Mercaz Academy Sixth Graders Advocate In Albany For School Funding

PLAINVIEW, NY — Sixth-grade students from a Plainview Jewish day school traveled to the Capitol to advocate to lawmakers on issues impacting their school and community.

From March 17 to 18, students from Mercaz Academy met with lawmakers, including Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz, Assemblyman Sam Berger, and Senator Steve Rhoads, and lobbied for resources in relation to next year's school budget.

Officials said some issues that are still currently in discussion and would affect Mercaz students are budget proposals providing funding for security, STEM, arts and music programs, and school lunch at non-public schools. Students gained hands-on experience during this overnight trip, and TeachNYS prepared the students beforehand, teaching them about the legislative process and advocacy.

"I think it’s important for all non-public schools to get the same funding for STEM that public schools get because a lot of kids go to non-public schools," one student said. "All kids should have equal educational opportunities."

Principal Rabbi Kalman Fogel and sixth-grade teacher Jenny Demeo led the trip, alongside parent chaperones.

Senator Rhoads said the students provided thoughtful and intuitive questions and called on the chamber to applaud the students.

Mercaz Academy is located in Plainview and has students from preschool through sixth grade. The school said they offer Judaic and secular studies.