(ALBANY, NEW YORK) - The New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) Union issued the following statement after voters across New York turned out Tuesday (May 21st) to approve School Budgets and elect School Board Members.

According to NYSUT’s initial analysis of the results, 97% of Public School Budgets passed and 84% of Union-endorsed candidates were elected to School Boards, including 73 NYSUT Members.

NYSUT President Melinda Person said: “Once again, voters have shown they know strong public schools mean strong communities and we thank them for turning out to support students and Educators.  Today, our public schools are doing more than ever, not only do they provide world-class education with innovative programs and experiences, they are also supporting the physical, mental, social and emotional needs of our students and their families.  Investments in our School Budgets and dedication in our School Boards are vital to the future of our State. Tuesday’s results show voters agree.”

After a tumultuous State Budget Season where hundreds of districts faced the threat of budget cuts, advocacy from NYSUT and Education Partners saw the elimination of the hold harmless policy reversed and Foundation Aid funding increased.

Still, 31 School Districts attempted to override the tax cap with a super-majority vote to maintain programs and services this year.

As of Wednesday morning, 19 were successful, 10 failed and two were still pending.

Districts where budgets failed will vote again on June 18th.

To Directly Access This Labor News Story, Go To: Overwhelming number of district budgets pass, pro-public school candidates elected statewide (nysut.org)