Category: Portfolio Archive
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Advisory: New law requires districts to designate employee to provide substance use materials/resources
In an ongoing effort to support those dealing with addiction and substance use, the New York State Education Department recently amended both Education and Mental Health Hygiene laws to ensure that students, parents and staff know where to go within the school community for information on substance use and support services. What are schools required…
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Resources for school leaders to communicate about a reassessment
While schools don’t have a direct role in property reassessments, district officials may find it helpful to provide taxpayers with an overview of how a reassessment may affect their school taxes. The School Communications Portfolio has updated its ready-to-use fact sheet, accompanying web text and PowerPoint slides if your community has recently conducted a reassessment…
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‘Equity’ and ‘equality’ are not interchangeable
Explaining funding in building-level spending reports Both the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and the New York State Division of Budget now require districts to report per-pupil spending for each school. These mandates are the result of an increased focus on educational equity. They are intended to shine a light on how money is…
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Communicating about a reassessment
While schools don’t have a direct role in property reassessments, district officials may find it helpful to provide taxpayers with an overview of how a reassessment may affect their school taxes. The School Communications Portfolio has updated its ready-to-use fact sheet, accompanying web text and PowerPoint slides if your community has recently conducted a reassessment…
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Districts must ensure all students have access to a certified school counselor
Counseling plans must be posted to district websites, and available for review in district and school offices.
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Reserve Funds: Saving for the Future
Saving for a rainy day isn’t just a goal for most adults. It’s a goal for school districts, too. Reserve funds allow school districts in New York state to set aside money for future use, following strict legal requirements. Such funds are an important factor in determining a district’s fiscal health. They are also part…
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Help district leaders understand state and federal fiscal transparency requirements
Both the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and the New York State Division of Budget are requiring districts to report per-pupil spending for each school. These mandates are the result of an increased focus on educational equity. They are intended to shine a light on how money is distributed across a district and whether…
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New DASA brochures for parents/guardians and staff
The Board of Regents recently added illustrative examples to the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) to include the types of incidents of harassment, bullying and/or discrimination that must be reported. The new examples of harassment, bullying and/or discrimination based on a person’s actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious…
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Prepare for a crisis before it occurs with internal resources for school leaders
A crisis is any situation that threatens to harm students, staff, visitors or property. The School Communications Portfolio is providing two internal guidance resources on crisis communications:.