Lansing Central School District—like school districts throughout New York—is facing a fiscal crisis. The downturn of the national economy, coupled with new mandates and the state’s tax levy limit, has challenged public schools to continue to provide a high-quality education to all students with significantly fewer resources. As a result, districts are making devastating cuts to educational programs as they adjust to rising costs that are outpacing revenue.

We have been working diligently over the years to become an highly efficient school in both our operations and academic program.  Such efforts have been recognized as being one of the most efficient schools in central NY in regards to administration and being noted as a highly energy efficient school by Smart Energy. Still, without meaningful and timely relief from our government leaders, LCSD residents may risk losing the high level of public education that we have come to know and value throughout the years.

I cannot stress enough the urgency for change The voices of school leaders and lobbyists for state-level education groups simply are not enough. Elected officials need to hear from you, their constituents.

Advocacy takes many forms. It could be a note to an elected official, a comment made during a public forum, a letter to a newspaper editor or formal testimony at public hearings. It could be as simple as chatting with neighbors to clear up misunderstandings about education issues.

Becoming an advocate for education is not as hard as you might think. Anyone can become involved, at any level they choose. The only prerequisite necessary is a desire to fight for our students and our community schools. Effective advocates do their homework. They know the issues and plan their communication. Most of all, they give their time to advance their cause.

Thank you for taking the time to advocate on behalf of the children of Lansing and for helping to ensure that they receive the high-quality education they deserve.

Do you have a concern about the new tax “cap” law? Do you want to ask your local representative for mandate relief? Would you like to see education aid restored? If so, now is the time to act! All voters can have a “say” in the laws and regulations affecting our schools by contacting their elected officials to share their opinions. The more officials hear from their constituents, the better…so let your voice be heard!