Students from across the 111th Assembly District met at the SCCC Center City Campus in Schenectady for Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara’s Student Cabinet ahead of the upcoming session. Assemblyman Santabarbara said, “With the academic school year underway, there's no better time to start talking about education than right now.”

The students were presented with a variety of school district scenarios in urban, suburban and rural areas with different criteria. Students then worked together to draft their version of what their school’s budget should look like, shared ideas and advocated for their proposals. “Our Student Cabinet gives students a voice in the critical issues affecting their education, including funding, testing and teacher evaluations,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara.

Assemblyman Santabarbara’s Student Cabinet, assembled from students attending schools across the 111th Assembly District, has grown significantly since it began nearly 4 years ago. “This year, we have even more students participating and they have a lot to say about the decisions affecting them and their future,” Assemblyman Santabarbara said.

Greg Lioacono, Guidance Counselor from Schalmont High School said, “The Student Cabinet is a great opportunity for our students to understand what our government officials and school administrators deal with on a yearly basis as it relates to school budgets. Students have great discussions regarding potential cuts and the impacts they have.”

Liam Sammons, a Senior at Oppenheim-Ephratah - St. Johnsville Central School District, said “I decided to participate in Assemblyman Santabarbara’s Student Cabinet because I have always been interested in government. A few years ago, I took part in a Hearing at the Capitol about Common Core. I had always heard my teachers’ perspective and it was enlightening to hear what our legislators thought. I am happy to be here today to continue learning about our state government.”