Farmingdale Legislative Action Committee Travels to Albany

Farmingdale, N.Y. (April 7, 2016) – The Farmingdale Legislative Action Committee traveled to Albany, New York, to discuss the impact of pending and future legislation on public schools. More than twenty Farmingdale School District students, teachers, administrators and members of the Parent-Teacher Association and Board of Education met with Legislators including United States Senators Michael Venditto and Kemp Hannon, Assemblymen Thomas McKevitt, Chad Lupinacci and Fred Thiele, as well as representatives from the offices of Assemblymen Steven Englebright, Michael Montesano, Edward Ra and Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre.

During the visit, Farmingdale Legislative Action Committee members presented the 2016-2017 Legislative Proposals to our Legislators including: State Aid; the Impact of the Tax Cap; GAP Elimination Adjustment; Unfunded Mandates; Regional Cost Factors; Separate Funding for Charter Schools; and Teacher Center Funding.

Board of Education President Michael Goldberg said “students were inspired to participate in government and speak with legislators firsthand about the impact of their important work.” Assemblyman McKevitt took groups of students on to the Assembly floor to explain their decision to go paperless for all of their work in Session.

“While in Albany, Farmingdale students learned about the ins and outs of the legislative process and graciously spoke on behalf of their school and district,” said Farmingdale High School Principal Glen Zakian. “Students focused specifically on issues they hope to see addressed by legislators for future students.”

Members of the Farmingdale Legislative Action Committee stand for a photo in Albany during a recent trip to meet with New York State Legislators. Students learned more about the legislative process and discussed important education-related issues with elected officials.

Names from left to right:

Back Row:

Principal Joseph Valentine; Board President Michael Goldberg, Teachers James Hughes and Steve Kramer, high school students: Steven Omeis, Tyler Hunt, Conner Costarella, Vincent Calderon, Nicholas Seyfert, John Flouskakos, Principal Glen Zakian, PTA Member George Pieri, Board Vice President John Capobianco

Front Row:

High school students: Clare Soria, Samantha Kramer, Diana Wilson, Clarisse Baes, Ariana Gerdis, Ariela Deleon, Board Member Kathy Lively, and PTA Member Martha Thomatos

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