Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) held a press conference this morning in Albany to address the growing funding inadequacy between 853, 4201 and 4410 schools and public schools in recent years. Ra was joined by Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci (R,C,I,Ref-South Huntington), Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi (D-Utica), Assemblyman Steve Otis (D-Rye), Bernadette Kappen, Executive Director of the New York Institute for Special Education, Karen Carpenter-Palumbo, President of Vanderheyden Hall, Lara Horton of Capital District Beginnings and a host of other advocates.

“In the past several years we have seen record increases in traditional education, but many of the institutions that educate our most vulnerable and needy students have not been subject to those same increases,” Ra said. “These are schools that educate blind, deaf and severely disabled students and do so year after year with less funding and fewer resources. The teachers and staff who work in these institutions are usually vastly underpaid in respect to their traditional public school counterparts but their dedication and commitment make them some of the best educators in the state.”

853 schools are operated by private agencies and provide day and/or residential programs for students with disabilities while 4201 schools are state-supported schools that provide educational services to students with disabilities such as deafness, blindness, severe emotional disturbance or severe physical disabilities. 4410 schools provide special education services to pre-school students with disabilities.

“I would like to thank all of the advocates, educators and colleagues who joined me here today to shine light on this crucial issue, and my hope is that as we progress through budget negotiations we can provide our most vulnerable students with the resources they need to graduate and become successful,” Ra added.

“Today was a tremendous step forward as we work toward funding parity between New York’s public schools and schools that serve children with disabilities. Students in these schools require tailored programs which fit their educational needs. While we have made significant progress in bringing much-needed aid to these schools, there is still a significant funding gap that must be closed. I am proud to join my colleagues and 853, 4201 and 4410 schools in their fight for funding parity,” said Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci (R,C,I,Ref-South Huntington).

“It is very important every student in New York State receive a quality education. The programs at our 853, 4201 and 4410 schools are vital to our most vulnerable students and their families. The educators of these schools do more with less, but it is time we step up to the plate and provide them with the support they deserve,” said Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi (D-Utica).