districts have been forced to make in extracurricular activities, Advanced Placement courses and electives as “educational insolvency.” He said regionalization “won’t immediately save money but will protect against educational insolvency.”
To read more about the interview, including King’s thoughts on the problems facing the East Ramapo school district – chronicled in a special Journal News investigation earlier this month – click here or you can watch the complete interview below.
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