Success Stories

A Short History of Success
Spring 2006: Laying the Groundwork

Education Voters demands fair funding for New York's public schools.

Fall 2006: Putting Money Where Our Mouth is and Winning

Demanding that candidates support an equitable public school funding formula.

Result: Spano loses by 1800 votes.

The public education system is failing our children.

Result: Valesky coasts to victory.

Winter 2007: A Special Victory

Education advocates changing public policy.

Result: Johnson wins this hotly contested race, causing the Senate seat to change parties for the first time in a century.

Spring 2007: Putting Our Muscle into the Budget

New York State demands education budget increases.

Result: On April 1, the New York State Legislature makes an unprecedented increase in state aid for public schools, agreeing to an increase of $1.76 billion dollars for Fiscal Year 2007/2008. For New York City, the increase means $715 million in new aid for the year. The other four big cities see large increases as well: Rochester receives $34 million, Buffalo $41 million, Syracuse $20 million and Yonkers $25 million. This historic victory for New York’s public school kids will allow districts to hire more teachers, create better curricula, provide after school programs, and purchase books and equipment.